What affects earnings
- Location — big cities and the South East tend to pay more.
- Employed vs self-employed.
- Types of job — emergency work and specialist work pay more.
- Reputation and reviews.
- How efficiently you work and price.
Employed vs self-employed
Employed plumbers get a steady wage, holiday pay and often a van. Self-employed plumbers choose their jobs and set prices, but pay for tools, van, insurance and tax, and have no sick pay.
Small jobs add up
Simple domestic jobs — changing a tap, fixing a running toilet, replacing a fill valve, bleeding radiators — are often priced per job. Doing two or three small jobs in a day can make a good day's work. Research what plumbers charge locally to set fair prices.
Pro tip: Our members get a pricing calculator with typical UK job prices they can adjust for their area.
Growing your income
- Ask every happy customer for a review.
- Offer clear fixed prices.
- Carry common spares so you finish first time.
- Keep learning to take on bigger jobs.
