Blog>Trade>Growing your trade business>How much do damp proofers earn?
Last updated: 3 July 2024
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?
| Level | Per hour | Per day | Per year | Business Costs* | Approximate Take Home Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | £6.50 | £52 | £11,414 | 0 | £11,024 |
| Newly Qualified | £10 | £80 | £17,560 | 0 | £15,434 |
| Employed | £17 | £136 | £35,360 | 0 | £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 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||||
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.
How to start a damp proofing business
Damp is an issue affecting many homes in the UK. As a result, there is always demand from homeowners to get work done. Knowing how to start a damp proofing business could be your next step to consider as a tradesperson. Expertise of damp proofers lies in preventing and fixing the problem of damp. It
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.
| Level | Per hour | Per day | Per year | Business Costs* | Approximate Take Home Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | £6.50 | £52 | £11,414 | 0 | £11,024 |
| Newly Qualified | £10 | £80 | £17,560 | 0 | £15,434 |
| Employed | £17 | £136 | £35,360 | 0 | £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 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||||
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 - £80per day
Employed - £136 per day
Sole trader - £300 per day
Business owner (Ltd company) - £384 per day
Grow your business with the #1 trade directory
Become your own boss with your new damp proofing business
You could get your damp proofing business started with the help of our 'Become the Boss' series.
Add your email to the form below and you'll receive:
8 emails with actionable tips on starting your business
Advice from fellow tradespeople who were once in your position
A FREE business strategy call
And at the end of it, you could be the founder of your new damp proofing business.
Sign up to get trade business insider secrets sent straight to your pocket:
Don't forget the importance of marketing to help ensure your business's success.
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?
We make it easy for customers to find you
It's no surprise that with our long-standing reputation, people turn to Checkatrade to find trusted tradespeople.
We help your business to stand out
When you become a Checkatrade member, you instantly elevate your business through the association of our trusted tick.
Knowing that your business has been checked and approved by the Checkatrade team gives customers reassurance, helping you to win more business.
8 out of 10 people would choose a tradesperson we've checked over one we haven't.*
We'll also give you free van vinyls and marketing materials to help promote your business.
We help to keep your costs low
Checkatrade membership doesn't just get you a business listing in our leading trade directory.
It also gives you hundreds of pounds worth of savings on business essentials** such as fuel, workwear, insurance, tools, van leasing, and equipment.
Our fixed membership option lets you build the plan that’s perfect for you and your business needs.
Access exclusive discounts on business essentials
Checkatrade members save on average £470 per year on fuel, insurance, tools, equipment, workwear, and more**
*Deep Blue Thinking 2021 Trade Perception Survey
**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.
