What is the earning potential of the average plumber?

On qualifying with a full NVQ Level 3 qualification and in full time employment you can expect to be earning around £18,000 a year and this could rise up to around £25,000 after five or more years. 

An experienced self-employed tradesperson can earn between £30,000 - £40,000 a year BUT out of this will come tax, insurance, parking, petrol, tools and membership of professional organisations.

You may need to pay for annual memberships, for example, to the Approved Contractors’ Schemes which are members of WaterSafe, for Gas Safe registration if you work with gas and OFTEC registration if you work with oil.

If working in London the rates of pay will be higher but the overheads are likely to be more expensive, such as congestion charge and parking.

Please note: Plumbers work hard for the money they earn. The hours can be long, call outs can mean you work at unsociable hours and it’s not unusual to find yourself working more than five days a week (especially if self-employed).