One of the most common questions asked by both homeowners and new tradespeople is what is the self employed painter and decorator hourly rate in the UK?

The quick answer is:

In 2025, the average self-employed painter and decorator in the UK charges between £18 and £30 per hour, depending on their location, experience, job complexity, and whether materials are included.

This guide breaks down current hourly and day rates, how decorators set their pricing, what influences costs, and what both clients and professionals should expect in today’s market.

Self Employed Painter and Decorator Hourly Rate in the UK

The cost of hiring a self-employed painter or decorator is typically more flexible than using a large company.

However, rates can vary considerably based on several key factors, such as type of work, experience, and geographic location.

Current Average Rates in 2025

Self-employed decorators typically charge:

• Low-end hourly rate: £15 – £18 (entry-level or rural-based professionals)
• Mid-range hourly rate: £20 – £25 (standard interior or exterior work)
• High-end hourly rate: £25 – £30+ (experienced decorators in cities or for premium finishes)

These figures generally reflect labour-only pricing, with extras like materials and travel potentially charged on top.

Typical Day Rates for 2025

Many decorators offer a day rate for longer or full-day projects. This is often preferred by clients for full rooms or larger projects, as it’s easier to estimate the total cost.

Type of Work	Average Hourly Rate	Day Rate Estimate
Interior Painting	£18 – £25	£140 – £200
Exterior Painting	£20 – £30	£160 – £240
Wallpapering	£20 – £30	£160 – £220
Prep & Undercoat Only	£15 – £20	£120 – £160
Decorative Finishes	£25 – £40	£200 – £300+

A full-time self-employed painter or decorator working 5 days a week could earn £700 to £1,200 per week, depending on the jobs taken and region.

Why Hire a Self-Employed Painter and Decorator?

Many homeowners prefer hiring independent decorators over big firms for several reasons:

• Lower overheads often lead to more competitive pricing
• Direct contact with the person doing the work ensures better communication
• Tailored quotes rather than fixed package pricing
• Greater flexibility with working hours and schedules
• Local reputation and word-of-mouth often mean strong quality assurance

Self-employed decorators tend to be more hands-on, reliable, and responsive, especially for residential and custom work.

How Do Self-Employed Painters and Decorators Set Their Rates?

Every decorator has their own approach to pricing. Some offer clear hourly or daily rates, while others quote based on the job.

Do They Charge by the Hour, Day, or Project?

• Hourly rates are common for small jobs or touch-ups
• Day rates are usually offered for room makeovers or multi-day work
• Project rates are quoted for full property renovations or more complex contracts

The choice depends on the job size, expected time, and customer preference.

What’s Usually Included in Their Rates?

An hourly or day rate may include:

• Time spent on site (labour)
• Use of standard tools and equipment
• Minor surface prep (e.g., filling, sanding)

Not typically included:

• Paint, wallpaper, or specialist finishes
• Protective sheeting or scaffolding
• Waste removal or post-job cleaning
• Parking fees, congestion charges
• Travel costs (for jobs beyond the local area)

What Affects a Painter and Decorator’s Hourly Rate?

Several key factors influence how much a self-employed decorator will charge.

Key Factors That Influence Pricing

• Type of service – e.g., painting walls vs. applying designer wallpaper
• Job complexity – intricate work or prep-heavy jobs cost more
• Surface condition – uneven or damaged walls require extra time
• Experience and skill level – more seasoned professionals may charge more
• Geographic location – rates in London are higher than in smaller towns
• Supply and demand – higher demand in urban areas can drive prices up
• Inclusions – whether materials, travel, and VAT are included
• Overheads – such as public liability insurance or van upkeep

Regional Differences in Painter and Decorator Rates

Location plays a big role in determining what decorators can charge. Below is a guide to average hourly rates across the UK.

Region	Average Hourly Rate
London & South East	£25 – £35
Midlands	£20 – £28
North West & Yorkshire	£18 – £25
Scotland	£17 – £23
Wales	£17 – £22
Rural Areas	£15 – £22

Urban centres tend to attract higher charges due to cost of living, fuel, and demand. However, decorators in rural areas may offer more affordable rates with fewer overheads.

Conclusion: Self Employed Painter and Decorator Hourly Rate in the UK

In 2025, the average self employed painter and decorator hourly rate in the UK is between £18 and £30 per hour, with some charging more in high-demand or high-cost areas.

These rates reflect not just painting time, but experience, prep work, tools, and business overheads.

Hiring a self-employed decorator remains a smart choice for quality, flexibility, and value — whether it’s a single room refresh or a full property makeover.

For tradespeople, staying competitive while covering real costs is the key to long-term success in the industry.

FAQs – Self Employed Painter and Decorator Hourly Rate

1. Is £25 per hour too much for a self-employed painter?

No — in areas like London or for highly skilled work, £25–£30 per hour is entirely reasonable and within the 2025 average range.

2. Do customers prefer hourly rates or full job quotes?

Most clients prefer fixed project quotes for clarity, but hourly rates work well for smaller or ongoing jobs.

3. Should materials be included in the hourly rate?

Not necessarily. Many decorators offer quotes for labour only, allowing clients to choose their preferred materials.

4. Are decorators required to charge VAT?

Only if they earn above the UK VAT threshold (currently £90,000). Most solo tradespeople fall below this and do not charge VAT.