Rank Trade
Hourly Rate 2023 Hourly Rate 2026 Rate increase %
1
Window Fitter
£27
£31
17%
2
Fencer
£27
£30
9%
3
Landscaper
£28
£30
8%
4 Plumber
£39
£42
7%
=4 Plasterer
£23
£25
7%
5
Tiler
£25
£26
6%
6
Heating Engineer
£41
£43
5%
=6 Bathroom Fitter
£39
£41
5%
7
Roofer
£28
£29
3%
=7 Kitchen Fitter
£27
£28
3%
Window fitters have seen the biggest increase in earnings of any trade analysed, with average hourly rates rising 17% , from £27 in 2023 to £31 in 2026 . With every new home requiring windows and glazing, demand for experienced window fitters is expected to remain strong as Labour’s housebuilding programme gathers pace. Fencers rank second, recording a 9% increase in hourly rates over the past three years, rising from £27 to £30 per hour . As new housing developments require boundary fencing,
gates and outdoor infrastructure, the trade is well positioned to benefit from the continued expansion of residential construction. Heating engineers are among the UK’s best-paid trades, with hourly rates rising 5% from £41 in 2023 to £43 in 2026. The trade could benefit further as searches for “air conditioning” have surged by 309%, driven by rising temperatures and renewed debate after the Liberal Democrats called for every new UK home to include air conditioning in recent news.
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