East of England construction day rates 2026
Cambridge's lab and science building boom, Sizewell C, Freeport East and A-road upgrades keep East of England rates a touch above the national average, with sharp local spikes around Cambridge itself.
All roles · East of England
Gross day rates for temp workers, labour only, 8–10 hour day. Employer charge rates are typically 20–35% higher.
| Role | Day rate (gross) | Approx. hourly (8 hr) |
|---|---|---|
| General labourer | £125–145 | £16–18 |
| Skilled labourer | £140–165 | £18–21 |
| Groundworker | £170–200 | £21–25 |
| Steel fixer | £205–240 | £26–30 |
| Bricklayer | £230–270 | £29–34 |
| Joiner / carpenter | £215–255 | £27–32 |
| Plasterer / dryliner | £200–235 | £25–29 |
| Roofer | £210–245 | £26–31 |
| Painter & decorator | £175–210 | £22–26 |
| Scaffolder (Part 2) | £200–235 | £25–29 |
| Dumper / roller driver | £160–185 | £20–23 |
| Telehandler operator | £165–195 | £21–24 |
| 360 excavator operator | £190–225 | £24–28 |
| Electrician | £240–280 | £30–35 |
| Electrician's mate | £145–170 | £18–21 |
| Plumber | £225–265 | £28–33 |
| Pipefitter | £235–275 | £29–34 |
| Pipe welder (coded) | £280–345 | £35–43 |
| Site supervisor / foreman | £250–290 | £31–36 |
| Assistant site manager | £230–270 | £29–34 |
| Site manager | £285–335 | £36–42 |
| Site engineer | £275–325 | £34–41 |
| Quantity surveyor | £300–365 | £38–46 |
Guide only. The rate for any job depends on experience, tickets, shift pattern and duration, and is agreed before anyone starts. Sources: agency salary guides, trade surveys and live adverts, reviewed Sep 2026.
What moves rates in the East of England
Cambridge's lab and science building boom, Sizewell C, Freeport East and A-road upgrades keep East of England rates a touch above the national average, with sharp local spikes around Cambridge itself.
- Tickets. Extra cards (slinger, 2391, Advanced scaffold, CPCS additions) add £10–30 a day.
- Shift pattern. Nights, weekends and 12-hour days attract 20–50% uplifts.
- Duration. Short fills cost more per day than long ones.
- Travel. Remote sites carry travel and lodge allowances on top of the day rate.
Hiring in the East of England?
Post a requirement and we'll quote a rate for your site, with workers usually within 24 hours.
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Tell us what you're working on and what you need. We reply the same working day, and usually within the hour during site hours.