How Much Should a Femalebuilder Charge per day?

Whether you’re a self-employed builder, plumber, electrician, decorator or multi-trade specialist, knowing what to charge per day is one of the most important — and most asked — questions in the trade.

There’s no universal answer, but this guide will help you set a fair, competitive, and sustainable daily rate based on your trade, location, and experience.

🛠️ Average Day Rates by Trade (UK, 2025)

Trade Day Rate (Range)

General Builder £180 – £350

Electrician £200 – £350

Plumber £200 – £350

Carpenter/Joiner £180 – £300

Painter & Decorator £150 – £250

Tiler £150 – £250

Handyman/Multi-Trade £120 – £250

Plasterer £180 – £350

Roofer £200 – £350

🟡 Note: These are average market rates across the UK and may vary based on your region, skill level, and demand.

🔢 How to Calculate Your Ideal Day Rate

To ensure you're covering your costs and making a profit, consider these steps:

1. Calculate Your Overheads

Include:

Fuel & transport
Tools & equipment maintenance
Public liability insurance
Phone/internet
Tax and National Insurance

2. Set Your Target Annual Income

Think about what you need to earn after tax. For example:

Target: £40,000/year
Assume you work 220 days/year (excluding weekends, holidays, sick days)

£40,000 ÷ 220 = £181/day minimum

3. Add Profit & Business Costs

You may want to charge between £220–£300/day depending on your skillset and whether you supply materials.

📍 Location Matters

Tradespeople in London and the South East can charge 15–25% more due to higher living costs and demand. For example:

A London electrician might charge £300/day
A Midlands electrician may charge £220/day

🎯 Pricing Tips for Female Tradespeople

Don’t Undersell Yourself – Your work has value, and you deserve fair pay.
Be Transparent – Clients appreciate clear, upfront pricing.
Charge More for Specialist Work – If you offer plumbing and tiling, for example, that justifies a higher day rate.
Include or Exclude Materials? – Always clarify what your day rate covers.

⚠️ When to Charge Hourly or Per Job

Day rates are best for:

Full-day projects
Labour-intensive tasks

Hourly rates (typically £25–£50/hr) work for:

Emergency callouts
Short repairs

Per-job pricing is ideal when you can estimate precisely.

✅ Final Word

Don’t just follow what others charge — set your own rate based on your costs, value, and business goals. Remember, professionalism, reliability, and good communication are worth just as much as technical skill — and many clients are happy to pay more for trusted, dependable tradespeople.

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