Whether you are a homeowner planning a renovation, a property developer budgeting a project, or a tradesperson checking that your rates are competitive, knowing what tradespeople charge in 2026 is essential. Rates vary significantly by trade, region, experience level, and time of year — and getting the numbers wrong can mean overpaying for work or undercharging for your services.
This guide brings together current pricing data for 17 different trades across 9 UK regions, covering day rates, hourly rates, and typical project costs. All figures reflect 2026 market conditions, informed by data from Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Rated People, and direct industry feedback. Use our day rate calculator to work out your own optimal rate based on your costs and target income.
Contents:
- Day rates by trade
- Hourly rates by trade
- Regional rate comparison
- Typical project costs
- Factors affecting rates
- Tips for homeowners
- Tips for tradespeople setting rates
- Frequently asked questions
Day Rates by Trade (UK Average, 2026)
Day rates are the most common way tradespeople price their labour, particularly for larger projects that span several days or weeks. The table below shows the typical range you can expect to pay — or charge — across the UK in 2026. These figures represent labour only and exclude materials unless stated otherwise.
| Trade | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Builder | £180 | £240 | £320 |
| Plumber | £200 | £260 | £340 |
| Electrician | £210 | £275 | £360 |
| Roofer | £200 | £260 | £350 |
| Painter & Decorator | £150 | £200 | £280 |
| Plasterer | £180 | £240 | £310 |
| Carpenter | £180 | £240 | £320 |
| Tiler | £180 | £235 | £310 |
| Landscaper | £170 | £230 | £300 |
| Kitchen Fitter | £200 | £270 | £350 |
| Bathroom Fitter | £200 | £265 | £340 |
| Heating Engineer (Gas Safe) | £220 | £290 | £380 |
| Joiner | £180 | £245 | £320 |
| Flooring Specialist | £160 | £220 | £290 |
| Window Fitter | £180 | £250 | £330 |
| Bricklayer | £190 | £250 | £330 |
| Handyman | £120 | £175 | £240 |
Rates shown are labour-only day rates (typically 8 hours) excluding VAT. London and South East rates are typically 20–40% above these averages.
The highest-paid trades in 2026 continue to be those requiring specialist certifications. Gas Safe registered heating engineers command premium rates due to the legal requirement for certification and the liability involved. Electricians registered with NICEIC or NAPIT also sit at the upper end. At the other end, handymen and painters tend to have lower barriers to entry, which keeps day rates more competitive.
Notably, bricklayer rates have risen sharply over the past two years. A nationwide shortage of skilled bricklayers — driven by an ageing workforce and reduced apprenticeship uptake — has pushed day rates up by approximately 12% since 2024. If you are a bricklayer, make sure you are adjusting your rates to reflect this demand. Our day rate calculator can help you work out the right figure based on your overheads and target income.
Hourly Rates by Trade (UK Average, 2026)
Hourly rates are more common for smaller jobs, call-outs, and repair work. They tend to be proportionally higher than day rates because tradespeople factor in travel time, minimum call-out charges, and the inability to commit the full day to another job. Use our hourly rate calculator to find your ideal rate.
| Trade | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Builder | £30 | £40 | £55 |
| Plumber | £35 | £45 | £60 |
| Electrician | £35 | £48 | £65 |
| Roofer | £35 | £45 | £60 |
| Painter & Decorator | £25 | £33 | £45 |
| Plasterer | £30 | £40 | £52 |
| Carpenter | £30 | £40 | £55 |
| Tiler | £30 | £38 | £50 |
| Landscaper | £28 | £37 | £48 |
| Kitchen Fitter | £35 | £45 | £58 |
| Bathroom Fitter | £35 | £45 | £58 |
| Heating Engineer | £40 | £50 | £70 |
| Joiner | £30 | £40 | £55 |
| Flooring Specialist | £28 | £36 | £48 |
| Window Fitter | £32 | £42 | £55 |
| Bricklayer | £32 | £42 | £55 |
| Handyman | £20 | £28 | £40 |
Hourly rates exclude VAT. Emergency and out-of-hours rates are typically 1.5–2x the standard rate. Many tradespeople have a minimum call-out charge of £50–£80.
A common question is whether it is better to agree an hourly rate or a fixed day rate. For homeowners, a fixed day rate (or better still, a fixed project price) provides more cost certainty. For tradespeople, hourly rates are better for unpredictable repair work where the extent of the problem is not clear until you open things up. For guidance on structuring your pricing, see our guide on how to price a job as a tradesperson.
