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Painter and decorator rates in the UK vary by job complexity, preparation required, and region. From interior emulsion to exterior masonry and specialist finishes, this guide covers 2026 painting and decorating day rates and hourly charges across the UK.
Hourly rate
£18–£35
per hour
Day rate
£140–£270
per day
Call-out
£40–£70
minimum charge
Rates vary considerably across the UK. Here's what you can expect to pay in each region.
* Rates are typical market averages for 2026 based on industry survey data. Individual rates vary by experience, job type, and other factors.
Several factors determine how much a painter & decorator will charge for a job.
Good preparation is the most time-consuming part of decorating. Filling cracks, sanding woodwork, stripping old wallpaper, and applying primer can add 30–60% to overall costs but significantly improves the final finish.
Premium paints cost more but cover better and last longer. Quotes specifying trade-grade paints (e.g. Dulux Trade, Johnstone's) with 2–3 coats are worth more than budget single-coat alternatives.
Exterior painting is more physically demanding, weather-dependent, and may require scaffolding or ladders. Exterior rates are typically 20–30% higher than equivalent interior work.
Farrow & Ball-style estate finishes, limewash, wallpaper hanging, or specialist techniques like colour washing or rag rolling command premium rates due to the skill and time involved.
London painters and decorators charge 40–55% more than those in Northern England or Wales. South East rates are also significantly above the national average.
Official statistics to check these rates against, with a link to each source.
£32,421
Median annual pay for full-time employed painters and decorators in the UK, April 2026 (provisional). Self-employed rates have to cover overheads and unpaid time on top.
64,300
Painters and decorators in the UK who are self-employed, out of 82,200 in work.
Source: ONS Annual Population Survey (Nomis), Jul 2025 to Jun 2026
$49,400 (US)
Median pay for construction and maintenance painters in the United States in May 2025, or $23.75 an hour.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Up to 17 m² per litre
Published coverage of Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt, a common trade emulsion. Allow for less on porous or textured surfaces.
Source: Dulux Trade product page
Last reviewed: . Figures are the latest official releases at that date; follow each link for the full data and any later update.
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The average painter and decorator day rate in the UK is £140–£270/day in 2026. London rates are typically £210–£385/day. In Northern England and Wales, £118–£245/day is more common.
Decorating an average bedroom (walls, ceiling, woodwork) costs £300–£700 in labour in 2026. A larger living room or a room requiring wallpaper hanging can cost £500–£1,200. Prices vary by region and finish quality.
It varies. Some decorators include paint in their quote at a trade discount. Others quote labour only and expect you to supply paint. Supplying your own paint lets you choose the exact colour and brand, but confirm this arrangement before booking.
A standard bedroom with fresh emulsion and painted woodwork takes 1–2 days for an experienced decorator. Rooms requiring wallpaper, specialist finishes, or significant preparation work can take 2–4 days.
Professional decorators work faster, produce a higher-quality finish, and often charge less per hour than you might expect once you factor in your own time. For large rooms, high ceilings, or fine woodwork, the result typically justifies the cost. DIY is more cost-effective for small, straightforward jobs.
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