When you think about construction salaries, the total pay earned by people working in building and renovation projects across the UK. Also known as building trade wages, it varies wildly depending on skill, location, and whether you're swinging a hammer or managing the job site. It’s not just about how hard you work—it’s about what you know, what you’re licensed for, and who’s paying you.
general contractor, the person who runs the whole project, hires subcontractors, and handles permits and inspections. Also known as building contractor, they often earn between £40,000 and £80,000 a year in the UK, depending on project size and reputation. But a carpenter or electrician working under them? That’s a different story. Skilled tradespeople with 5+ years of experience typically make £35,000 to £50,000, and those in London or the South East can push past £60,000. Meanwhile, apprentices start at £18,000—yes, that’s low, but it’s the entry point to a career that can double that income in a decade.
building trade wages, the pay rates for specific roles like plumbers, roofers, and bricklayers in the construction industry. Also known as construction worker pay, these figures are shaped by demand, weather, and even Brexit. Plumbers, for example, are in high demand nationwide, and many now charge £50–£80 an hour for emergency jobs. Roofers in Wales or Northern Ireland might earn less than those in Manchester, but they often work longer hours during peak season to make up the difference. The real gap isn’t between skilled and unskilled—it’s between those who understand the business side and those who just show up. Workers who learn to estimate jobs, manage clients, or run their own small teams see pay jumps that surprise even seasoned tradespeople.
And it’s not just about hourly rates. Many construction jobs come with overtime, holiday pay, pension contributions, and even tools provided. But here’s the catch: if you’re working for a small company without proper contracts, you might not get any of that. That’s why checking if a contractor is registered, insured, and paying national minimum wage matters more than you think.
What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a real look at who makes what, why some roles pay more than others, and how the industry is changing. From foundation repair experts to commercial project managers, these posts break down the numbers behind the work. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what people are actually earning in the UK’s construction sector right now.
