Day Rate & Job Quote Calculator (UK)
Last updated: 12 August 2026
Price a job in seconds: labour from your day rate, materials with your markup, and VAT if you are registered. Built for builders, sparkies, plumbers and every trade in between.
How the calculation works
Labour = day rate × days × workers. Materials = cost plus your chosen markup. The subtotal is labour + marked-up materials, and VAT at 20% is added on top if selected. Quote ex-VAT and inc-VAT figures clearly to avoid disputes.
UK trade day rates 2026 (guide)
| Trade | Typical day rate | London |
|---|---|---|
| Labourer | £120–180 | £160–220 |
| General builder | £200–350 | £280–450 |
| Bricklayer | £200–320 | £280–400 |
| Carpenter / joiner | £200–320 | £280–400 |
| Plumber | £250–400 | £320–500 |
| Electrician | £250–400 | £320–500 |
| Plasterer | £180–300 | £250–380 |
| Roofer | £200–350 | £280–450 |
Rates are broad 2025–26 guides that vary by region, job and demand. Use them as a sense-check, not a price list — your own costs set your floor.
Pricing tips
Work out your true day-rate floor first: annual overheads (van, insurance, tools, downtime) divided by realistic billable days — most sole traders bill 180 to 220 days a year, not 260. Price the job, not the hours, where the value justifies it, and always put quotes in writing with what is included and excluded.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical tradesperson day rate in the UK?
Rates vary by trade and region. As a broad 2025-26 guide: general builders around £200-350 per day, electricians and plumbers £250-400, and labourers £120-180, with London typically 20-40% higher. Set your rate from your own costs, not just the going rate.
How do I work out my day rate?
Add up your annual costs — the wage you want to pay yourself, van, fuel, insurance, tools, phone and downtime — and divide by realistic billable days. Most sole traders bill 180 to 220 days a year, not 260. That figure is your break-even floor; price above it.
How much markup should I add to materials?
Many UK trades add 10 to 25% to materials to cover collection time, wastage, warranty risk and the cost of carrying the purchase. Some pass materials through at cost and price it into labour instead — be consistent, and always quote it clearly.
Do I add VAT to my quote?
Only if you are VAT-registered. Registration is compulsory once your rolling 12-month turnover passes £90,000. If registered, add 20% VAT to the quote and state prices clearly as ex-VAT or inc-VAT.
Should I quote a fixed price or a day rate?
Fixed prices suit well-defined jobs and reward efficiency; day rates protect you on jobs with unknowns like renovation or fault-finding. Many trades quote fixed for standard work and switch to day rate plus materials when the scope is uncertain.
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