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Tradesperson Hourly Rate Calculator

Find out what you should charge — or what you should expect to pay. Based on real 2026 UK trade rates by region.

1

Your Trade & Region

Select your trade and where you work.

2

Your Monthly Expenses

Enter your typical monthly business costs to calculate your true take-home.

Recommended Hourly Rate
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per hour
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Day Rate (8hrs)
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Annual (48 weeks)

💡 Rate Setting Tip

How to Set Your Hourly Rate as a UK Tradesperson

Setting the right hourly rate is one of the hardest things about being self-employed. Charge too little and you work long hours for poor pay. Charge too much and you lose work to cheaper competitors. The answer lies in understanding your true costs.

The Billable Hours Problem

Most tradespeople assume they can bill 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. In reality, after quoting, travel, admin, shopping for materials, invoicing, and no-shows, the average sole trader bills around 5-6 hours per day, 45-48 weeks per year. That means roughly 1,200-1,400 billable hours, not 2,000.

What Your Rate Must Cover

Your hourly rate is not your salary. It must cover vehicle costs, fuel, insurance, tools, materials, accounting, phone bills, advertising, and then your pension contributions, holiday fund, sick pay fund, and tax. Only what remains after all of this is your actual take-home pay.

Regional Variation

London tradespeople charge 30-50% more than those in the North, but their costs are also significantly higher. Van parking alone can cost £200+ per month in London. The key is not your headline rate but your take-home after expenses — this calculator helps you see that clearly.

If furniture assembly is your trade, we can help. Flat Pack Manchester offers professional assembly across Greater Manchester with fixed prices and same-day availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a plumber charge per hour UK?
A plumber typically charges £40-£80 per hour depending on region and experience. London rates are £60-£90+. Emergency call-outs can be £80-£150+. Most plumbers also charge a minimum call-out fee of £50-£80.
How much do electricians charge per hour UK?
Electricians typically charge £45-£85 per hour. London rates are £60-£100+. Part P certified electricians can charge more. Emergency and out-of-hours rates are typically 1.5-2x standard rates.
How do I calculate my day rate?
Multiply your hourly rate by 8 for a standard day rate. However, many tradespeople offer a slight discount for full-day bookings (e.g. £50/hr becomes £350/day instead of £400) to secure the guaranteed work.
Should I charge per hour or per job?
Per-job (fixed price) is generally better for both you and the customer. Customers prefer knowing the total cost upfront, and you benefit when you work efficiently. Use hourly rates for unpredictable jobs like fault-finding or when the scope is unclear.
How much tax will I pay as a self-employed tradesperson?
In 2026, the personal allowance is approximately £12,570. You pay 20% on earnings between £12,571 and £50,270, and 40% above that. National Insurance is approximately 6% on profits. Your accountant can help minimise your tax through legitimate expenses.
What is a good annual income for a tradesperson UK?
The average self-employed tradesperson earns £30,000-£45,000 per year. Top earners in specialist trades or in London can earn £60,000-£80,000+. Your take-home depends heavily on how efficiently you manage expenses and how many hours you bill.

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