Subcontractor day rates UK
UK construction subcontractor day rates 2025: trade-by-trade guide
Market day rate ranges for every major UK construction trade, what drives your rate, regional variation, and how to find direct work.
Quick answer
Indicative 2025 market guidance only — not guaranteed earnings. Labourers typically £130–£180/day; skilled trades £180–£320/day for most roles, higher in London and the South East. Always agree your rate in writing before starting work.
Timeline: Rates negotiated per engagement — confirm in writing before starting work.
Cost: Agency roles typically pay 10–20% less than equivalent direct subcontract rates.
Watch out: Figures below are indicative market guidance only — actual rates vary by region, contractor, experience and project. Always agree your rate in writing.
Step-by-step guide
1. Confirm your card readiness
Holding a current, relevant card (CSCS, CPCS, CISRS, ECS, IPAF) is a baseline for most rate negotiations. Mismatched or expired cards drag rates down.
2. Decide direct vs agency
Direct subcontract roles typically pay 10–20% more than equivalent agency engagements because no agency margin comes out of your rate.
3. Confirm CIS registration
Many principal contractors prefer CIS-registered subcontractors. Unregistered workers face 30% deduction at source vs 20% for CIS-registered.
4. Confirm IR35 status before starting
IR35 status materially affects take-home pay. Confirm whether the engagement is inside or outside IR35 before agreeing the rate.
5. Get the rate and terms in writing
Day rate, payment cycle, notice, expenses, and overtime treatment — all in writing before starting work. Verbal-only agreements cause the majority of payment disputes.
Requirements
- Labourer
- £130–£180/day — CSCS Green
- Skilled Labourer
- £155–£210/day — CSCS Blue
- Groundworker
- £180–£270/day — CSCS Blue
- Bricklayer
- £190–£290/day — CSCS Blue
- Carpenter / Joiner
- £190–£290/day — CSCS Blue
- Dryliner
- £190–£280/day — CSCS Blue
- Painter and Decorator
- £170–£260/day — CSCS Blue
- Plumber
- £210–£330/day — CSCS Blue / JIB
- Electrician
- £220–£350/day — ECS / JIB
- Roofer
- £180–£280/day — CSCS Blue
- Scaffolder
- £200–£320/day — CISRS
- Plant Operator (360)
- £220–£320/day — CPCS / NPORS
- Telehandler Operator
- £190–£290/day — CPCS / NPORS
- Dumper Driver
- £180–£260/day — CPCS / NPORS
- Site Supervisor
- £250–£380/day — SSSTS + trade card
- Site Manager
- £300–£500/day — SMSTS
- Regional uplift
- London and South East typically 15–25% above national mid; Scotland, Wales and parts of northern England may sit at or below entry end
What employers usually check
- Card scheme accepted on the site and matching the role
- Recent commercial or principal-contractor site experience
- CIS registration and clean payment history
- Right-to-work documents and identity check
Common mistakes
- Accepting an agency day rate without checking what the direct rate would be
- Working without written confirmation of rate and payment terms
- Not confirming IR35 status before starting — affects take-home pay significantly
- Assuming rates quoted in job adverts are what gets paid — confirm before accepting
- Underquoting because of uncertainty — current CSCS, recent commercial experience and short-notice availability all strengthen rate negotiation
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FAQ
What is a good day rate for a groundworker in the UK?
A groundworker with a current CSCS Blue card and solid commercial site experience typically earns £200–£260/day direct. London and South East rates run higher.
Do I need CIS registration to get a day rate job?
Not always, but many principal and main contractors require it before engaging subcontractors. PAYE arrangements are also common on larger sites. Confirm the payment type before starting.
Are these rates for self-employed or PAYE workers?
These figures reflect typical self-employed subcontract (CIS) day rates. PAYE rates differ and often include employer NI and holiday pay within the headline figure — clarify before agreeing.
Can I negotiate my day rate?
Yes, particularly for direct subcontract roles. A current relevant card, recent commercial site experience, and short-notice availability all strengthen your position.
How much more does direct work pay vs agency?
On a £220/day groundworker mid rate over 48 working weeks, direct (CIS) earns ~£52,800 gross/year vs ~£44,880 via a 15% agency margin — a difference of about £7,900 per year.
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Next steps