What Is The Average Damp Proofer Salary? | Checkatrade
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How much do damp proofers earn?

Damp proofing will always be in demand, but as a specialist trade that's physically demanding, is it worth it? In this post, we look at the earning potential of a damp proofer in the UK from apprenticeship level right the way up to the owner of a damp proofing company.

Are you thinking of starting your own damp proofing company? Or perhaps you’ve already taken that step and want to know how much to pay your new employees.

Either way, it’s handy to know your earning potential as the boss and the market rate for new recruits.

So, how much do damp proofers earn? Let’s take a look.

Please note, the costs in this guide are ballpark figures.

How much do damp proofers earn in the UK?

LevelPer hourPer dayPer yearBusiness Costs*Approximate Take Home Pay
Apprentice£6.50£52£11,4140£11,024
Newly Qualified£10£80£17,5600£15,434
Employed£17£136£35,3600£27,538
Sole Trader£37.50£300£55,314£6,914£37,010
Business Owner (ltd company)£48£384£70,802£12,390£45,913
*includes estimated costs for business expenses such as vehicle, tools, insurance, fuel etc

Last updated: May 2024

In the UK, the average damp proofer salary is around £17,560 per year for newly qualified damp proofers, rising to the region of £35,360 per year with more experience.

Earnings potential will be affected by:

  • Your experience
  • Your skill set and qualifications
  • The complexity of the job
  • Your location

Thinking of starting your own damp proofing business?

There’s a great amount of potential for those wanting to push ahead and start a damp proofing business of their own.

The annual salary of a damp proofer working as a sole trader is around £55,314 per year, before taxes and expenses.

This rises to the region of £70,802 per year if you own a damp proofing business trading as a limited company.

Factor in business costs and expenses

When you run your own business – whether a sole trader or limited company arrangement – you will need to factor in your business costs and expenses to understand your true earning potential.

We’ve estimated these costs for a damp proofing company in the table below. From here, you can get an idea of your average take-home salary if you were to become the boss.

LevelPer hourPer dayPer yearBusiness Costs*Approximate Take Home Pay
Apprentice£6.50£52£11,4140£11,024
Newly Qualified£10£80£17,5600£15,434
Employed£17£136£35,3600£27,538
Sole Trader£37.50£300£55,314£6,914£37,010
Business Owner (ltd company)£48£384£70,802£12,390£45,913
*includes estimated costs for business expenses such as vehicle, tools, insurance, fuel etc

Last updated: May 2024

What’s the average wage for an apprentice damp proofer?

If you’re keen to expand your team by recruiting an apprentice, you’ll want to know the market rate in terms of salary.

The average damp proofer salary for an apprentice is around £11,414 per year before tax.

This translates to an hourly rate of around £6.50 per hour, or a day rate of £52 per day.

What’s the average hourly rate for a damp proofer?

If you’re looking to expand your team and want to know the average hourly rates for more experienced damp proofers, we’ve got you covered.

Experience and location will impact average salaries, but as a guide:

  • Newly qualified – £10 per hour
  • Employed – £17 per hour
  • Sole trader – £37.50 per hour

What does a damp proofer earn in a day?

If you need more hands on deck during a busy spell, or need to subcontract some work here and there, you’ll want to know the average day rate for damp proofers across the pay scale.

  • Newly qualified – £80 per day
  • Employed – £136 per day
  • Sole trader – £300 per day
  • Business owner (Ltd company) – £384 per day

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How to make your damp proofing business thrive and grow

It can be nerve-wracking taking the plunge and starting your own business.

  • Will you be able to earn enough?
  • Is there enough work out there?
  • How can you make sure your business stands out?
  • And can you afford the setup and ongoing business costs?

At Checkatrade, we understand what it’s like to launch your own trade business, so we’ve designed a membership to help give you the best chance of success.

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**Year runs from April 21’ to March 22’. Saving calculation based on average spend across 12,505 members in 2020/2021/2022. Discounts differ depending on the partner. Products range from low value items to high value items. Some exclusions will apply on products.

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