Regional Rate Comparison
Where you work — or where you live — has a significant impact on what you will pay or charge. The table below compares average day rates for the most in-demand trades across the UK's main regions. Understanding regional pricing is crucial whether you are a tradesperson setting competitive rates or a homeowner budgeting for work.
| Region | Builder | Plumber | Electrician | Roofer | Plasterer | Carpenter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £300 | £320 | £340 | £320 | £300 | £300 |
| South East | £270 | £290 | £305 | £290 | £270 | £270 |
| South West | £240 | £260 | £275 | £260 | £240 | £240 |
| East Midlands | £220 | £240 | £255 | £240 | £225 | £225 |
| West Midlands | £225 | £245 | £260 | £245 | £230 | £230 |
| North West | £215 | £235 | £250 | £235 | £220 | £220 |
| North East | £195 | £215 | £230 | £215 | £200 | £200 |
| Scotland | £210 | £230 | £245 | £230 | £215 | £215 |
| Wales | £200 | £220 | £235 | £220 | £205 | £205 |
| N. Ireland | £190 | £210 | £225 | £210 | £195 | £195 |
Average day rates (labour only, ex. VAT). Figures represent mid-range tradespeople with 5+ years of experience.
Regional Breakdown: Key Insights
London commands the highest rates across every trade, typically 25–35% above the national average. This premium reflects the higher cost of living, congestion charges, ULEZ compliance costs, expensive parking, and intense competition for skilled labour. A London-based electrician charging £340 per day is entirely standard in 2026.
South East England (Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire) sits 10–15% above the national average. The proximity to London means many tradespeople can choose to work in either market, which pulls South East rates upward.
South West England has seen rates climb significantly in recent years, particularly in cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter. A growing population and strong housing market have increased demand, though rural areas of Cornwall and Devon remain somewhat cheaper.
The Midlands (both East and West) broadly sits close to the national average. Birmingham and Nottingham rates are higher than surrounding rural areas, but the overall market is well balanced between supply and demand.
North West England offers slightly below-average rates overall, though Manchester and Liverpool city-centre rates can rival the Midlands. The abundance of skilled tradespeople in the North West helps keep prices competitive.
North East England consistently has the lowest rates in England. Lower living costs and a challenging housing market mean tradespeople cannot charge London-level premiums. However, skilled specialists in Newcastle and Durham still earn competitive rates.
Scotland is broadly comparable to the North West, with Edinburgh and Glasgow rates sitting higher than the average. Remote Highland and island areas can see significantly higher rates due to travel costs and limited competition.
Wales and Northern Ireland have the lowest average rates in the UK, though Cardiff and Belfast are notably higher than their respective national averages.
Know Your Worth — Calculate Your Ideal Rate
Use QuoteSmith's free day rate calculator to work out what you should charge based on your costs, hours, and income target.
Try Day Rate CalculatorTypical Project Costs (2026)
While day rates and hourly rates are useful reference points, most homeowners want to know the total cost of a specific project. The table below shows typical all-in costs (labour plus materials) for common home improvement projects across the UK. These are mid-range estimates — costs will vary based on specification, region, and the condition of the existing property.
| Project | Typical Cost Range | Average Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Single-storey extension (20 sqm) | £30,000 – £50,000 | 8–12 weeks |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | £35,000 – £55,000 | 6–10 weeks |
| New kitchen (mid-range, supply & fit) | £8,000 – £18,000 | 1–3 weeks |
| Full bathroom renovation | £6,000 – £14,000 | 1–2 weeks |
| Full house rewire (3-bed) | £3,500 – £5,500 | 5–7 days |
| New boiler installation | £2,500 – £4,500 | 1–2 days |
| Full roof replacement (3-bed semi) | £6,000 – £12,000 | 3–5 days |
| Plastering full room (walls & ceiling) | £400 – £800 | 1–2 days |
| Full house painting (interior, 3-bed) | £2,500 – £4,500 | 5–8 days |
| Garden landscaping (average garden) | £4,000 – £10,000 | 1–3 weeks |
| Driveway (block paving, 40 sqm) | £4,500 – £8,000 | 3–5 days |
| Wooden flooring (whole house, 3-bed) | £3,000 – £6,000 | 3–5 days |
| 10 replacement windows (uPVC, double-glazed) | £4,000 – £7,500 | 1–2 days |
| Central heating system (full install) | £4,000 – £7,000 | 3–5 days |
| Garage conversion | £10,000 – £20,000 | 2–4 weeks |
| Brickwork — garden wall (10m, 1m high) | £1,200 – £2,500 | 2–3 days |
All costs include labour and standard materials. Prices based on UK averages outside London. London costs are typically 25–40% higher. VAT may or may not be included depending on the contractor.
