The short answer
Most UK painters and decorators charge a day rate of around £200–£420, averaging close to £340 a day, with an hourly equivalent of roughly £25–£40 an hour. Region is the biggest single factor: many regional decorators sit at £150–£250 a day, while London and the South East commonly reach £275–£420. Experience, the size of the firm and how specialist the work is all move the figure too. A day rate normally covers labour only — paint and materials are usually charged separately, so always confirm what is and isn't included.
When a decorator quotes 'a day rate', it pays to know what that covers and how your area affects it. Here are the typical figures and the things that move them.
Typical UK rates
- Day rate (typical)£200–£420 / day
- Average~£340 / day
- Hourly~£25–£40 / hour
- Regional~£150–£250 / day
- London / South East~£275–£420 / day
What moves the day rate
- Region: the single biggest factor — London and the South East run well above the rest of the UK.
- Experience and finish: a time-served decorator doing high-end or specialist finishes charges more than a general painter.
- Sole trader vs firm: a larger firm with overheads and guarantees typically prices above a one-person sole trader.
- Job type: awkward access, heavy preparation or fine cutting-in work can lift the daily figure.
| Basis | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day rate (average) | ~£340 / day | labour only, plus paint |
| Day rate (regional) | £150–£250 / day | outside the South East |
| Day rate (London / SE) | £275–£420 / day | higher overheads |
| Hourly | £25–£40 / hour | short jobs |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sourced from Checkatrade and MyBuilder cost guides.
What a day rate does and doesn't include
A day rate almost always means labour only. Paint, fillers, trade consumables and any specialist materials are usually charged on top, either at cost or with a small handling margin. It also assumes a normal working day — if a room needs two full days of preparation before any colour goes on, that is two days at the rate. To compare fairly, ask each decorator the same three things: what the daily rate is, whether they supply the paint, and roughly how many days the job will take. Same-day or next-day visits to quote are common, so you can usually gather a few figures quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do decorators charge per day in the UK?
Typically around £200–£420 a day, averaging close to £340, which works out at roughly £25–£40 an hour. Many regional decorators sit at £150–£250 a day, while London and the South East commonly reach £275–£420.
Does a day rate include paint?
Usually not. A day rate normally covers labour only, with paint, fillers and materials charged separately. Always confirm whether the decorator supplies the paint and how that is priced.
Is a higher day rate always more expensive overall?
No. A faster, more experienced decorator may complete the job in fewer days, so the total can be similar to a lower daily rate over more days. Compare the estimated days and the finish, not just the headline figure.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific job. They are guidance, not a quotation.