Day Rate Calculator
Work out what you need to charge per day to hit your income target after expenses. Adjust the sliders to match your situation.
Your details
Monthly expenses
Your day rate
£257/day
≈ £33/hour (8-hour day)
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Try Gaffer freeAverage day rates for UK tradespeople (2026)
These are typical day rates across the UK based on industry benchmarks. Rates vary significantly by region — London and the South East are 15–30% higher, while the North and Midlands tend to be lower. Specialist certifications (Gas Safe, NICEIC, F-Gas) and emergency callout availability also push rates up.
| Trade | Avg day rate | Hourly equiv. | London range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber / Gas Engineer | £250 | £32/hr | £280–£350 |
| Electrician | £240 | £30/hr | £280–£340 |
| HVAC Engineer | £270 | £34/hr | £300–£380 |
| Locksmith | £260 | £33/hr | £280–£350 |
| Roofer | £230 | £29/hr | £260–£320 |
| Bricklayer | £230 | £29/hr | £260–£310 |
| General Builder | £220 | £28/hr | £250–£300 |
| Plasterer | £220 | £28/hr | £240–£300 |
| Carpenter / Joiner | £210 | £27/hr | £240–£290 |
| Painter & Decorator | £180 | £23/hr | £200–£260 |
Sources: Checkatrade, MyBuilder, and Gaffer platform data. Rates are for experienced tradespeople working full days. Apprentices and labourers will be lower.
How to calculate your day rate
Your day rate needs to cover more than just your take-home pay. As a self-employed tradesperson in the UK, you need to factor in business expenses, time off, and the days you can't bill for (quoting, admin, travel between jobs, marketing).
The formula
Step 1: Target annual income
What do you want to take home after tax and expenses? The UK average salary is around £35,000, but most experienced tradespeople aim for £40,000–£60,000. High-demand trades like gas engineers and HVAC specialists often target £60,000–£80,000+.
Step 2: Annual business expenses
Add up everything your business costs you per year: van lease or finance (£3,600–£6,000), fuel (£2,400–£4,800), tools and equipment (£500–£2,000), public liability insurance (£300–£600), professional indemnity insurance (£200–£500), accountant (£600–£1,800), phone and software (£600–£1,200), clothing and PPE (£200–£500), Gas Safe/NICEIC registration (£300–£500), and marketing (£500–£2,000).
Step 3: Billable days
Start with 260 working days (52 weeks × 5 days). Subtract: holiday (20–28 days), sick days (5–10), bank holidays (8), admin/quoting days (10–20). Most tradespeople end up with 200–235 billable days per year. If you work 4-day weeks, it's more like 170–190.
Day rates by region
Where you work has a big impact on what you can charge. Here's how average trade day rates compare across UK regions:
London
Highest demand, highest costs
£280–£380
South East
Surrey, Kent, Hampshire
£250–£330
South West
Bristol, Bath, Devon, Cornwall
£220–£280
East Anglia
Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich
£210–£270
Midlands
Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester
£200–£260
North West
Manchester, Liverpool, Chester
£200–£260
North East
Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham
£190–£250
Yorkshire
Leeds, Sheffield, York
£200–£260
Scotland
Edinburgh & Glasgow higher
£200–£270
Wales
Cardiff higher, rural areas lower
£190–£250
Frequently asked questions
What is a good day rate for a plumber in the UK?▾
The average day rate for a UK plumber or gas engineer in 2026 is around £250 per day (excluding VAT). This varies by region — London and the South East tend to be £280–£350, while rates in the North and Midlands are typically £200–£260. Emergency and Gas Safe registered work commands higher rates.
What is the average day rate for an electrician in the UK?▾
UK electricians typically charge £220–£280 per day in 2026, with an average around £240. NICEIC/NAPIT registered electricians often charge more. Rates are higher in London (£280–£350) and for specialist work like commercial installations, EV charger fitting, or solar PV.
How do I calculate my day rate as a self-employed tradesperson?▾
Add up your target annual income (what you want to take home) plus all annual business expenses (van, tools, insurance, accountant, fuel, phone, materials). Divide by the number of billable days you'll work (typically 220–235 for full-time). If you're VAT registered, add 20%.
Should I charge a day rate or hourly rate?▾
Most UK tradespeople charge day rates for larger jobs and hourly rates for smaller callouts or repairs. Day rates give you predictable income and are simpler to quote. For a standard 8-hour day, divide your day rate by 8 to get your hourly equivalent.
How many billable days per year should I plan for?▾
Most self-employed tradespeople in the UK work 235 billable days per year (52 weeks × 5 days, minus 4 weeks holiday and 1 week sick/admin). Some work 4-day weeks (188 days) or take more holiday. Don't forget to account for time spent quoting, admin, travel, and marketing.