For homeowners, the most reliable way to budget is to get at least three written quotes from different tradespeople. Our free quote calculator can give you an instant estimate for many common projects, helping you understand whether the quotes you receive are in the right ballpark.
Factors That Affect Tradesperson Rates
The rates listed above are averages, but the actual price you pay (or charge) can vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these helps both homeowners and tradespeople make better pricing decisions.
1. Location
As the regional table above demonstrates, location is the single biggest factor. A builder in London charges roughly 50% more than one in the North East for equivalent work. This is not greed — it reflects genuinely higher operating costs including rent, fuel, insurance, waste disposal fees, and the congestion and ULEZ charges that London-based tradespeople face daily.
2. Experience and Qualifications
A newly qualified electrician with two years of experience will typically charge less than a master electrician with 20 years under their belt. Similarly, tradespeople with recognised certifications — Gas Safe, NICEIC, FENSA, CHAS, Constructionline — can and do charge more. These certifications cost money to maintain and signal to customers that the tradesperson meets industry standards. Our guide to setting your rates covers this in detail.
3. Time of Year and Demand
Trade work is seasonal. Spring and summer are peak periods for most trades — homeowners want outdoor work done in good weather, and there is a general rush to complete projects before winter. This increased demand allows tradespeople to charge higher rates during April to September. Conversely, booking work in January or February can sometimes secure discounted rates, particularly for trades like landscapers and roofers where winter weather reduces demand.
4. Complexity and Specialist Requirements
A straightforward bathroom refit is priced very differently from one that requires structural changes, underfloor heating, and bespoke tiling. Any work involving structural alterations, building regulations sign-off, or specialist equipment will increase costs. If a project requires scaffolding, skip hire, or specialist access equipment, these are typically charged on top of the labour rate.
5. Materials and Specification
Material costs can vary enormously depending on the specification the homeowner chooses. A basic bathroom suite might cost £500 in materials, while a premium suite with designer fittings could be £3,000 or more. Tradespeople typically apply a markup of 10–20% on materials to cover the time spent sourcing, collecting, and taking responsibility for them. Our profit margin calculator helps tradespeople ensure their materials markup is delivering a healthy margin.
6. Access and Site Conditions
Difficult access — narrow staircases, properties without parking, listed buildings with conservation requirements — all increase costs. A roofer working on a three-storey Victorian terrace in a conservation area will charge more than one working on a modern bungalow with clear access. Similarly, work in occupied properties takes longer than work in empty ones, as the tradesperson must take additional care to protect existing furnishings and finishes.
7. Emergency and Out-of-Hours Work
Emergency call-outs command premium rates, typically 1.5 to 2 times the standard hourly rate. A burst pipe at 10pm on a Saturday is going to cost significantly more than a planned bathroom installation booked weeks in advance. Most plumbers and electricians have a minimum emergency call-out fee of £100–£150.
8. VAT Status
Businesses with a turnover above £90,000 (the 2026 VAT registration threshold) must charge 20% VAT on their services. This means a £250 day rate becomes £300 inclusive of VAT. Smaller sole traders below the threshold do not charge VAT, which can make them appear cheaper on a like-for-like basis. Always clarify whether a quote includes or excludes VAT before making comparisons. For more on this, see our VAT registration guide.
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Armed with the rate information above, here are some practical tips for homeowners to ensure they get fair value.
Always get at least three quotes. This gives you a reasonable sample size to identify outliers. If two quotes are £5,000 and one is £2,000, the cheap one should raise more questions than the expensive ones.
Compare like for like. Make sure each quote covers the same scope of work, the same materials, and the same finish. A quote that includes premium materials will naturally be higher than one using budget alternatives — but the end result will be different too. Our guide on what to include in a building quote explains what to look for.
Check insurance and qualifications. A tradesperson without public liability insurance might be cheaper, but if something goes wrong, you have no protection. For gas work, always verify the tradesperson is on the Gas Safe Register. For electrical work, check for NICEIC or NAPIT registration.
Ask about payment terms upfront. Be cautious of any tradesperson who demands a large upfront payment (anything over 20–25% is a red flag). Stage payments tied to project milestones are standard practice for larger projects.
