How Much Do Builders Earn?

Reading time: 4 minutes

Average builder salary in the UK

According to Checkatrade research, this is the average pay for a builder working in the UK:

• An apprentice builder should expect an annual salary of £11,000
   

• A newly qualified builder should expect an annual salary of £32,000
   

• An employed builder should expect an annual salary of £40,000
   

• A sole trader builder should expect an annual salary of £56,000
   

• A business owner of a Ltd building company should expect an annual salary of £57,000

There are various aspects which can alter the actual earnings of a builder though.

Location is one of these considerations. Builders in the south of the UK often have a higher salary than the same type of tradesperson in another part of the country. However, the cost of living is higher within these regions, meaning that the take-home pay quickly begins to balance out.

You can also put yourself in line for a higher builder salary by increasing the number of skills and qualifications that you have. For instance, look to become a specialist by gaining certificates in these areas:

• Bricklaying
   

• Concrete construction practices
   

• Branch out to also become a roofer
   

• Scaffolding work
   

• Welding jobs
   

• The removal and rebuilding of hazardous waste, such as asbestos and lead

You can find out much more about the apprenticeships, degrees and courses available for those looking to work in the building industry by reading our how to become a builder guide.

Understanding a self-employed builder salary in the UK

Are you intrigued by the prospect of becoming a self-employed builder? 

This should be no surprise, given that a sole trader builder has an average annual salary of £56,000 and a business owner of a Ltd building company can expect an average annual salary of £57,000.

We must mention though that the salary and take-home figures here alter quite a bit once business costs are calculated, while a self-employed builder is responsible for their own National Insurance and tax contributions too.

Self-employed builders will need to cover the cost of having and maintaining their own works vehicle, for one thing, as well as investing in their own set of high-quality tools and equipment.

Depending on the structure and setup of your self-employed building business, you may also need to take out these types of builders’ insurance:

• Professional indemnity insurance

• Public liability insurance

• Employer’s liability insurance (this one is mandatory if you run a business that employs any full-time employee, contractor or temporary worker)

Even once these business costs are deducted from the annual salary figures, Checkatrade estimates that the approximate take-home pay for a sole trader builder will be £37,589. For a business owner of a Ltd building company, you should expect the take-home pay to be in the region of £37,508.

Now that you have a clearer understanding about the average salary of a builder, we encourage you to check out other useful guides within our Trade News & Advice hub to keep enhancing your trade industry knowledge.