Which trades get paid the most?

If you're in a trade or thinking about starting out, there's one thing it's always good to know. Which trades get paid the most? This articles gives a run-down of what you can earn in various trade professions.

If you’re a professional tradesperson – or planning to become one – there’s probably one question you want to know the answer to. Of course, we always want to know who earns more or less than us.

It’s inevitable really. Human nature, you could say.

There's an important reason, too. Knowing what trades pay you can make sure you charge the right amount for what you do.

Starting out in a trade

What trades earn the most depends on many factors. There isn’t a scientific way of landing on a definitive answer.

So, we’ve made it a little easier for you by drawing on our knowledge of pay rates for trade professionals. This paints a broad picture of what various trades can earn.

Of course, it’s not exhaustive. But it gives you the general picture of what trades get paid the most.

It’s not just about pay rates. You’ll need to think about other business priorities.

How to start a trade business in the UK: Everything you need to know

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Getting the balance right

It’s not just about the money. You’ve got to enjoy your job.

Whatever trade profession you choose, think about life outside work as well. There are lots of ways to find the work/life balance that’s right for you.

Trade-by-trade who earns the most?

How much you can earn in your chosen trade will depend on various factors. These include your qualifications and experience.

It will also depend on whether you’re a self-employed sole trader, an employee or run your own limited company. You can earn more if you run your own trade business.

Here’s our rundown of some popular trades and how much you can earn with them. Use the links below to find out how much each trade gets paid.

Boiler engineers

Boiler engineers work on both residential and commercial heating systems. They’re experts on boilers, radiators, and hot and cold pipes.

There’s a difference between a plumber (see entry below) and a boiler engineer. Plumbers don’t usually hold a Gas Safe certification.

Builders

Builders are one of the most popular trades. They’re in high demand right across the UK.

That means the construction sector is one of the highest-paying trades.

Carpenters and joiners

Carpenters and joiners are highly skilled tradespeople. They’re both very popular trades and pay well.

It takes years to build up a good level of skill and knowledge, though. The more experience you have, the more you can earn.

Carpet fitters

Carpet fitters need the right tools and skills to provide a professional finish. However, you don’t need any specific qualifications for the job.

But it always helps to learn the best ways of working. It’s a trade where having top skills puts in you high demand.

CCTV installers

CCTV installers are in a rapidly growing market. More and more residential and commercial properties want surveillance for protection.

It’s a technical trade. So you’ll need the right qualifications and skills to make a go of it.

Curtain makers

Curtain makers are a fairly niche trade. They’re also in high demand because curtain making is hard for inexperienced people to do themselves.

Curtain makers often work alone for customers or as part of larger property projects. They’re also in demand from interior designers.

Electricians

Electricians are another category of heavyweight trade earners. As well as experience, other factors have an impact on how much this trade gets paid.

This includes where you’re based, the complexity of the job and the range of services you offer.

Electric vehicle charger installers

Electric vehicle charger installers are another increasingly popular professional trade. More EV charging points are needed for the UK to hit its EV targets. This is important as the UK seeks to reach it net zero carbon emissions goal.

It’s a trade where you’ll need a broad range of technical skills and qualifications. Many electricians are seeing the benefits of moving into this trade.

Fencing contractors

Fencing contractors are an example of a trade that’s always in demand. Many properties have fences of some kind. And fences get old or damaged.

You’ll need a range of skills so you can offer customers a high-quality service. It goes without saying that you’ll need to enjoy working in all weather!

Handyman or woman

Handyman or woman covers a broad range of trade disciplines. That’s why it’s such a popular profession. It may sound like you’re just doing ‘odd jobs’, but it can pay well.

An experienced handyman who’s skilled in lots of areas can be extremely busy. It’s also a year-round trade.

Gardeners and landscapers

Gardeners and landscapers can find work with residential and commercial customers. For both trades, hard work and skill are just as important as qualifications.

Landscapers differ from gardeners in that they are usually called on to design gardens.

Painters and decorators

Painters and decorators work alone as well as on building projects. It’s not a trade for everyone, but gives great job satisfaction.

It’s a great trade to start out in. Jobs will vary from very small to large undertakings. What you can earn will depend on the type of work you do.

Plumbers

Plumbers are also a high-demand trade. It’s a trade that usually pays well.

There are also lots of training courses to go on to hone your skills.

Roofers

Roofers are another category of tradespeople who need to be hardy. You also need to be comfortable working at height.

It’s a skilled trade that’s in demand and which pays well. The more experienced and qualified you are, the more you can earn.

Stonemasons

Stonemasons are a very specialised trade. It’s a trade where you can earn as you learn.

It takes a lot of training and knowledge to reach the highest-paying levels in the trade.

Tree surgeons

Tree surgeons need a toolkit of skills, not least a head for heights. It can be a one-person trade, but more often you work in teams.

You can earn more if you run your own tree surgery business.

What are the best-paid trades according to job market websites?

Here are some general indicators on which trades get paid most. For example, online jobs website Indeed has pulled together some details.

Here’s a list of its top trade earners and most in-demand trade jobs include:

• Crane operators (£41,454)

• Heating, ventilating and air conditioning technicians (£40,009)

• Boiler engineers (£36,229)

• Electricians (£34,778)

• Carpenters (£32,375)

• Bricklayers (£30,062)

• Welders (£29,649)

• Plumbers (£32,092)

• Builders (£29,220)

Research by business credit card provider Capital on Tap provides some interesting insights.

Its top five trade jobs based on average hourly pay are:

1. Locksmiths (£44.64 per hour)

2. Heating engineers and gas fitters (£41.00)

3. Plumbers (£29.25)

4. Bathroom fitters (£39.15)

5. Painters and decorators (£38)

Statistics produced for the 2024 National Apprenticeship Week identify other trade professions that are potential high earners. These include:

• Surveyors

• Construction site supervisors

• Construction site managers

For many, getting started in a trade career begins with an apprenticeship. For apprenticeships, our research shows plumbing, electrician and builder apprentices can earn higher amounts compared with other trades.

What are the highest paid trade apprenticeships in the UK?

Looking for the highest paid apprenticeships in the UK? Chances are you're a more hands-on learner. Going to university means hours spent sitting through lectures and reading book after book. So, if this style of learning isn’t for you, why not consider a trade apprenticeship? The best

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Getting more from your trade business with Checkatrade

Once you decide on a trade, your focus will be on making it a success. Building your trade business can seem like hard work.

But it needn’t be with Checkatrade. We help our members with new enquiries. There are lots of other benefits of Checkatrade membership too.

They include:

• Dedicated membership advice team

• Work guarantee up to £1,000

• Exclusive offers and discounts

• Up to 20% off Public Liability Insurance

• Reduced cost of workwear and branding

• Savings on other business essentials such as vans, fuel and materials

What do you need to become Checkatrade approved?

Being a Checkatrade member comes with a whole host of benefits, but the biggest has to be gaining our seal of approval. You can then demonstrate your great reputation and win more business. That’s because homeowners trust tradespeople with the Checkatrade tick next to their name. It's a sign that

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Key takeaways

• Knowing what trades pay helps you make sure you charge the right amount for your work

• The amount you can earn in a trade profession depends on your skill, experience and qualifications

• You can usually earn more as a tradesperson if you work for yourself or run your own business

• Tradespeople can earn more with a healthy pipeline of sales leads and customers so they're always busy