Construction day rates in London & Essex
A practical benchmark for contractors, quantity surveyors and tradespeople planning labour budgets in 2026. Rates are labour-only, excluding VAT and materials, for a typical 9-hour site day.
Day rates in construction move with demand, skill shortages, travel distances and the complexity of the project. The figures below are based on the 2026 market across London and Essex, reflecting the National Living Wage increase to £12.71/hr from April 2026 and the labour premiums that apply inside the M25 and central London postcodes.
Use these numbers as a quick sense-check for quotes, daywork sheets and tender allowances. For an exact rate for your site — especially for long-term, skilled or carded roles — call us and we will quote the same day.
London construction day rates
London carries a 30–45% premium over the Home Counties, with central London and high-spec residential at the top of each range.
| Role | Day rate (labour only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Labourer | £150 – £200 / day | CSCS green card; 9-hr site day |
| Traffic Marshal | £170 – £220 / day | CSCS + marshal ticket |
| Groundworker | £220 – £320 / day | CSCS; CPCS/NPORS plant premium |
| Bricklayer | £250 – £350 / day | CSCS gold; gang rates higher |
| Carpenter / Joiner | £240 – £350 / day | CSCS gold; NVQ L2/L3 |
| Electrician | £280 – £400 / day | JIB/ECS; 18th edition |
| Plumber / Heating Engineer | £250 – £400 / day | Gas Safe premium +£50-80/day |
| Plasterer | £220 – £320 / day | CSCS gold; dry lining & rendering |
| Painter & Decorator | £180 – £280 / day | Spray/heritage skills at top end |
| Roofer | £250 – £380 / day | Flat roofing & leadwork premium |
| Tiler | £220 – £350 / day | Wet room & large-format premium |
| Scaffolder | £250 – £400 / day | CISRS Part 1/2; advanced scaffolder higher |
| Site Manager | £300 – £500 / day | SMSTS + CSCS black; project size drives rate |
| Contracts Manager | £400 – £700 / day | Permanent salary equiv. £65k-£100k+ |
Essex construction day rates
Essex rates are broadly in line with the South East outside London. Basildon, Chelmsford and Southend sit at the upper end; rural and northern Essex sit at the lower end.
| Role | Day rate (labour only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Labourer | £120 – £170 / day | CSCS green card; 9-hr site day |
| Traffic Marshal | £130 – £180 / day | CSCS + marshal ticket |
| Groundworker | £180 – £300 / day | CSCS; CPCS/NPORS plant premium |
| Bricklayer | £220 – £350 / day | CSCS gold; gang rates higher |
| Carpenter / Joiner | £220 – £350 / day | CSCS gold; NVQ L2/L3 |
| Electrician | £250 – £380 / day | JIB/ECS; 18th edition |
| Plumber / Heating Engineer | £240 – £380 / day | Gas Safe premium +£40-70/day |
| Plasterer | £180 – £300 / day | CSCS gold; dry lining & rendering |
| Painter & Decorator | £160 – £240 / day | Spray/heritage skills at top end |
| Roofer | £220 – £360 / day | Flat roofing & leadwork premium |
| Tiler | £180 – £300 / day | Wet room & large-format premium |
| Scaffolder | £220 – £380 / day | CISRS Part 1/2; advanced scaffolder higher |
| Site Manager | £300 – £500 / day | SMSTS + CSCS black; project size drives rate |
| Contracts Manager | £400 – £700 / day | Permanent salary equiv. £55k-£90k+ |
What changes the rate?
- • Location: Central London commands the highest premium; Essex varies by town and travel distance.
- • Cards & qualifications: CSCS, CPCS, NPORS, SMSTS, JIB/ECS and Gas Safe all add value.
- • Duration: Long-term placements usually secure a lower day rate; emergency one-day cover costs more.
- • Hours: A standard site day is 9 hours; overtime, night shifts and weekends attract premium pay.
- • Plant & PPE: Operatives with their own tools, van or small plant often charge at the top end.
- • Agency vs direct: Agency supply includes compliance, insurance and replacement cover in the all-in rate.
Need workers at these rates?
We supply vetted, carded labourers and trades across London, Essex and the South East — often with same-day availability.
Hire workersLooking for work?
Register with Wilding Recruitment and get access to temporary and permanent roles matched to your trade and location.
Register as a workerQuestions about a specific rate or role?
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