Highest Paid Trade Jobs in the UK — 2026 Salaries
UK Trade Job Salaries in 2026
Trade jobs have never been more valuable. The UK faces chronic shortages of skilled trades workers, driving salaries up significantly across plumbing, electrical, and construction sectors.
Gas Engineer (Self-Employed) — £55,000–£90,000
Gas Safe registered engineers who specialise in boiler installation and commercial contracts are among the UK's highest-earning tradespeople. Qualification via ACS Gas Assessments.
Electrician (Self-Employed) — £50,000–£85,000
18th Edition electricians who move into EV installations and solar PV earn significantly above employed rates. City & Guilds qualification route takes 3-4 years.
Offshore Wind Technician — £55,000–£80,000
Maintaining wind turbines offshore requires specialist safety training (GWO) but pays exceptionally well. Growing sector with years of job security ahead.
Industrial Maintenance Engineer — £40,000–£65,000
Keeping factory and plant equipment running earns consistently strong wages. Combines electrical and mechanical skills.
Surveyor (Quantity/Building) — £40,000–£65,000
Cost and building surveyors earn well above average and can enter via HNC/HND rather than a full degree.
HGV Driver (LGV Class 1) — £40,000–£55,000
Class 1 artic drivers are in high demand, especially for night trunking runs and specialist haulage.
Lift Engineer / Escalator Technician — £40,000–£55,000
Specialist mechanical work maintaining lifts and escalators in commercial buildings. Entry via apprenticeship through LEIA-registered companies.
Crane Operator — £40,000–£58,000
Operating tower or mobile cranes on construction sites requires a CPCS licence and nerves of steel — but pays accordingly.
Get Started on Your Trades CV
Whatever trade you're in, a clean professional CV is the first step. Use our templates — free to edit and download.