Do not automatically choose the cheapest. A significantly cheap quote may mean the tradesperson is cutting corners, using inferior materials, lacks insurance, or has underestimated the job (which often leads to costly extras later). Value is about quality and reliability, not just price.
Tips for Tradespeople Setting Rates
If you are a tradesperson reading this guide to benchmark your own rates, here is some practical advice.
Know your numbers. Your rate needs to cover more than just your time on tools. Factor in travel, van costs, insurance, tools and equipment, certification renewals, pension contributions, holiday pay (you are paying yourself, after all), and a profit margin on top. Our day rate calculator walks you through this calculation step by step.
Do not race to the bottom. Competing purely on price is a losing strategy. There will always be someone willing to work for less. Instead, differentiate on quality, reliability, communication, and professionalism. A well-presented professional proposal can justify a higher rate because it demonstrates competence before you have even picked up a tool.
Review your rates annually. Costs increase every year — materials, fuel, insurance, certification fees. If you have not raised your rates in two or more years, you are effectively earning less than you were. A 3–5% annual increase is entirely reasonable and most clients will not question it.
Charge more for specialist work. If you have niche skills — heritage restoration, underfloor heating, smart home installations, passive house construction — charge accordingly. Specialist skills are in high demand and short supply.
Consider your hourly rate carefully. Many tradespeople set their hourly rate by simply dividing their day rate by eight, but this undervalues short jobs. A two-hour call-out still costs you travel time, fuel, and the opportunity cost of not being available for other work. Build in a minimum charge to ensure short jobs remain profitable. Our hourly rate calculator can help you work out the right figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average day rate for a tradesperson in the UK in 2026?
The average day rate for a UK tradesperson in 2026 ranges from £150 to £350 depending on the trade. General builders typically charge £200–£280 per day, plumbers £220–£300, electricians £230–£320, and specialist trades such as heating engineers can charge £280–£380 per day. London rates are typically 20–40% higher than these national averages.
How much do tradespeople charge per hour in the UK?
UK tradespeople typically charge between £30 and £60 per hour in 2026, depending on the trade and region. Handymen and painters tend to be at the lower end (£25–£35 per hour), while electricians, plumbers, and heating engineers charge £40–£60 per hour. Emergency or out-of-hours call-outs can be significantly more, often 1.5 to 2 times the standard rate.
Why are tradesperson rates higher in London and the South East?
Rates in London and the South East are 20–40% higher due to higher living costs, greater demand for skilled labour, higher insurance and operating costs, congestion charges, ULEZ fees, and expensive parking. Materials delivery also costs more in dense urban areas. These are genuine additional costs, not arbitrary markups.
Should I choose the cheapest tradesperson quote?
Rarely. A significantly lower price may indicate corners being cut, lack of insurance, use of inferior materials, or insufficient experience. Get three quotes, compare the scope of work and materials specified, verify insurance and qualifications, check reviews, and choose the best overall value — not simply the lowest price.
Do tradesperson rates include VAT?
It depends. Sole traders and businesses with turnover below £90,000 are not required to charge VAT. Those above the threshold add 20% on top. A £250 day rate plus VAT becomes £300. Always ask whether a quote includes or excludes VAT before comparing prices.
How much does a builder charge for a house extension in 2026?
A single-storey extension typically costs £1,500–£2,500 per square metre. A standard 4m x 5m rear extension (20 sqm) would cost roughly £30,000–£50,000 including labour and materials. In London, costs can reach £2,800–£3,200 per square metre. For detailed estimates, try our free quote calculator.
What factors affect how much a tradesperson charges?
The main factors are: location, experience and qualifications, job complexity, time of year (spring and summer demand pushes rates up), material specification, access difficulty, whether specialist equipment is needed, and whether the work is emergency or planned. Weekend and evening work also commands premium rates.
How can I check if a tradesperson is legitimate?
Ask to see their public liability insurance certificate, check relevant trade registrations (Gas Safe for gas work, NICEIC or NAPIT for electrical work, FENSA for windows), read reviews on Checkatrade, MyBuilder, or Google, ask for references from recent projects, and verify their business address. A legitimate tradesperson will have no issue providing this information.
When is the cheapest time to hire a tradesperson?
November to February is typically the quietest period for most trades, particularly outdoor trades like landscapers, roofers, and builders. Booking work during this period can sometimes secure lower rates as tradespeople look to fill their schedules. However, some indoor trades (plumbers, electricians, painters) are less affected by seasonal fluctuations.