How much do window fitters earn?

How much do window fitters earn?

The glass and glazing sector is a multi-million-pound industry. In the UK, thousands of glass units are manufactured every day. It’s perhaps no surprise that window and door installers can command an excellent salary.

This table will help to give you an accurate view of a window fitter salary at the different stages of this career choice.

As you can see, window fitters have excellent earning potential. This ranges from around £11,062 per year as an apprentice window installer, to an impressive £64,901 per year as the owner of a window fitting company (Ltd).

How much does a window fitter earn through the ranks?

A trainee window fitter wage sits around £1,091.92 per month as an apprentice.

Newly qualified window fitters can expect to earn around £19,316 per year. For experienced fitters working for a glazing company, this can rise to around £31,200 per year.

Window fitters who are registered as sole traders can earn around £51,626 per year. While owners of window fitting limited companies can achieve an annual salary of around £64,901.

What’s the average window installer’s hourly rate?

If you want to grow your window installation business, you’ll need to know the hourly rate of the team you’re hiring.

Hourly rates for window fitters will depend on location and experience. On average they are:

• Apprentice – £6.30 per hour
• Newly qualified – £11.00 per hour
• Employed – £15.00 per hour
• Sole trader – £35.00 per hour
• Business owner (Limited company) – £44.00 per hour

What’s the average window fitter day rate?

As a window fitter, you may work in the domestic home improvement market. Alternatively, you may work in the commercial sector or in the new-build industry.

Whatever area of window installation you’re involved in, you’ll want to know the average daily rate of pay.

To work out the average day rate of a window fitter, it’s good to have a benchmark:

• Apprentice – £50.40 per day
• Newly qualified – £88.00 per day
• Employed – £120.00 per day
• Sole trader – £280.00 per day
• Business owner (Limited company) – £352.00 per day

Earning potential as a sole trader window fitter

Once you’ve got some experience as a window installer, you may decide that you want to set up your own window fitting business.

The easiest way to do this is to become a sole trader. Sole traders can potentially earn around £35.00 per hour. This is an excellent salary. As a sole trader, however, you will be responsible for your own taxes and will need to register with HMRC.

How to start a window fitting business

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Average profit margins for UK window installation companies

A successful business needs to make a profit. If you’re planning to set up a window fitting company, you’ll want to know how to break even and then make some money.

The average earnings above show that window installation companies (Ltd) can earn in the region of £64,901 per year. This figure, however, doesn’t consider any outgoings and tax.

As a business owner, what you really want to know is how much is left once you’ve made all the essential deductions.

As the owner of a window installation company, you’ll have to consider all the costs of running the business including vehicles, insurance, materials, and equipment. You’ll also need to ensure that you pay the right amount of tax.

We’ve estimated the outgoings of a window installation company to be around £11,357. This means that your take home pay as a window fitting business owner will be around £42,385* per year (limited company).

How to grow your window installation business

As a Checkatrade member, you’ll soon see your window fitting business grow and thrive.

Want to get more leads?

Checkatrade members receive over 100,000 leads each week. 3 million homeowners used our trades last year and a third of all trade work comes through Checkatrade**.

Like to develop your reputation?

8 out of 10 people would choose a tradesperson we’ve checked over one we haven’t***. Checkatrade use the tick that homeowners trust, building your reputation.

Want to enjoy a range of discounts and benefits?

Checkatrade members get exclusive access to trade deals. Save money on business essentials to help you stay profitable. Checkatrade members save on average £470 per year each****. This includes savings on equipment, van leasing, insurance, workwear, and more.

FAQs

Is being a window installer hard?

Yes. Window installation is a physically demanding job. It also requires a high level of skill and outstanding accuracy and attention to detail.

Do you need qualifications to install windows?

You do not need any formal qualifications to install windows. It is advisable, however, to always use a FENSA registered installer to ensure a high-quality installation.

How long does it take to install a window?

A professional window fitter can install one standard window in under an hour.

What tools does a window installer use?

Caulking gun with sealant. Drill. Screwdriver set. Pry bar. Putty knife. Hammer. Gloves. Safety goggles. Chisel.

*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.