How to Become a Tradesperson in the UK
Complete career guides for 20 skilled trades. Each guide covers qualifications, training routes, realistic salary expectations, what a typical day looks like, and the tools you need to get started.
Electrician
£32,000 - 45,000/yr
Wire buildings, install circuits, and test electrical systems.
Plumber
£28,000 - 42,000/yr
Install and repair water, heating, and drainage systems.
Carpenter
£26,000 - 40,000/yr
Build and fit timber structures on construction sites.
Bricklayer
£26,000 - 42,000/yr
Build walls, extensions, and structures with bricks and blocks.
Plasterer
£26,000 - 38,000/yr
Apply plaster finishes to walls and ceilings.
Roofer
£27,000 - 40,000/yr
Install and repair roofs using tiles, slates, and felt.
Tiler
£26,000 - 38,000/yr
Lay wall and floor tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.
Painter & Decorator
£24,000 - 36,000/yr
Prepare and paint surfaces, hang wallpaper, apply finishes.
Gas Engineer
£35,000 - 50,000/yr
Install and service gas boilers, fires, and appliances.
Heating Engineer
£30,000 - 45,000/yr
Install heating systems, radiators, and heat pumps.
Locksmith
£25,000 - 40,000/yr
Install, repair, and open locks for homes and businesses.
Scaffolder
£28,000 - 45,000/yr
Erect and dismantle scaffolding on construction sites.
Welder
£26,000 - 42,000/yr
Join metal components using MIG, TIG, and MMA welding.
Joiner
£26,000 - 38,000/yr
Craft doors, windows, staircases, and bespoke timber items.
Glazier
£25,000 - 37,000/yr
Fit windows, doors, and glass units in buildings.
Landscape Gardener
£22,000 - 36,000/yr
Design and build gardens, patios, decking, and planting.
Kitchen Fitter
£28,000 - 42,000/yr
Install kitchen units, worktops, and appliances.
Bathroom Fitter
£28,000 - 42,000/yr
Fit complete bathrooms including plumbing, tiling, and fixtures.
Flooring Installer
£24,000 - 38,000/yr
Lay carpet, vinyl, laminate, and engineered wood flooring.
Fence Installer
£24,000 - 36,000/yr
Install fencing, gates, and boundary structures.
Which Trade Should You Choose?
Every trade has its pros and cons. Gas engineers and electricians tend to earn the most, but require the longest training. Trades like tiling and painting are easier to enter but typically have lower earning ceilings until you build a reputation.
The best trade for you depends on whether you prefer indoor or outdoor work, physical or technical challenges, and whether you want to work for a company or go self-employed. Read through the guides above to find the right fit.