North East construction day rates 2026
Teesworks, Nissan and battery plant work, and offshore wind at Blyth push civils and M&E rates above the regional norm for trades. General building rates remain among the lowest in England.
All roles · North East
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 | £110–130 | £14–16 |
| Skilled labourer | £125–145 | £16–18 |
| Groundworker | £150–180 | £19–22 |
| Steel fixer | £180–215 | £22–27 |
| Bricklayer | £205–240 | £26–30 |
| Joiner / carpenter | £190–225 | £24–28 |
| Plasterer / dryliner | £180–210 | £22–26 |
| Roofer | £185–220 | £23–28 |
| Painter & decorator | £155–185 | £19–23 |
| Scaffolder (Part 2) | £180–210 | £22–26 |
| Dumper / roller driver | £140–165 | £18–21 |
| Telehandler operator | £150–175 | £19–22 |
| 360 excavator operator | £170–200 | £21–25 |
| Electrician | £210–250 | £26–31 |
| Electrician's mate | £125–150 | £16–19 |
| Plumber | £200–235 | £25–29 |
| Pipefitter | £205–245 | £26–31 |
| Pipe welder (coded) | £250–305 | £31–38 |
| Site supervisor / foreman | £220–260 | £28–32 |
| Assistant site manager | £205–240 | £26–30 |
| Site manager | £255–300 | £32–38 |
| Site engineer | £245–290 | £31–36 |
| Quantity surveyor | £265–325 | £33–41 |
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 North East
Teesworks, Nissan and battery plant work, and offshore wind at Blyth push civils and M&E rates above the regional norm for trades. General building rates remain among the lowest in England.
- 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 North East?
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