Locksmiths are the highest-earning tradespeople in the UK, with an average hourly wage of £44.65, analysis from Capital on Tap has revealed.
They are able to charge more due to the urgency and critical nature of their job, as well as the less saturated market due to the specialised skill set and specific training required.
They’re also the most highly-rated, boasting an average rating of 4.97/5.
Alex Miles, chief operating officer at Capital on Tap, said: “Whether you’re a tradesperson just starting out, or a small business owner looking to expand your offering, understanding the pricing landscape is crucial for success. You should start by being aware of your costs — including all expenses and hidden costs like insurance — to calculate your profit margin.
“You’ll also need to research your market to figure out how much customers are willing to pay, which you can do by looking at what your competitors are charging and considering the value of your service. You could also gather feedback from customers on this.
“At the end of the day, your goal is to make money — so you need to charge enough to cover your costs and make a profit. If you’re not making enough money, consider offering discounts or packages. On the other hand, if you’re not able to keep up with demand, consider raising your prices.”
Heating engineers and gas fitters follow closely in second, with average earnings of £41 per hour.
Carrying out repairs on heating is a vital and often emergency service, putting them in a position to charge higher fees.
Plumbers come in third with an average hourly wage of £39.25, followed by bathroom fitters (£39.15) and painters and decorators (£38).
Glasgow leads the way as the city where tradespeople earn the most for their services.
Workers here take home an average of £50 per hour, which adds up to a gross salary of £7,961 per month. That’s three times higher than Glasgow’s average monthly net salary of £2,479.
London comes next, with trade workers earning £41.31 per hour on average, followed by Reading (£40.63) and Preston (£32.31).
