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Last updated: 3 January 2025
What's the average heat pump engineer salary?
Heat pump engineers are currently in high demand across the UK. More homeowners are choosing heat pumps as an alternative way to heat their homes. So, how much can heat pump engineers earn? Let’s take a closer look.
Heat pump engineers install, maintain, and service a variety of ground source and air source heat pumps.
If you already have experience working as a heating engineer on gas, combi, and system boilers, setting up as a heat pump engineer is an excellent way to increase your services.
How much do heat pump engineers earn?
Heat pump engineers in the UK can earn anywhere from £18,297.52 per year for an apprentice heat pump engineer all the way up to £76,023.56 per year for the owner of a heat pump engineer Limited Company.
Earning potential will depend upon a variety of factors, including your location, the type of work you carry out, and your rates.
At Checkatrade, we compiled this handy table to give you a clear idea of a heat pump engineer’s earning potential at different career stages.
| Level | Per hour | Per day | Per year | Estimated business costs* | Approximate take home pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | £10.42 | £83.36 | £18,297.52 | £0.00 | £15,935.99 |
| Newly qualified | £16.63 | £133.04 | £29,202.28 | £0.00 | £23,351.23 |
| Employed | £21.83 | £174.64 | £45,406.40 | £0.00 | £34,407.47 |
| Sole trader | £45.00 | £360.00 | £66,376.80 | -£8,297.10 | £46,243.98* |
| Business owner (Ltd company) | £51.54 | £412.32 | £76,023.56 | -£13,304.12 | £48,509.11* |
| *includes estimated business expenses such as vehicle, fuel, tools and insurance. You should always consult an accountant. | |||||
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||||
As you can see, experienced heat pump engineers can earn an excellent salary. This is likely to grow as heat pumps become more popular across the UK.
How much do employed heat pump engineers earn?
Working for a heat pump engineering company is a great way to gain experience. If you want to increase your earning potential, however, self-employed heat pump engineers have a higher earning potential.
How much does an apprentice heat pump engineer earn?
As an apprentice heat pump engineer you can expect to earn around £18,297.52 per year. This works out around £83.36 per day and £10.42 per hour.
The above rate will soon rise as you gain more experience and become a qualified heat pump engineer.
How much does a heat pump engineer earn in a year?
Once you’re qualified as a heat pump engineer, you can start to earn a salary in accordance with your experience. On average, employed heat pump engineers can expect to earn:
Newly qualified - £29,202.28 per year
Employed - £45,406.40 per year
Average heat pump engineer hourly rate
Knowing your hourly rate will help you to clearly understand how much money you’re making. On average, heat pump engineers can expect to earn the following hourly rates.
Apprentice - £10.42 per hour
Newly qualified - £16.63 per hour
Employed - £21.83 per hour
Sole trader - £45.00 per hour
Business owner (Limited Company) - £51.54 per hour
Average heat pump engineer's daily rate
Understanding a heat pump engineer's daily rate of pay is particularly beneficial to business owners. It will help them to understand how to set their pay rates, so they are competitive but still make a profit.
Apprentice - £83.36 per day
Newly qualified - £133.04 per day
Employed - £174.64 per day
Sole trader - £360.00 per day
Business owner (Limited Company) - £412.32 per day
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How much do self-employed heat pump engineers earn?
Self-employed heat pump engineers have the highest earning potential. Choosing the type of jobs you work on and setting your own pay rates are great ways to boost profit margins.
As a heating engineer working as a sole trader, you can expect to earn around £66,376.80 per year. For heat pump engineer Limited Company business owners, this can increase to around £76,023.56 per year.
Heat pump engineer profit margins and take-home pay
If you’re planning to set up your own heat pump engineer business, you’ll want to know how much profit you can make.
At Checkatrade, we made some calculations to give you a more in-depth view of your profits after all tax and expenses have been deducted.
As a sole trader, you’ll earn an estimated gross salary of £66,376.80 per year. Once you’ve factored in all outgoings including tools, equipment, vehicles, insurance, and tax which equates to around £8,297, your take-home pay will be in the region of £46,243.98* per year.
For business owners of a heat pump engineering Limited Company, annual outgoings are estimated at around £13,304. From a gross annual salary of £76,023.56 per year, you will take home around £48,509.11* per year.
Become the boss of your own heat pump engineering company
If you want to learn all you need to know about becoming the boss of your own heat pump engineering business, look no further.
Sign up today to our Become the Boss series to maximise your business potential.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoRV0Fsrgnk
You’ll receive seven e-mails (plus a bonus one!) with handy tips from experienced tradespeople. You’ll also receive a free business strategy call to help you succeed.
Enter your business e-mail in the form below to get started now!
How to boost your heat pump engineer business with Checkatrade
The best way to boost your heat pump engineering business is to become a Checkatrade member. Checkatrade members have access to a wealth of benefits including:
More leads
Did you know that Checkatrade saw over 55,000 searches for Air Source Heat Pump work in 2024?* That includes installation and maintenance.
Better reputation
Reputation is extremely important! People recognise the Checkatrade tick and associate it with trust and reputation.
Save money
Checkatrade members can make great savings on tools, materials, workwear, insurance, and more.
Get leads for your heat pump engineering business
Checkatrade can help to boost your business
FAQs
How do you become a heat pump engineer?
A level 2 or level 3 NVQ in plumbing, heating & ventilation – installation and maintenance certificate is required to become a heat pump engineer.
Is a heating engineer a good career?
Yes. Heating engineers will always be required to work on both older gas boilers and new heat pumps using the latest technology.
Are heat pump engineers well paid?
Yes. Experienced and qualified heat pump engineers can make an excellent salary.
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* Internal search data from users of the Checkatrade.com website between 1st January and 31st December 2024
