Self Employed Painter and Decorator Hourly Rate in the UK: What You Should Really Charge in 2025

If you’re a self-employed painter and decorator in the UK, understanding how to set your hourly rate is critical to your success. It directly affects your earnings, competitiveness, and sustainability as a sole trader.

With the rise in demand for professional tradespeople and the increasing cost of living, many decorators are reconsidering what they should be charging. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to review your current pricing, this guide helps you explore what other self-employed decorators are charging, what influences those rates, and how you can confidently set yours in 2025.

What Is the Average Hourly Rate for a Self Employed Painter and Decorator in the UK? 

Depending on your location and level of expertise, the typical hourly wage for a self-employed painter and decorator in the UK in 2025 will range from £20 to £35. In London and the South East, that figure can rise to £40 per hour or more, especially for specialized work or urgent bookings.

Many decorators provide the option of billing by the task or by the hour. Hourly rates are often used for smaller or less predictable projects where the scope may change. On the other hand, pricing per job is more common for larger, well-defined projects such as full-room redecorations or exteriors, where a fixed quote provides certainty for the client.

It’s also worth noting that interior and exterior work can command different rates. Exterior decorating tends to be more labor-intensive and comes with additional risks and preparation, meaning decorators often add a premium of 10–20% to their hourly or day rate for these types of jobs.

Factors That Influence How Much You Should Charge

Your hourly rate should reflect a range of variables beyond just your time.

• Experience is one of the most important factors. If you’re new to the trade, you may start at the lower end of the scale (£18–£22/hour). But as you build experience, gather positive reviews, and specialise in more advanced techniques like wallpapering or spraying, you can command higher rates. Experienced decorators with ten or more years under their belt, or those offering premium services, regularly charge £30–£40 per hour or more.
• Geographic location also plays a significant role. If you’re based in London, for example, you can charge more due to the higher cost of living and increased demand. In contrast, rates in smaller towns and rural areas may be lower due to local pricing norms and market expectations.
• The nature of the job matters, too. A straightforward repaint in a small room won’t justify the same rate as a stairwell redecoration involving extensive preparation, ladder work, or decorative detailing.
• Travel time and logistics should also influence your pricing. If you’re covering a large service area, consider including your fuel costs, time on the road, and setup time within your hourly rate.

Finally, think about whether you’re supplying materials. If you’re providing the paint, brushes, and consumables, you should factor those into your quote — either as a flat charge or as part of a markup on your hourly rate. If the client is supplying materials, your rate still needs to reflect your time, expertise, and overheads.

Realistic Hourly Rate Ranges in 2025 by Region

Here’s a breakdown of average self-employed decorator rates across the UK:

Region	Hourly Rate (Low–High)	Notes
London	£25 – £40+	High demand and cost of living
South East	£22 – £35	Generally affluent with solid demand
Midlands	£20 – £30	Competitive yet accessible pricing
North West	£18 – £28	Slightly lower rates in smaller towns
Scotland/Wales	£18 – £30	Varies by town size and population

These figures refer to labour-only rates. Material costs and VAT (if applicable) are generally added separately.

Pricing Per Hour vs Pricing Per Job – Which Is Better?

Whether to charge by the hour or quote a flat rate per job depends on the type of work and the client’s expectations.

• Hourly rates are ideal when you’re handling small tasks, unpredictable projects, or work where the scope may change day by day. It allows flexibility and ensures you’re fairly compensated for unexpected additions or delays.
• Per-job pricing is more straightforward for larger projects. If you’re repainting several rooms or an entire property, it may be more efficient to offer a fixed price based on your estimated time and materials. Clients often prefer this approach as it gives them a clear cost upfront.

Whichever you choose, make sure you’re clear and professional in your communication. Providing a written quote that details what’s included — and what’s not — helps manage expectations and builds trust.

Hidden Costs You Should Factor into Your Hourly Rate

Being self-employed means you must think like a business owner. Your hourly rate should account for far more than just the hours spent with a brush in hand.

• Tool wear and maintenance is an ongoing cost. Brushes, rollers, masking tape, ladders, and even vans need replacing or repairing over time. These expenses should be included in your overheads.
• Insurance and compliance are also essential. Public liability insurance, self-employment National Insurance contributions, and possibly van insurance can quickly add up.
• Then there’s the unpaid time — quoting, customer service, scheduling, and cleaning. You may not charge for these hours directly, but your rate should be high enough to support the time spent keeping your business running.

If you’re not charging for travel separately, make sure to include a buffer in your hourly rate to cover fuel and time spent in transit.

How to Increase Your Hourly Rate as a Painter and Decorator?

To grow your income, focus on improving your value — not just your prices.

• Positive reviews, word of mouth, and professional presentation go a long way. A branded van, a tidy appearance, and strong communication build trust and allow you to justify a higher rate.
• You can also upskill. Learning specialist techniques like airless spraying, Venetian plastering, or mural work allows you to move into premium market segments with less competition and higher margins.
• Narrowing your focus can help, too. Positioning yourself as a kitchen cabinet refinisher, heritage decorator, or commercial painter means you can charge based on your niche — not your competitors.

When you consistently deliver high-quality results with a professional approach, clients are often willing to pay more for peace of mind.

How to Set a Fair Yet Profitable Hourly Rate?

Start by understanding your own break-even point. Work out your monthly business expenses — fuel, insurance, tools, admin, and tax contributions. Add your target income on top. Then divide that by the number of hours you can realistically bill each month.

Let’s say your total monthly costs and income goal come to £3,500. If you can bill for 100 hours a month (accounting for admin and time off), you’d need to charge at least £35/hour just to break even.

Make sure your rate covers all hidden hours and responsibilities — quoting, collecting materials, travel, and paperwork. If you forget to include these, you could be earning less than minimum wage even while charging £30/hour on paper.

Conclusion

Understanding the self employed painter and decorator hourly rate in the UK is about more than copying what others charge. It’s about running a sustainable, professional business that supports your income, expenses, and future growth.

In 2025, typical rates range from £20 to £35 per hour, with experienced or specialist decorators comfortably charging £40 or more. By accounting for all your business costs, communicating your value, and refining your services, you can confidently set — and raise — your rate without losing work.

FAQs About Painter and Decorator Rates

 

Should I charge more for urgent or weekend work?

Yes, it’s standard to charge 10–20% extra for evenings, weekends, or short-notice bookings. This compensates for working unsociable hours and rearranging your schedule.

What if the customer supplies the paint?

Even if the paint is supplied, your rate should remain the same — your value lies in the labour, preparation, and finish you provide, not just the materials.

Do I need to register for VAT as a self-employed decorator?

Only if your turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (currently £90,000). If you’re under the limit, you don’t need to charge VAT — but you must clearly state this on your invoices.