Trade Salaries in Construction – What You Need to Know
Thinking about a career on the building site? You’ll want to know the real money side of things before you pick a trade. In the UK, construction jobs pay a wide range, and the numbers depend on skill level, experience, and the type of work you do. Below is a quick look at the most common trades, the average earnings you can expect, and the levers you can pull to push your paycheck higher.
Top Paying Trades
Plumbers are one of the most in‑demand roles, and they usually pull between £30,000 and £45,000 a year. If you add a Level 2 NVQ and some specialist gas certification, that upper range becomes easier to hit. Electricians sit a bit higher on the scale, often making £35,000 to £50,000, especially if they work on commercial sites or have a third‑party certification for high‑risk installations.
Carpenters and joiners typically earn £28,000 to £40,000, but a solid portfolio of bespoke work can push earnings past £45,000. Project managers, who coordinate the whole site, are among the highest earners, with salaries ranging from £45,000 to £70,000 depending on project size and whether the employer is a tier‑1 contractor.
Factors That Influence Your Pay
Location matters a lot. Jobs in London and the South East pay up to 15% more than the same role up north because of higher living costs and tighter labor markets. Experience is the next big driver – a journeyman with five years on the job can expect a 10‑20% bump over a newly qualified worker.
Certifications are a quick win. Adding a CSCS card, a valid gas safety certificate, or a Level 3 NVQ can instantly move you into a higher pay bracket. Many employers also offer overtime pay, especially on tight deadlines, which can add a few thousand pounds to your annual income.
Lastly, the type of employer makes a difference. Working for a large contractor or a government‑backed housing scheme often comes with better pay and benefits than a small local builder. If you’re willing to travel or relocate, you can chase those higher‑pay gigs and negotiate better terms.
Bottom line: trade salaries in construction are flexible and reward skill, certification, and willingness to move. Pick a trade that matches your strengths, stack up the right qualifications, and you’ll see your paycheck grow faster than you might expect.
