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Get the Most From Your Trade: How to Earn £12,000 More Than the National Average

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on May 21, 2019

5 min read

Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Southend revealed as the best place for traders, with the highest number of businesses and vacancies in the UK.
Brighton’s brickies earn the most in the UK, up to £43,240, which is £12,000 more than the national average.
Crusader Vans have researched the best places for each trade around the country comparing metrics such as salary, vacancies, and the number of businesses.

Want to know the best cities for your trade? Crusader Vans latest research looks into the number of vacancies, average salary, and businesses around the UK to help you make the right decision.

Best Locations for the Trade
A valued profession, working as a brickie, sparky or any other trader can get you onto the career ladder quickly and offers solid opportunities for personal growth and income. If you’re looking to relocate or want to get the most from your trade – here are the best locations in the UK:

Southend – If you’re looking for a new job, and a change of scenery, Southend is the top contender. It has the second highest average salary across all the trades (£32,335) in the UK, just behind London (£36,233). With over 9 businesses per 1,000 people and the second highest amount of vacancies, over 16 per 1,000 – it is one of the best locations for vacancies and businesses in the electrical trades.

Wolverhampton – Located in the West Midlands, Wolverhampton has an average of £26,348 across all the trades. It also has the highest amount of vacancies, with 21 jobs per 1,000 people, particularly for those in the wood trades.

Manchester – Being the second most populous urban area in the UK, there are over 13 jobs per 1,000 people, making it a popular choice after the capital city. With an average salary of £26,000, it is one of the best locations if you’re looking for a job in the electrical trades, and if you’re looking to start your own painting and decorating business – Manchester is the place to be.

Coventry – Also part of the West Midlands, Coventry should be added to your prospects list if you’re looking for jobs in the wood trades, or want to start a business in the electrical trades. Coventry remains just above the average salary for tradesmen in the UK at £26,972, compared to £26,738.

York – A move to the north east may help you climb the career ladder – with the average salary in the city being £24,393 for tradesmen. With nearly 14 jobs per 1,000 people, it is also the best location for vacancies in electrical trades and independent plumbing businesses.

Trades Earning the Most

Bricklayers – Not only does Brighton top the list for the best location for independent businesses (joint with London) but also the average salary. Brickies can earn around £43,240 in this seaside town, which is £12,000 more than the UK average of £31,217.

Glaziers – If you’re a glazier, a move to Bradford may be in your favour, with the highest salary being £37,412. Always being in demand across the UK, the research found London and Newcastle were the best locations for the number of job vacancies open.

Electrical Trades – With iconic skylines and bright lights, it’s no surprise that sparkies earn the most in London, around £34,986, nearly £6,000 more than the national average. If you’re looking for a new job, Southend has the highest amount of job vacancies available – and Southend, Coventry, and Liverpool are the best locations for independent businesses.

Scaffolders – A growing business hub, an increasing amount of construction is taking place in the city. The national average salary for the trade is £28,514 – Birmingham’s scaffolders earn the most in the country with an average salary of £34,892.

Plumbers – Plumbers in Southend earn the most in the country with an average salary of £34,103, nearly £6,000 more than the UK average which is £28,163. The lowest average salary for the profession is £26,808 in Bradford – with Sunderland being the best location for job vacancies.

Wood Trades – If you’re a chippy, you may be interested in moving to Newcastle to make the most money, with the average salary being around £33,614. A popular trade, there’s a number of locations where you can find a job – but Coventry and Brighton were the best locations for job vacancies overall.

Roofers – If you want to earn £6,000 more than the national average, roofers can earn up to £29,140 in London. Being the largest city in the UK – keeping the roofs over 8.8 million peoples heads means there’s a great demand. If you’re looking to set up an independent business, the research revealed Sunderland and Newcastle as the best locations for the trade.

Painters and Decorators – With the number of construction projects increasing, the demand for painter and decorators is too. Whilst the average salary for the trade is £23,725 – Peterborough has the highest average salary for the trade at £28,785, with Dundee being the best location for independent businesses.

Plasterers – Often referred to as one of the hardest trades, plasterers can earn up to £29,610 in London, compared to the national average of £25,154. Whilst Liverpool had the highest number of job vacancies available.

The Trader Hotspots

To read more about trader hotspots or to view the full list by Crusader Vans, click here.