Are you being paid what you're worth? Construction rates have been rising steadily. Here's what each trade is earning in 2026 — so you know what to ask for.
Hourly Rate Guide by Trade
| Trade | Outside London | London/SE |
|---|---|---|
| Labourer (CSCS) | £14-17/hr | £16-20/hr |
| Groundworker | £17-21/hr | £20-25/hr |
| Carpenter | £20-27/hr | £25-32/hr |
| Electrician | £22-28/hr | £26-35/hr |
| Plumber | £19-24/hr | £22-30/hr |
| Scaffolder | £18-24/hr | £21-30/hr |
| Site Manager | £35-50K/yr | £45-65K/yr |
Annual Salary Guide
Permanent roles typically pay:
- Labourer: £24,000-£30,000
- Groundworker: £28,000-£38,000
- Carpenter: £34,000-£45,000
- Electrician: £36,000-£50,000
- Plumber: £34,000-£44,000
- Scaffolder: £36,000-£48,000
Factors That Affect Your Rate
- Location: London and the South East pay 15-25% more
- Tickets: More tickets = more money. 360 excavator, dumper, first aid all add up
- Experience: 5+ years can command 10-20% above base rate
- Contract type: Temporary/contract usually pays more per hour than permanent
- Agency vs direct: Direct hire saves the agency margin, but agency gives flexibility
Check live rates on SiteJobs — browse by trade and see what employers are actually offering right now.
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