South East construction day rates 2026
The South East is the busiest housebuilding region outside London, with large garden-village schemes, the Thames Gateway and coastal regeneration. Rates run about 10% above the national mid-point, higher inside the M25 fringe.
All roles · South 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 | £130–155 | £16–19 |
| Skilled labourer | £145–170 | £18–21 |
| Groundworker | £180–215 | £22–27 |
| Steel fixer | £220–255 | £28–32 |
| Bricklayer | £245–285 | £31–36 |
| Joiner / carpenter | £230–265 | £29–33 |
| Plasterer / dryliner | £215–250 | £27–31 |
| Roofer | £225–260 | £28–32 |
| Painter & decorator | £185–220 | £23–28 |
| Scaffolder (Part 2) | £215–250 | £27–31 |
| Dumper / roller driver | £165–195 | £21–24 |
| Telehandler operator | £175–210 | £22–26 |
| 360 excavator operator | £200–240 | £25–30 |
| Electrician | £255–295 | £32–37 |
| Electrician's mate | £150–180 | £19–22 |
| Plumber | £240–280 | £30–35 |
| Pipefitter | £250–290 | £31–36 |
| Pipe welder (coded) | £295–365 | £37–46 |
| Site supervisor / foreman | £265–310 | £33–39 |
| Assistant site manager | £245–285 | £31–36 |
| Site manager | £305–355 | £38–44 |
| Site engineer | £295–345 | £37–43 |
| Quantity surveyor | £315–385 | £39–48 |
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 South East
The South East is the busiest housebuilding region outside London, with large garden-village schemes, the Thames Gateway and coastal regeneration. Rates run about 10% above the national mid-point, higher inside the M25 fringe.
- 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 South East?
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.