About TradeDayRates
TradeDayRates is an independent UK reference site helping homeowners, landlords, and businesses understand what tradespeople typically charge for a day’s labour. When you’re getting quotes for building work, it helps to know whether the numbers you’re seeing are in the right ballpark, or whether something is significantly above or below what others in your area are paying.
What we publish
We publish indicative day rates for 15 trades across 12 UK regions, updated regularly to reflect current market conditions. The figures cover self-employed tradespeople charging for labour only, materials, VAT, and call-out charges are always separate. Every rate is presented as a range (minimum, typical, and maximum) rather than a single number, because the reality of the UK trades market is that prices vary considerably based on experience, qualifications, job complexity, and local demand.
How our rates are compiled
Our rates are benchmarked against publicly available data from industry sources including the Checkatrade Cost Guide and UK construction industry surveys, and are reviewed and updated on a rolling basis. We cross-reference multiple sources and identify the current going rate in each region, with particular attention to regional differentials, which can be significant. London and the South East consistently sit 30–45% above the national midpoint, while the North East, Wales, and Northern Ireland typically run 15–20% below.
We are not affiliated with any trade body, directory, or tradesperson listing service. We have no commercial relationship with any tradesperson or company, and our rates are not influenced by any third party.
How to use this information
These figures are benchmarks, not fixed prices. A quote that comes in above our typical rate is not automatically unfair, an experienced, well-reviewed tradesperson with relevant qualifications will reasonably charge more. Equally, a quote significantly below typical rates is worth scrutinising.
We always recommend getting at least three written quotes for any job over £500, comparing them on a like-for-like basis, and checking that any tradesperson you hire carries adequate public liability insurance.
For specialist trades, gas engineers, electricians, and HVAC engineers in particular, always verify that the person you hire holds the correct accreditation before work begins.
Contact
If you have a question, spot something that looks out of date, or want to suggest a trade or region we don’t currently cover, you’re welcome to get in touch.
A note on advertising
TradeDayRates is supported by advertising. Display ads may appear on this site, served by Google AdSense. These are selected automatically based on the content of the page and your browsing context, we do not hand-pick advertisers, and the presence of an advert does not constitute an endorsement of any product or service.