Painter & Decorator Rates in London vs the National Average
| Rate Type | London | UK National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £35–£70/hr | £25–£50/hr |
| Day rate | £210–£390/day | £150–£280/day |
Painter and decorator rates are among the more competitive across the trades. Decorators specialising in high-end finishes — Venetian plaster, period cornicing, or specialist coatings — can charge significantly above standard rates. Central London postcodes (EC, WC, SW1, W1) command an additional premium on top of the already elevated London baseline. Many tradespeople add a zone surcharge for inner-borough work.
Are you a Painter & Decorator in London? These are market averages — your rate should reflect your actual costs. Use our free painter & decorator rate calculator to find what you personally need to charge.
How Much Do Painter & Decorators Charge for Common Jobs in London?
These figures show London-adjusted estimates for typical jobs. Prices include labour only unless stated.
Why Are Painter & Decorator Rates in London Different?
London has a unique combination of the Congestion Charge for vans, extremely high parking costs, and a dense population willing to pay for quality. Supply of qualified tradespeople hasn't kept pace with demand, particularly for specialist work.
Good to know: Quality of prep is everything in decorating. A good decorator will spend as much time preparing surfaces as painting them. Be wary of anyone who skips this step.
Other Cities: Painter & Decorator Rate Comparisons
See how London painter & decorator rates compare to other UK cities:
Are you a Painter & Decorator in London?
Use our free calculator to find the minimum you need to charge — based on your real costs, not city averages.
Calculate My Painter & Decorator Rate ›Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does a painter and decorator charge per day in London?A painter and decorator in London typically charges £210–£390 per day. Most domestic jobs are quoted as a fixed price per room rather than a day rate.
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How much does it cost to paint a room in London?Painting a bedroom in London typically costs £280–£630 for labour only. This includes preparation, two coats of emulsion on walls, and ceiling. Paint is usually supplied separately or added to the quote.
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How long does it take to paint a room?A single-coat bedroom typically takes half a day. Two coats with proper drying time between them usually means one room per day for a painter working alone. Prep work on rough surfaces adds time.
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Why do decorator rates in London differ from other areas?London has a unique combination of the Congestion Charge for vans, extremely high parking costs, and a dense population willing to pay for quality. Supply of qualified tradespeople hasn't kept pace with demand, particularly for specialist work.
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Should my decorator supply the paint or should I buy it?Either works. Some decorators include paint in their quote, others prefer you choose your own colours. If you supply it, choose correctly — your decorator will not be responsible for colour choices or coverage if you supply sub-standard paint.