How much do removal experts earn?
In this article, you'll find:
Thinking of starting a removals business? Working as a removal expert is the perfect job for people who like physical work. It is also varied and involves working face-to-face with your customers.
From working for a local removals company to organising trans-national relocations, in this guide we’ll look at the potential earning capacity of removal experts at different stages of their career.
Average salary for a UK removal expert
Working as a UK removal expert, the average salary is between £9,272 for an apprentice to £66,937.32 for the owner of a limited company .
Other factors will affect a removal expert earning capacity. Location, distance travelled, experience levels, and any specialist services such as moving antiques and large musical instruments will play a part.
This table will give you an average idea of a removal expert earning potential.
| Level | Per hour | Per day | Per year | Business Costs* | Approximate Take Home Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | £5.28 | £42.24 | £9,272 | 0 | £9,139 |
| Newly Qualified | £9.50 | £76 | £16,682 | 0 | £14,837 |
| Employed | £10.42 | £83.36 | £21,674 | 0 | £18,232 |
| Sole Trader | £25 | £200 | £36,876 | £4,610 | £22,530 |
| Business Owner (ltd company) | £30.08 | £240.64 | £44,369 | £7,765 | £29,908 |
| *includes estimated costs for business expenses such as vehicle, tools, insurance, fuel etc | |||||
Last updated: May 2024
How much do removal experts earn as employees?
Working for a removals company is a great way to build experience. Employees don’t have as much earning potential as sole traders and company owners. They do, however, have fewer responsibilities.
How much does a removal expert earn per year?
The annual salary of a removal expert will depend on the level of experience. As an employed removal expert, you could earn:
- Apprentice removal expert – £13,257.80
- Newly qualified removal expert – £21,440.76
- Employed removal expert – £29,536.00
How much can a removal expert earn in a week?
Knowing your weekly earning potential is important. It can help you to budget correctly and plan your outgoings. UK removal experts earn a weekly average of:
- Apprentice removal expert – £302.00 per week
- Newly qualified removal expert – £488.40 per week
- Employed removal expert – £568.00 per week
How much do removal experts earn per hour?
Understanding your hourly rate is equally important to ensure your finances are secure. Average removal expert hourly rates are as follows:
- Apprentice removal expert – £7.55 per hour
- Newly qualified removal expert – £12.21 per hour
- Employed removal expert – £14.20 per hour
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Find out moreHow much do self-employed removal experts earn?
Self-employed removal experts have the highest earning potential. With the opportunity to increase your earnings, however, comes the responsibility of running your own removals company.
As a self-employed removal expert, the first thing to decide is whether you want to work as a sole trader or set up a limited company.
Limited company owners have the highest earning potential. They also have the biggest responsibility and the most outgoings.
Sole traders, on the other hand, have lower expenses and less admin tasks. Unfortunately, they have less financial protection in the can of unforeseen circumstances.
Have a read of our blog comparing working as a sole trader to setting up a limited company to find out more.
Removal expert business owner annual earnings
Running your own removals company can provide you with an excellent annual salary. Your full earning potential will depend on whether you work as a sole trader or a limited company.
- Sole trader removal expert – £51,626.40 per year
- Removals limited company owner – £66,937.32 per year
As mentioned earlier, your earning potential will depend on various other factors. These include your location, the rates you charge, your specialist services, and the number of jobs you do.
Hourly rate for self-employed removal experts
As the owner of your own removals company, you can set your hourly rate where you think is appropriate. It’s important to remember, however, that you’ll need to find a balance between making a profit and staying competitive.
These are the average hourly rates of self-employed removal experts to give you an idea of where to set your rates.
- Sole trader removal expert – £35.00 per hour
- Removals limited company owner – £45.38 per hour
Start your own removals company with expert help
Are you seriously planning to start your own removals company? Our ‘Become The Boss’ series will help you to achieve business success!
For a whole week, you’ll receive an e-mail every day with top tips to business success. You’ll also receive a free business strategy call from a tradesperson who has started their own company.
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Marketing your removals business
All successful businesses need an effective marketing strategy. Your removals company is no different.
Marketing is all about building your reputation and getting your name known. Some effective marketing techniques to consider include:
- Traditional marketing (brochures, flyers, magazine adverts etc.)
- Digital marketing (website, social media, e-mail marketing)
- Sponsoring local businesses
- Vinyl artwork for your vans and uniforms
- Becoming a member of a trade database (like Checkatrade!)
To find out more about growing your removals company, download our free business growth guide for 2023.
Get more leads for your removals business
Unleash your potential as a removals expert with Checkatrade
Find out moreJoin Checkatrade to grow your removals business
When you become an official Checkatrade member, you’ll soon see your removals business thrive. As a Checkatrade member, you become part of one of the UK’s largest and most trusted trade networks with a wide range of benefits.
Increase your leads
Every week, Checkatrade members receive over 100,000 leads. 3 million UK homeowners chose a Checkatrade member last year with a third of all work coming directly through Checkatrade**.
Build your reputation
8 out of 10 people would choose a Checkatrade endorsed trader over someone who isn’t endorsed***. When you use the Checkatrade tick, your customers will trust that you provide an excellent service.
Benefits and discounts
Checkatrade members get exclusive access to a range of deals and benefits. As a Checkatrade member you can save an average of £470 per year****. Savings include equipment, insurance, van leasing, workwear, and more.
Want to get more work coming your way this year?
Enjoy more job opportunities as a Checkatrade member
*Estimate costs for vehicle, fuel, tools, and insurance
**Checkatrade brand tracking survey April 2021
***Claims are sourced from a survey conducted by Deep Blue Thinking on a nationally representative UK sample in November 2021.
****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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