Tradesman Day Rates in Nottingham 2026
Written by Tom Ellis · Senior Trades Editor
Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
- Electrician: £235/day (national median £240)
- Plumber: £220/day (national median £225)
- Gas engineer: £240/day (national median £245)
- Roofer: £205/day (national median £210)
- Builder: £195/day (national median £200)
- Source: Sleepless Tradesman UK Trades Rate Index 2026 (n = 847)
- CITB projects a shortfall of 250,000 trade workers by 2028 — rates are rising nationally
By Sleepless Tradesman · Updated June 2026
Nottingham and the East Midlands track just below the national median for tradesperson day rates. Figures below are drawn from the Sleepless Tradesman UK Trades Rate Index 2026 (n=847 verified quotes). All rates are labour only; materials are charged separately unless stated.
Nottingham day rates by trade (2026)
| Trade | Nottingham Day Rate | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | £235 | £240 | £5 |
| Plumber | £220 | £225 | £5 |
| Gas Engineer | £240 | £245 | £5 |
| Roofer | £205 | £210 | £5 |
| Plasterer | £185 | £190 | £5 |
| Carpenter | £210 | £215 | £5 |
| Painter & Decorator | £160 | £165 | £5 |
| Builder | £195 | £200 | £5 |
Source: Sleepless Tradesman UK Trades Rate Index 2026. Rates are median labour-only day rates. Individual quotes will vary based on job complexity and location within Nottingham.
Typical job costs in Nottingham
The ranges below include both labour and materials at Nottingham market prices. Actual quotes will vary based on the age of your property, access, and specification.
Consumer unit replacement
£437 – £631
Full bathroom refurbishment
£5,335 – £9,215
House rewire (3-bed)
£3,395 – £5,335
New boiler installation
£2,134 – £3,492
Roof repair (minor)
£291 – £582
Why Nottingham Trade Rates Are Rising in 2026
National skills shortage — and it is worsening
The CITB projects a shortfall of 250,000 trade workers nationally by 2028. Apprenticeship starts have fallen by approximately 170,000 over the past decade, a decline driven partly by the expansion of university entry — the same generation that might have become electricians and plumbers instead graduated with £45,000 in student loan debt. Fewer new entrants means tightening supply against growing demand across every region.
East Midlands Freeport — industrial and logistics build-out
East Midlands Freeport is one of only eight UK freeports, centred on East Midlands Airport and Ratcliffe-on-Soar. The freeport is attracting significant logistics, advanced manufacturing, and green energy investment, driving large-scale commercial construction across Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Commercial and industrial builds require qualified electricians, mechanical and electrical contractors, and civil engineers in volumes that domestic residential work alone could not generate.
Broadmarsh and Castle Quarter regeneration
Following the demolition of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, Nottingham's £600 million-plus Castle Quarter regeneration is under way — including a new transport interchange, public realm improvements, and residential development. Combined with the wider Station Quarter residential programme and the Waterside urban extension, Nottingham's city centre is in an extended phase of structural construction that is sustaining consistent demand for trades across the board.
Hourly vs day rates in Nottingham
Most tradespeople in Nottingham will quote a day rate for larger jobs (full rewires, bathroom fits, new extensions) and an hourly rate for smaller or reactive work.
- Hourly rate situations: emergency callouts, fault-finding visits, small repairs, and any job expected to take under half a day.
- Day rate situations: first-fix and second-fix installations, planned multi-day projects, and any job where the scope is clearly defined upfront.
- Day rates in Nottingham typically equate to 8-hour working days. Starting the job late or finishing early does not normally reduce the day rate.
- For emergency callouts outside business hours, expect a 1.5–2x surcharge on top of the standard hourly or day rate.
How to get a fair quote in Nottingham
- 1
Get at least 3 written quotes. Verbal quotes are easy to misremember. A written quote protects both parties and makes comparison easier.
- 2
Check relevant licences. Gas work requires Gas Safe registration. Electrical work should be carried out by an NICEIC or NAPIT-registered electrician who can self-certify.
- 3
Verify reviews and references. Ask for two recent references from Nottingham or nearby jobs. Check platforms such as Checkatrade and Sleepless Tradesman for verified reviews.
- 4
Confirm insurance. Any reputable tradesperson should carry public liability insurance of at least £1 million. Ask to see the certificate before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an electrician charge per day in Nottingham in 2026?
Electricians in Nottingham typically charge £215–£255 per day in 2026. Nottingham and the East Midlands track just below the national median. Materials are charged separately at cost plus a 15–25% markup.
How much does a plumber charge per day in Nottingham?
Plumbers in Nottingham charge approximately £205–£240 per day in 2026. Emergency callouts are charged at 1.5–2x the standard rate.
How much does a builder charge per hour in Nottingham?
Builders in Nottingham charge approximately £24–£29 per hour, equivalent to £180–£215 per day.
Do Nottingham tradesman rates differ from the national average?
Nottingham and the East Midlands track just below the national median. The national median across all trades is approximately £207 per day outside London.
How do I find a reliable tradesperson in Nottingham?
Get at least 3 written quotes, check licences (Gas Safe for gas work, NICEIC/NAPIT for electrical), verify reviews on Checkatrade or Sleepless Tradesman, and check the trader is insured.
Are Nottingham tradesman rates expected to reach the national median?
Nottingham rates are currently £5 below the national median across most trades — a very small gap that is likely to close within the next one to two years. The CITB projects a 250,000-worker national shortfall by 2028, and Nottingham has city-specific demand drivers in the East Midlands Freeport and the Broadmarsh regeneration that are absorbing local tradespeople. Electricians and gas engineers, who are in the shortest supply nationally, are the most likely to reach or exceed the national median first.
Related guides
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