Plastering is a core building trade with strong and consistent demand from both new build and renovation markets. Skilled plasterers — particularly those offering specialist finishes or drylining on commercial sites — can earn well above the national average. Here is what plasterers earn in 2026.
For a broader comparison, see our Salary by Profession hub.
Employed Plasterer Salaries (2026)
| Experience level | Typical annual salary |
|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | £11,000–£16,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 2) | £16,000–£22,000 |
| Newly qualified (NVQ Level 2) | £26,000–£31,000 |
| Experienced plasterer | £30,000–£38,000 |
| Senior plasterer / site supervisor | £36,000–£45,000 |
| Dryliner (specialist commercial) | £35,000–£48,000 |
Employed plasterers typically work for house builders, refurbishment contractors, or specialist fibrous plasterwork companies. Hourly rates for qualified plasterers generally run £14–£20/hour.
Self-Employed Plasterer Day Rates (2026)
Self-employment is common in plastering, particularly for residential work. Most experienced plasterers work as sole traders or CIS subcontractors.
| Region | Typical day rate | Typical annual gross (45 weeks, 5-day) |
|---|---|---|
| London and South East | £280–£380 | £63,000–£85,500 |
| Midlands / North West | £200–£260 | £45,000–£58,500 |
| Yorkshire / North East | £180–£240 | £40,500–£54,000 |
| Scotland | £200–£260 | £45,000–£58,500 |
| National average | £200–£280 | £45,000–£63,000 |
Self-employed plasterers supply their own materials on most residential jobs, which reduces the headline day rate. On labour-only contracts (common in new build), the full day rate is clear profit before tax and overheads.
Take-Home Pay on Plasterer Salaries (2026/27)
Employed plasterer
| Gross salary | Income tax | National Insurance | Take-home (annual) | Take-home (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £28,000 | £3,086 | £1,234 | £23,680 | £1,973 |
| £33,000 | £4,086 | £1,634 | £27,280 | £2,273 |
| £38,000 | £5,086 | £1,854 | £31,060 | £2,588 |
Self-employed plasterer (sole trader, before expenses)
| Gross earnings | Income tax | Class 4 NI | Take-home (annual) | Take-home (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £35,000 | £4,486 | £1,854 | £28,660 | £2,388 |
| £45,000 | £6,486 | £2,254 | £36,260 | £3,022 |
| £55,000 | £8,486 | £2,554 | £43,960 | £3,663 |
Self-employed earnings above are before allowable business expenses (materials, van, tools, insurance). See our self-employment tax guide.
Plasterer vs Other Trades: Salary Comparison
| Trade | Employed range | Self-employed (typical annual gross) |
|---|---|---|
| Plasterer | £28,000–£38,000 | £40,000–£60,000+ |
| Bricklayer | £32,000–£42,000 | £45,000–£70,000+ |
| Roofer | £27,000–£38,000 | £38,000–£60,000+ |
| Tiler | £26,000–£36,000 | £35,000–£55,000+ |
| Scaffolder | £30,000–£42,000 | £45,000–£65,000+ |
Plasterers typically earn slightly less than bricklayers and scaffolders but more than tilers and roofers at equivalent experience levels.
Plasterer Apprenticeships
The Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard in Plastering takes approximately 2 years. Apprentices are paid from day one and gain a qualification without student debt.
| Year | Minimum pay | Typical actual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (under 19 / first year) | £7.55/hour | £10–£13/hour |
| Year 2 (19+ in second year) | National Living Wage | £12–£16/hour |
After qualifying, plasterers typically move to employed or self-employed work and can reach £35,000+ within 3–5 years.
CIS and Self-Employment Tax
Most self-employed plasterers working on construction sites operate under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Contractors deduct 20% from payments as advance tax. Plasterers register their CIS deductions against their Self Assessment tax return and typically receive refunds if they have legitimate business expenses.
Keeping records of materials, van costs, tools, and insurance is essential to maximise allowable expenses and reduce the tax bill. See our CIS and self-employment guide for more detail.
Career Progression
| Stage | Earnings range |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | £11,000–£22,000 |
| Newly qualified | £26,000–£31,000 |
| Experienced employed plasterer | £30,000–£38,000 |
| Self-employed subcontractor | £40,000–£65,000+ gross |
| Specialist (ornamental, fibrous) | £50,000–£80,000+ gross |
| Site supervisor / contracts manager | £40,000–£55,000 |
See our bricklayer salary guide, tiler salary guide, and average salary UK guide.
What Does a Plasterer Do Day-to-Day?
Plastering covers a wide range of work. The core residential tasks are:
- Skimming — applying a thin finish coat of plaster over plasterboard or existing surfaces
- Rendering — applying sand and cement or specialist render to external walls
- Drylining — installing plasterboard on metal stud or dot-and-dab systems
- Coving and cornice work — fitting decorative features in period properties
- Fibrous plastering — casting and restoring ornamental plasterwork for listed buildings and high-end renovations
Commercial plasterers are more likely to specialise in large-scale drylining, suspended ceiling systems, and fire-rated partition work. These projects pay well but require CSCS cards and often working to tight contractor schedules.
Is Plastering in Demand in 2026?
The UK faces a structural shortage of skilled plasterers. The construction industry is under pressure to deliver the government’s 1.5 million home target by 2029 — and plastering is required at a late stage of every new build and refurbishment project. Renovation activity remains high as households upgrade existing properties rather than moving.
The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) consistently includes plastering on its shortage occupation indicators. This translates directly into sustained day rates for self-employed plasterers and strong hiring for employed positions.