Income Target
Working Hours
Travel between jobs, unpaid quoting visits, loading/unloading
Annual Overheads
Painters have lower overheads than most trades but materials (brushes, rollers, fillers, dust sheets) add up regularly. Use the Overhead Calculator for an exact figure.
Profit & Comparison
What is the average hourly rate for a painter and decorator in the UK?
The typical painter and decorator hourly rate in the UK ranges from £25–£40/hr nationally. In London and the South East, rates reach £35–£55/hr. North England and Wales are typically at the lower end, around £20–£33/hr.
Painters and decorators typically charge £25–£40/hr nationally. London rates reach £35–£55/hr. Most decorating work is priced per room or by the day rather than strictly per hour.
Call-out fees for painter and decorators
For touch-up work or small jobs, a 2-hour minimum is reasonable — dust protection, paint mixing, and cleanup take significant time even for small jobs.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the average hourly rate for a painter and decorator in the UK?Painters and decorators typically charge £25–£40/hr nationally. London rates reach £35–£55/hr. Most decorating work is priced per room or by the day rather than strictly per hour.
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Should I charge a call-out fee?For touch-up work or small jobs, a 2-hour minimum is reasonable — dust protection, paint mixing, and cleanup take significant time even for small jobs.
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How many hours a year can I actually bill as a painter and decorator?After holidays, sick days, training, and admin time, most sole traders have around 207 billable days per year. With 20% of on-site time non-billable (travel, unpaid quoting), real billable hours are typically 1,300–1,400 per year — not the 2,080 a full working year would suggest. Basing your rate on the wrong number means undercharging by thousands.