West Midlands construction day rates 2026
HS2 works, Birmingham city-centre regeneration and the Commonwealth Games legacy have kept the West Midlands at the national mid-point or slightly above, with civils and rail roles commanding premiums.
All roles · West Midlands
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 | £120–140 | £15–18 |
| Skilled labourer | £135–155 | £17–19 |
| Groundworker | £165–195 | £21–24 |
| Steel fixer | £200–230 | £25–29 |
| Bricklayer | £220–260 | £28–32 |
| Joiner / carpenter | £205–245 | £26–31 |
| Plasterer / dryliner | £195–225 | £24–28 |
| Roofer | £200–240 | £25–30 |
| Painter & decorator | £170–200 | £21–25 |
| Scaffolder (Part 2) | £195–225 | £24–28 |
| Dumper / roller driver | £150–180 | £19–22 |
| Telehandler operator | £160–190 | £20–24 |
| 360 excavator operator | £185–215 | £23–27 |
| Electrician | £230–270 | £29–34 |
| Electrician's mate | £140–160 | £18–20 |
| Plumber | £215–255 | £27–32 |
| Pipefitter | £225–265 | £28–33 |
| Pipe welder (coded) | £270–330 | £34–41 |
| Site supervisor / foreman | £240–280 | £30–35 |
| Assistant site manager | £220–260 | £28–32 |
| Site manager | £275–325 | £34–41 |
| Site engineer | £265–315 | £33–39 |
| Quantity surveyor | £290–350 | £36–44 |
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 West Midlands
HS2 works, Birmingham city-centre regeneration and the Commonwealth Games legacy have kept the West Midlands at the national mid-point or slightly above, with civils and rail roles commanding premiums.
- 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.
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