Income Target
Working Hours
Travel between jobs, unpaid quoting visits, loading/unloading
Annual Overheads
Plumbing overheads are high due to specialist tools, pipe stock, van requirements, and CIPHE/professional membership. Use the Overhead Calculator for an exact figure.
Profit & Comparison
What is the average hourly rate for a plumber in the UK?
The typical plumber hourly rate in the UK ranges from £45–£75/hr nationally. In London and the South East, rates reach £65–£100/hr. North England and Wales are typically at the lower end, around £35–£60/hr.
Plumbers typically charge £45–£75/hr nationally, with London rates reaching £65–£100/hr. Emergency and out-of-hours call-outs typically command 1.5–2× the standard rate.
Call-out fees for plumbers
Most plumbers charge a 1-hour minimum for call-out work. For emergency plumbing, a fixed call-out charge (£50–£100) plus the hourly rate is common and reasonable. Always make your minimum charge clear upfront.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the average hourly rate for a plumber in the UK?Plumbers typically charge £45–£75/hr nationally, with London rates reaching £65–£100/hr. Emergency and out-of-hours call-outs typically command 1.5–2× the standard rate.
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Should I charge a call-out fee?Most plumbers charge a 1-hour minimum for call-out work. For emergency plumbing, a fixed call-out charge (£50–£100) plus the hourly rate is common and reasonable. Always make your minimum charge clear upfront.
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How many hours a year can I actually bill as a plumber?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.