Whether you're a self-employed painter and decorator setting your rates or a homeowner comparing quotes, knowing what the market charges in 2026 is essential. Painting and decorating rates vary by experience, region, and the type of work involved. Here's a complete guide to painter and decorator day rates across the UK in 2026.
Painter & Decorator Day Rate by Experience — UK 2026
Your experience level is the biggest factor in what you can charge per day:
| Experience Level | Day Rate | Typical Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | £80-£120 | In training, working under supervision |
| Qualified (1-5 years) | £150-£200 | NVQ qualified, working independently |
| Experienced (5+ years) | £200-£300 | Strong portfolio, repeat customers, specialist finishes |
| London rates | £250-£350 | Experienced decorator working in Greater London |
Pro Tip: If you're earning less than £150/day outside London as a qualified painter, you're almost certainly undercharging. Most qualified decorators should be in the £180-£250 range as a minimum in 2026.
Painter & Decorator Day Rate — Regional Breakdown
Where you work has a significant impact on what you can charge:
| Region | Day Rate | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| London | £250-£350 | £35-£50 |
| South East | £200-£280 | £28-£40 |
| Midlands | £160-£230 | £22-£32 |
| North | £150-£220 | £20-£30 |
| Scotland | £150-£230 | £20-£32 |
| Wales | £140-£210 | £18-£28 |
Room-by-Room Painting Prices — UK 2026
Most customers want to know the total cost per room rather than a day rate. Here's what to charge (labour only, emulsion walls and gloss woodwork):
| Room / Job | Typical Price (Labour Only) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom | £200-£350 | 1-1.5 days |
| Double bedroom | £300-£500 | 1.5-2 days |
| Living room | £350-£600 | 2-3 days |
| Kitchen | £250-£400 | 1.5-2 days |
| Hallway, stairs & landing | £400-£800 | 2-4 days |
| Full exterior (3-bed semi) | £1,500-£3,500 | 5-10 days |
For a full guide on quoting individual rooms with itemised breakdowns, see our painting and decorating quote guide.
Pro Tip: Hallway, stairs and landing (HSL) jobs take longer than customers expect due to awkward access, multiple doors, spindles, and height work. Always price HSL generously — it's one of the most underquoted jobs in decorating.
How to Calculate Your Day Rate
Don't just pick a number — use this formula to work out what you actually need to charge:
- Target take-home: What do you want to earn after tax? E.g., £30,000
- Add tax & NI: Roughly 25%. £30,000 + 25% = £37,500
- Add business costs: Van, fuel, insurance, tools, dust sheets, phone, advertising. Roughly £5,000-£8,000/year. Total: £44,000
- Divide by working days: Realistically 220 days (after holidays, quiet weeks, weather). £44,000 / 220 = £200/day minimum
- Add profit margin: 15-20%. £200 x 1.15 = £230/day
If your current day rate doesn't cover this formula, you need to raise your prices. Most decorators who run the numbers realise they've been undercharging for years.
Hourly vs Day Rate vs Fixed Price — Which Should You Use?
| Pricing Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (£20-£50/hr) | Small repairs, touch-ups, odd jobs | Simple, fair for short tasks | Penalises speed, customers watch the clock |
| Day rate (£150-£350) | Subcontract work, ongoing projects | Predictable income, easy to agree | Limits earnings as you get faster |
| Fixed price (per room/job) | Most domestic painting jobs | More profit as you speed up, customers prefer it | Risk if job takes longer than expected |
Pro Tip: Fixed pricing is almost always more profitable for experienced decorators. As you get faster, you earn more per day — but the customer still pays the same agreed price. Learn to quote accurately using a proper quoting process.
When to Charge More
Certain jobs justify a higher day rate or premium on your fixed price. Don't undercharge for difficult work:
- Wallpaper removal — Stripping old wallpaper (especially multiple layers or artex) is slow, messy work. Add £100-£200 per room on top of your painting price
- High ceilings & stairwells — Anything requiring scaffolding, tower access, or working above 3 metres should carry a 20-30% premium for time and safety
- External work — Weather dependence, ladder/scaffold hire, and surface preparation all increase costs. Exterior work should be priced 30-50% higher than equivalent interior work
- Wallpapering — Hanging wallpaper (especially pattern matching or feature walls) is a specialist skill. Charge £80-£150 per roll hung, or a premium day rate
- Period properties — Heritage colours, detailed coving, picture rails, and dado rails all take longer. Add 20-40% to your standard rate
- New build snagging — Tight deadlines and high standards from developers mean you should charge top-end rates
Tips to Increase Your Painter & Decorator Day Rate
- Build a portfolio — Before-and-after photos of your best work are more persuasive than any sales pitch. Post them on Instagram and your Google Business listing
- Collect Google reviews — 5-star reviews let you charge premium rates. Ask every happy customer for a review. See our guide on getting more customers
- Specialise — Decorators who specialise in wallpapering, heritage properties, or high-end finishes earn significantly more than general painters
- Send professional quotes — An itemised, branded quote wins work over a scribbled number on the back of an envelope. It also justifies higher prices
- Get certified — CSCS card, PDA (Painting and Decorating Association) membership, and Dulux Select Decorator status all add credibility
- Raise prices annually — Paint, fuel, insurance, and living costs go up every year. Your rates should too. Loyal customers expect small annual increases
- Stop competing on price — The cheapest decorator attracts the worst customers. Compete on quality, reliability, and professionalism instead
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do painters and decorators charge per day in the UK?
The average painter and decorator day rate in the UK in 2026 is £150-£200 for a qualified decorator outside London. Experienced decorators with 5+ years charge £200-£300, and London rates sit at £250-£350 per day. Apprentices typically earn £80-£120 per day.
Should I charge a day rate or fixed price for painting jobs?
For most domestic painting and decorating work, a fixed price per room is better for both you and the customer. Customers prefer knowing the total cost upfront, and you earn more as you get faster. Use day rates for subcontract work or when the scope is unclear. For larger projects, always provide a detailed painting and decorating quote.
How do I increase my painter decorator day rate?
Focus on building your reputation: collect Google reviews, create a before-and-after portfolio, get PDA or Dulux Select Decorator certification, and specialise in higher-value work like wallpapering or heritage properties. Use professional quoting software to present a polished image. Stop competing on price and start competing on quality.
Related Guides
- How to Quote Painting & Decorating Work (Free Template)
- Signs You're Undercharging as a Tradesman
- How to Price a Bathroom Refit
- Builder Day Rate UK 2026
- How to Get More Customers as a Tradesman
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