Window Fitter / Glazier Day Rate UK 2026: £180-350/Day, £32-58/Hour by Region
Written by Tom Ellis · Senior Trades Editor
Last updated: August 2026
Quick Answer
A window fitter or glazier in the UK charges an average of £250 per day in 2026. Hourly rates run from £32-42/hr nationally. In London, expect £42-58/hr (£336-464/day). In the Midlands and North, rates are typically £28-40/hr (£224-320/day). FENSA registration is important for compliance on replacement window and door work. Most standard UPVC window fitting is quoted at £100-200 per window for labour only.
What Do Window Fitters and Glaziers Charge in 2026?
Window fitting and glazing is a trade where pricing varies considerably depending on the type of work, the materials involved, and the region. In 2026, the national average day rate for a window fitter or glazier sits at around £250 per day, with hourly rates typically ranging from £32 to £42 per hour nationally.
Standard UPVC window replacement, which forms the bulk of domestic window fitting work in the UK, is often quoted per unit rather than per day. Labour-only costs for fitting a standard casement window run from £100-200 per window depending on size, accessibility, and region. A working day typically covers 3-5 standard UPVC replacements. For larger projects such as a full house re-window, expect labour costs of £800-2,000 depending on the number of units, size, and regional rates.
Specialist glazing commands higher rates. Heritage window restoration using traditional joinery methods, installation of leaded lights, fire-rated glazing for commercial buildings, or curtain walling on commercial or residential developments all attract rates well above standard UPVC installation. These specialisms require additional skills, certification, and often specialist tools.
FENSA registration is a significant factor in the window fitting market. FENSA-registered installers can self-certify that replacement window and door installations comply with Building Regulations, which is a requirement in England and Wales. Homeowners selling a property where windows were replaced after April 2002 need a FENSA certificate or equivalent Building Control sign-off. FENSA registration adds credibility and is expected by most domestic clients and letting agents.
London and the South East carry the largest regional premium. A London window fitter with FENSA registration and strong reviews will commonly charge £42-58/hr (£336-464/day). In the Midlands and North, rates are typically £28-40/hr (£224-320/day).
For a full comparison of window fitter rates alongside all UK trades, see the tradesman day rates UK 2026 guide.
Window Fitter / Glazier Rates by Region (2026)
| Region | Hourly Rate | Day Rate (8 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| London | £42-58/hr | £336-464 |
| South East | £36-50/hr | £288-400 |
| South West | £32-44/hr | £256-352 |
| East Anglia | £31-43/hr | £248-344 |
| Midlands | £28-40/hr | £224-320 |
| North West | £28-39/hr | £224-312 |
| North East | £26-36/hr | £208-288 |
| Yorkshire | £27-38/hr | £216-304 |
| Wales | £25-35/hr | £200-280 |
| Scotland | £29-40/hr | £232-320 |
| Northern Ireland | £25-35/hr | £200-280 |
Rates are indicative benchmarks for 2026 based on market data. Specialist glazing and heritage work may attract higher rates. Local conditions may vary.
Window Fitter / Glazier Rates by Experience Level
Experience and specialisation drive significant differences in day rates within window fitting and glazing.
| Experience Level | Typical Day Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Junior / Starting Out (0-3 years) | £180-220/day | Standard UPVC fitting, working alongside senior fitter, building FENSA registration |
| Mid-Level (4-7 years) | £220-290/day | Independent residential projects, FENSA registered, good range of frame types |
| Experienced (8+ years) | £290-350/day | Heritage glazing, commercial work, curtain walling, specialist glass types |
What Factors Affect a Window Fitter's Day Rate?
- Location: London and the South East consistently command the highest rates. City-based fitters generally earn more than those operating in rural areas, even at equivalent experience levels.
- FENSA registration: FENSA registration is a practical necessity for domestic replacement window work in England and Wales. Unregistered installers require Building Control sign-off for each project, adding cost and admin. FENSA registration is a baseline expectation from professional clients and estate agents.
- Window type and material: Standard UPVC casement windows are the most common and most straightforward. Aluminium, timber, sash, or heritage-style windows require additional skill and time. Fire-rated, safety, or acoustic glazing for commercial applications commands a further premium.
- Project size: Larger projects with multiple windows provide economies of scale for the installer (less travel per unit) and may justify a lower per-unit cost for the client, while still delivering a higher total daily output for the fitter.
- Accessibility: Upper-floor windows, roof lights, bay windows, or windows on listed buildings all add complexity and time, and should be priced accordingly.
- Supply-only vs supply-and-fit: Fitters who supply the windows as well as fit them can earn a margin on the product in addition to the labour. Labour-only fitters earn solely on their time but take on less financial risk.
How to Set Your Window Fitting Day Rate
Setting a sustainable day rate for window fitting requires a clear calculation of your costs and a realistic view of your billable output:
- Total annual costs: Van costs, fuel, tools (including specialist kit for different frame types), FENSA registration and renewal fees, public liability insurance, marketing, and accounting fees. Add your target take-home pay.
- Billable day estimate: Window fitters typically work 190-220 billable days per year, depending on the mix of project lengths and how efficiently the pipeline is managed.
- Per-unit pricing check: Work out how many standard windows you can install per day (typically 3-5 for UPVC replacements). Multiply by your per-window labour rate and check this equals or exceeds your required day rate.
- Differentiate by complexity: Set higher per-window rates for bay windows, shaped frames, upper-floor access, or specialist glass types. Do not charge heritage restoration work at UPVC rates.
- Review annually: Glass and frame costs have risen with energy prices and supply chain pressures. Review your rates at the start of each year and ensure your margin is intact.
For more on pricing strategy, see: how to price a job as a tradesman and how to increase your day rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a window fitter or glazier charge per day in the UK in 2026?
The national average is around £250 per day. Hourly rates are typically £32-42/hr nationally. London fitters charge £42-58/hr (£336-464/day). The Midlands and North run £28-40/hr. Standard UPVC window fitting is often quoted at £100-200 per window for labour only.
What is FENSA and why does it matter?
FENSA is a government-authorised scheme allowing registered window and door installers to self-certify Building Regulations compliance for replacement installations in England and Wales. A FENSA certificate is required when selling a property where windows were replaced after April 2002. Non-registered installers require local authority Building Control sign-off for each project.
How much does it cost to fit a window in the UK?
Labour-only costs for fitting a standard UPVC casement window range from £100-200 per window. A full day covers 3-5 standard windows. Full house re-window labour costs range from £800-2,000 depending on the number of units, size, and region.
What factors affect a window fitter's day rate?
Location, FENSA registration, window type and material, project size, accessibility, and whether the fitter supplies the windows or fits supply-only units all influence rates.
What is the difference between a window fitter and a glazier?
A window fitter installs complete window units. A glazier works specifically with glass, including cutting, shaping, and specialist installation. Many tradespeople work across both disciplines for standard domestic work.
Do window fitters charge per window or per day?
Both models are used. Per-window pricing suits straightforward UPVC replacement jobs. Day rates apply to larger projects, commercial work, or complex installations. Many fitters quote a fixed price based on an estimated number of days.
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