How to Price a Job as a UK Tradesperson (2024)

Pricing jobs correctly is critical for any tradesperson. Charge too little and you lose money. Charge too much and you lose clients. This guide shows you exactly how to price a job profitably.

Step 1 — Calculate Your Minimum Day Rate

Start by working out how much you need to earn to cover your costs and pay yourself a fair wage. See our Labour Rate Calculator for a full breakdown.

A simple formula:

• Annual salary you want (e.g. £40,000)
• Plus annual business costs (e.g. £8,000)
• Equals total you need to earn (£48,000)
• Divide by working days per year (e.g. 220)
• Minimum day rate = £218/day

This is your floor — do not price below this.

Step 2 — Price Materials and Add Markup

Never charge materials at cost price. You spend time sourcing them, collecting them, returning unused items and dealing with any quality issues. A materials markup of 15–30% is standard in the UK trades industry.

• List all materials needed with quantities
• Get accurate prices (not estimates)
• Add 15–30% markup
• Add delivery costs if applicable

Step 3 — Account for Overheads

Every job has hidden costs that many tradespeople forget to price in:

• Travel time and fuel
• Tools and equipment
• Insurance (public liability, van, tools)
• Phone and software costs
• Time spent quoting and admin

Step 4 — Add Your Profit Margin

After covering all costs, you should aim for a profit margin. Most successful tradespeople target 15–25% net profit. This is what builds your business and provides a buffer for quiet periods.

Step 5 — Add VAT (if applicable)

If you are VAT registered, add 20% to the total. Use our free VAT calculator to check your figures. If you are not VAT registered, do not add VAT.

Use the Built-in Calculator

GetJobQuotes has a built-in trade calculator with markup, VAT, day rate and materials tabs — available on every page of the app. Use it to check your figures before sending a quote.

FAQs

How much should a plumber charge per day in the UK?

Day rates for plumbers in the UK typically range from £150 to £350 per day depending on location, experience and type of work. London rates are generally higher.

How much should an electrician charge per hour in the UK?

Electricians typically charge £40 to £80 per hour in the UK. Specialist work such as EV charger installation or rewiring tends to attract higher rates.

Should I charge for call-outs?

Yes. A call-out charge (typically £50–£100) covers your time and travel to assess the job. This is standard practice and clients generally expect it.