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How Much Do Plasterers Earn in UK? – Become a Plasterer

In order to have an idea of the amount a plasterer is expected to make in the UK, you should clearly define the service offerings of a plasterer. A plasterer is a tradesman who works with plaster by forming a layer of plaster on an interior wall or other surfaces. Plasterers usually work on three main types of plastering such as solid plastering which involves applying wet finishes to surfaces and putting protective coverings like pebble-dashing et al on external walls.

They also create ornamental plasterwork such as ceiling roses, cornices, and architraves, using a mixture of plaster and short fibres, shaped with moulds and casts and lastly Plasterers work on dry lining that involves fixing internal plasterboard or wallboard partitions by fastening them together on a timber or metal frame ready for decorating.

How Much Income Do Plasterers Earn in UK?

So, with that in mind, we can estimate what a Plasterer is expected to make but statistics available shows that the average Plasterer in The United Kingdom earns approximately £16.44 per hour. From a broader perspective, newly trained plasterers can earn between £19,000 and £25,000; experienced and well trained plasterers with some experience can earn £25,000 – £35,000.

Senior plasterers can earn in excess of £35,000 and while self-employed plasterers can freely set their own pay rates. The bottom line is that salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in the profession.

It is important to point that there is no one-mold-fits-all when it comes to how much a Plasterer in The United Kingdom is expected to make. There are some factors that we are going to look into before giving an estimate of how much an average Plasterer makes yearly.

7 Factors That Determine the Income Level of Plasterers in UK

  1. The Capacity of the Plasterer

One cannot conveniently state the amount a Plasterer in The United Kingdom is expected to make if you do not know the capacity of the Plasterer. As a matter of fact, you cannot equate the amount a Plasterer that is just starting out in business with a well – established and well – experienced Plasterer that offers robust services.

  1. The Location the Plasterer is Covering

We must not rule out the fact that the location the Plasterer is covering is a major factor that will determine the amount he or she is expected to earn monthly. The truth is that you will struggle to make good money as a Plasterer in The United Kingdom if you locate the business in an area filled with low income earners or in an area with pretty low construction activities. If you locate your business close to a highbrow area or an area with loads of ongoing constructions works, you are likely going to make good returns from the business.

For example, Plasterers operating in Coventry earn £19.54 per hour, Plasterers operating in London earn £17.85 per hour, Plasterers in operating in Manchester make £16.93 per hour and Plasterers working in Doncaster make £16.84 per hour. Plasterers in Liverpool make £16.11 per hour, Plasterer in Leeds make £16.75 per hour and Plasterers in Birmingham rake in £16.22 per hour.

  1. The Management Style of the Plasterer

Another key factor that will determine the amount a Plasterer in The United Kingdom is expected to make yearly is the management style of the Plasterer. Trust me, the results you will get when you are good manager will definitely be far different from a Plasterer with poor management skills. The idea is that a good Plasterer will not just retain their old customers; they will also keep getting new customers especially through recommendations and that no doubt will greatly influence the amount they make annually.

  1. Additional Services Offered By The Plasterer

Interestingly, another factor that can influence the amount a Plasterer in The United Kingdom is supposed to make is the type of additional services they specialize in. Plasterers mix and apply different kinds of plaster to internal walls and ceilings, carrying out solid plastering and applying wet finishes. They carry out small repairs, renovate homes, or work as part of a team on big commercial projects.

For example, it is normal for Plasterers in The United Kingdom to also be engaged in the installation of wallpapers and wooden floors. Any Plasterer in The United Kingdom that offers these additional services will no doubt earn more than one that is known to only offer basic services.

  1. The Business Approach of the Plasterer 

There are different business approaches that a Plasterer can choose from and no doubt it will greatly influence the amount they are expected to make monthly and yearly. Of course, we know that Plasterer may decide that they want to work alone and do their marketing alone and they can decide to partner with other businesses that will recommend clients to them.

It is easier to find Plasterers that offer robust services partnering with construction companies, property management and development companies, home staging companies and key players in the real estate industry. In essence, a well – organized Plasterer who works with others will surely make more money than a solo Plasterer.

  1. The Advertising and Marketing Strategies Adopted by the Plasterer

Another key factor that will determine the amount a Plasterer in The United Kingdom can make yearly is the advertising and marketing strategies adopted by the management of the Plasterer. Trust me, there are several advertising and marketing strategies that can help a business scale – up and increase their earnings how be it, you may be expected to spend more.

But the results you will make will far outweigh the amount you spent on advertising and marketing. Of course, you don’t expect a Plasterer that is engaging in aggressive advertising and marketing to make same amount yearly with a Plasterer that is passive with its advertising and marketing.

  1. The Number of Years the Plasterer is in Business

Lastly, another key factor that will determine the amount a Plasterer in The United Kingdom is expected to make on a yearly basis is the number of years the Plasterer is in the industry. In business, the number of years you are in existence will go a long way to determine the amount you will make especially if the business is well – managed and creativity always come to bear.

In conclusion, the amount a Plasterer in The United Kingdom will make yearly is strictly dependent on these factors listed above. Also a Plasterer in The United Kingdom that wants to earn national average must have a secondary school certificate or certificate of equivalence, and must also earn an apprenticeship with two to five years of understanding and capability with particular apparatuses, hardware and customer service.

How Do You Become a Plasterer?

If you are pleased with the amount Plasterers earn in the United Kingdom and you are interested in becoming a plasterer, then you would need to follow the following steps in order to qualify to work as a Plasterer in the United Kingdom.

Basically, you can gain the qualifications you need by doing a college course, an apprenticeship or on the job training. In the United Kingdom, as a Plasterer, you may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

Enroll in Technical College

One of the ways to train and qualify as a Plasterer in UK is by attending a technical college or trainings that offer plastering courses. You could study for a Level 1 Award in Construction Skills – Plastering, Level 2 Diploma in Plastering or Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Plastering.

Please note that you will need:

  • Up to 2 GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent (level 1 course)
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent (level 2 course)
  • 4 – 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent (level 3 course).

Traineeship

Another route that you can follow in order to qualify and work as a Plasterer in the United Kingdom especially if you are aged between 16 and 24 is via a traineeship program. Traineeship program is a short course (2 weeks – 6 months) which helps you to gain work experience in your chosen role.

Apprenticeship

Going through the route of apprenticeship is yet another route you can follow in order to qualify and work as a plasterer in the United Kingdom. Indeed an apprenticeship with a very busy construction firm is a good way into the industry.

Interestingly, apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Please note that an intermediate plastering apprenticeship takes around two years to complete. If your employer can provide you with the right experiences you can progress onto a Level 3 qualification.

Hands-On Experience (Work)

Lastly, one of the non-formal ways that you can follow in order to become a plasterer is via hands-on experience, that is via working. It means that an experienced plasterer may offer you work as a labourer to start you on your career path. Your employer may then provide training so you can become a plasterer.

If they are a member of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) your employer may be able to claim a grant towards your employment. The government also offers grants for employers who take apprentices. Please note that work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry.

You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. Aside from training you would also need to build some skills in order to grow and succeed as a Plasterer and here are some of the skills you should pay attention to;

  • Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Thoroughness and always paying attention to every detail
  • Knowledge of building and construction
  • Ability to work with minimal or no supervision
  • Teamwork – Ability to work well with others
  • Creativity and the ability to work well with your hands
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Business management skills
  • Ability to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.