What Trades Pay the Most (UK)

If you're eyeing a career change or just starting out, trades can offer solid earnings without needing a university degree. In the UK, with construction projects booming and skilled workers in short supply, many tradespeople are earning good money. Pay depends on location, experience, and whether you're employed or self-employed. London and the southeast tend to offer higher rates, while going solo lets you set your own prices. 

Let’s take a look at the best paid trades in the UK

Tiling

Tiling is one of the most lucrative trades right now. With home renovations, kitchen and bathroom refits, and commercial projects on the rise, skilled tilers are in high demand. Specialising in intricate work like mosaics, natural stone, or large-format tiles can push your rates higher. Self-employed tilers often charge £300 or more per day in busy areas.

Average salary: £40,000 to £60,000 per year on average. Self employed tilers report earnings significantly higher.
The high pay comes from the cost of materials and the precision needed—mistakes are expensive. Tiling also ties into bigger contracts with other trades.

How to start: The most effective way to start a tiling career is with a tiling course. You’ll need physical fitness for lifting tiles and working in tight spaces. A strong portfolio, shared on social media, can help land jobs.

Plumbing

Plumbers handle everything from fixing leaks to installing heating systems. It’s a trade that’s always needed, with emergency call-outs boosting income.

Average salary: £48,000. New starters earn around £25,000, but qualified plumbers with Gas Safe registration can hit £50,000 or more. Self-employed rates are £40–£60 per hour.

How to start: A Level 2 or 3 NVQ in Plumbing costs about £4,000. Apprenticeships take four years and pay while you learn. Basic maths and science help, but hands-on skills are key. Gas work needs extra certification. The job involves problem-solving, like diagnosing boiler issues or fitting eco-friendly systems like heat pumps.

Electrics

Electricians manage wiring, installations, and repairs in homes, offices, and factories. With smart homes and electric vehicles growing, it’s a trade with a bright future.

Average salary: £47,000. Beginners start at £20,000, but experienced electricians can reach £50,000. Commercial jobs pay more than domestic ones.

How to start: A Level 3 NVQ in Electrical Installation costs around £3,000. Apprenticeships last four years and cover safety regulations like Part P. You’ll work on varied tasks, from fitting lights to inspecting industrial systems. It’s cleaner than some trades, often indoors, and demand is growing with renewable energy projects.

Roofing

Roofers repair and install roofs, from slate to flat systems, keeping buildings watertight in the UK’s wet climate.

Average salary: £42,000. Starters earn £25,000, but specialists in heritage roofing can make more.

How to start: A Level 2 NVQ in Roofing costs £2,500, and apprenticeships take two years. You need a head for heights and strength to carry materials. Jobs range from stripping old roofs to fitting solar panels. It’s physical and weather-exposed, but storm repairs and new builds keep demand high.

Carpentry and Joinery

Carpenters build frameworks, doors, and furniture, while joiners focus on finer work like cabinets.

Average salary: £33,000. Experienced carpenters can hit £40,000, with bespoke work paying extra.

How to start: Level 2 and 3 NVQs cost around £3,500, and apprenticeships take three years. You’ll use tools like saws and chisels to frame houses or fit kitchens. It’s creative, and the housing shortage ensures steady work.

Bricklaying

Bricklayers lay bricks, blocks, and stone for walls and structures, forming the backbone of buildings.

Average salary: £31,000. Site work can push earnings to £40,000.

How to start: NVQs in Trowel Occupations cost £3,000, with two-year apprenticeships. Precision is crucial for level walls, and the job is mostly outdoors. The construction boom means plenty of work.

Getting Into the Trades

Breaking into a trade is more accessible than many think. Most require no prior experience, just a willingness to learn and work hard. The main routes are apprenticeships or courses. Courses are generally the best way to pick up a lot of knowledge quickly, although apprenticeships are required for some trades.

Start by picking a trade that suits your strengths—tiling or carpentry for creative types, plumbing or electrics for problem-solvers, roofing or bricklaying for those who like being outdoors and physical work. Basic maths and English help with measurements and contracts, but hands-on ability matters most. Many tradespeople go self-employed after a few years, which can double your income if you build a reputation. Social media, like Instagram for tilers or carpenters, is a great way to show off your work and attract clients.

The outlook is strong. The UK’s housing shortage and push for greener buildings mean tradespeople are needed more than ever. Shortages in skilled labour—tilers and electricians especially—drive up wages. If you’re practical, enjoy variety, and want a career without a desk, trades are worth a look.