UK Groundworker Rates at a Glance (2025)
| Region | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| National average | £30–£50/hr | £180–£280/day |
| London | £45–£70/hr | £280–£400/day |
| South East | £37–£58/hr | £240–£350/day |
| Midlands | £27–£46/hr | £165–£255/day |
| North England | £25–£42/hr | £155–£240/day |
| Scotland | £27–£44/hr | £160–£250/day |
| Wales | £25–£40/hr | £150–£235/day |
Note on plant hire: The rates above are for labour only. Mini-digger hire adds £150–£300/day, dumper hire £60–£120/day. Groundworkers who own their own plant include it in their day rate — always clarify what's in the quote. Use our free groundworker day rate calculator to work out your own.
What Do Groundworkers Charge for Common Jobs?
Excavate foundations
£600–£2,000
Per extension, labour only
Concrete slab (garage)
£800–£2,000
Labour, exc. concrete cost
Drainage installation
£500–£2,500
New run or soakaway
Driveway groundworks
£600–£1,800
Dig-out and sub-base
Block paving (20m²)
£1,200–£2,800
Labour and materials
Soil removal (per load)
£150–£300
Per 8-tonne tipper load
Retaining wall
£600–£2,000
Labour, materials extra
Footpath/base layer
£20–£40/m²
Labour only
What Drives a Groundworker's Rate?
Groundwork pricing is one of the hardest to predict from the outside, because so much depends on what's beneath the surface. A groundworker's quote can double if they hit rock, running sand, or an unmarked service. That uncertainty is part of what the day rate covers.
- Soil conditions — Clay soils need more excavation depth. Rock needs breaking. Running sand is a nightmare to work with. A groundworker surveying a site before quoting is not being difficult — they're being professional.
- CSCS and NPORS cards — Plant operators need valid NPORS or CPCS cards for each machine category — 360 excavator, forward tipping dumper, etc. These aren't cheap to get and need refreshing. That cost is in the rate.
- Own plant vs. hire — A groundworker with their own 1.5-tonne micro-digger doesn't need to hire one. Their day rate will be higher than a labour-only worker, but the total job cost is often comparable or cheaper.
- Building Control — Foundation and drainage work typically needs Building Control inspection. Good groundworkers know how to dig to the right spec and get it passed first time. Cheaper operators can cost you more in delays and remedial work.
- Access — A rear garden only accessible through a 700mm side gate means hand-digging or a micro-digger. Both add time. Vehicular access to the work area drops cost significantly.
Are you a groundworker? Know your real rate.
Our free calculator works out the minimum you need to charge based on your overheads — including plant, fuel, insurance, and target income.
Calculate My Groundworker Rate ›Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does a groundworker charge per day in the UK?UK groundworkers typically charge £180–£280 per day nationally (labour only). London and South East groundworkers charge £280–£400/day. Plant hire is typically charged separately unless the groundworker owns their own machine.
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How much does groundwork cost for an extension?Groundworks for a single-storey extension typically cost £4,000–£12,000, varying enormously by soil type, foundation depth, drainage requirements, and access.
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Do groundworkers include plant hire in their rate?Not always. Some groundworkers own their plant and include it; others hire it and pass the cost through. Plant hire adds £150–£400/day. Always confirm what's included.
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What qualifications do groundworkers need?A CSCS card is required for managed sites. Plant operators need NPORS or CPCS cards per machine type. On domestic sites these aren't legally required but are a strong signal of competence.
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Do groundworkers charge VAT?Only if VAT registered (turnover over £90,000/year in 2025/26). Many smaller groundwork contractors are VAT registered due to turnover from materials. Confirm whether quotes include VAT before signing off.