How Much Should a Decorator Charge Per Day?

Setting your day rate is one of the most important pricing decisions a decorator makes. Charge too little and you work hard for little reward. Charge too much and you price yourself out of work. The right day rate covers your costs, pays you a fair wage and leaves a profit for your business.

Day rates for decorators in the UK vary widely depending on location, experience, the type of work and the demand in your area. This guide explains the current ranges, the factors that affect your rate and how to calculate a day rate that actually makes you money.

Remember that your day rate is not the same as your take-home pay. A significant portion of your day rate goes to business costs — materials, van, insurance, tools, tax and downtime. You need to price for all of these.

Current UK Decorator Day Rates

As of 2026, decorator day rates in the UK typically range from £180 to £350 per day for a self-employed decorator. The average is around £220 to £280 per day. Rates are higher in London and the South East and lower in the North and rural areas.

An experienced decorator with a strong reputation and specialist skills — such as wallpapering, spray painting or period property restoration — can charge at the higher end. Newly qualified decorators typically charge at the lower end and increase their rate as they gain experience.

For commercial work, day rates may be higher due to the additional requirements — health and safety documentation, working outside normal hours, or working in occupied commercial premises.

Factors That Affect Your Day Rate

Location is a major factor. London and the South East have higher rates but also higher living costs. The North, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland generally have lower rates but lower costs too.

Experience and reputation matter. A decorator with 20 years of experience and a portfolio of excellent work can charge more than someone just starting out. Reviews and referrals allow you to charge a premium.

The type of work affects your rate. Specialist work — wallpapering, spray painting, decorative finishes, period restoration — commands higher rates than standard emulsion painting. Commercial work often pays more than residential.

How to Calculate a Profitable Day Rate

To calculate a profitable day rate, start with your desired annual income. Add your business costs — van, insurance, fuel, tools, phone, software, accounting, professional fees. Add a profit margin for your business — typically 15% to 25%.

Divide the total by the number of working days in a year. Remember to account for holidays, sick days, weather downtime (for exterior work) and days spent on admin and quoting rather than painting. A realistic figure is 220 to 230 working days per year.

For example, if you want to earn £40,000 and your business costs are £10,000, your total is £50,000. Add a 20% profit margin and you need £60,000. Divided by 225 working days, your day rate is approximately £267. Round to £270 or £280.

Day Rate vs Fixed Price

Some decorators prefer day rates; others prefer fixed prices. Both have their place. Day rates are better for jobs where the scope is uncertain or where the client wants flexibility. Fixed prices are better for jobs with a clear scope — they give the client certainty and protect your profit if you work efficiently.

With a day rate, you are paid for your time regardless of how long the job takes. With a fixed price, you are paid for the job regardless of how long it takes. If you are efficient, fixed prices are usually more profitable. If you are slower or the job has unknowns, day rates are safer.

Many decorators use a combination — a fixed price for most jobs, with a day rate for additional work or variations that arise during the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

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