Choosing a trade? These handyman jobs pay the best, and worst

When entering the handyman line of work, it can be tough to choose which trade to focus on. Tasks like painting, roofing and masonry require different skills, and often qualifications as well. So, where to focus your efforts? Two considerations are important to many: job availability and pay. Most prefer a profession where they won’t be struggling for work. Good compensation is highly desirable, as well.

Whether you’re just choosing your trade or re-training for a career change, here’s what you need to know to pick the highest paying job.

Salary prospects

Compared to other common handyman roles in the UK, welding consistently comes in towards the higher end of the pay scale. Meanwhile, gardeners receive some of the lowest pay checks. Data on the average wages of handymen shows that welding rakes in over £7,000 more per year than gardening. Welders also make over £2,700 more than roofers, tilers and slaters, and just under a £1000 more than bricklayers and masons. The average annual salary of a welder is £27,415.

On the lower end of the pay scale, some of the most popular trades are painting, decorating and as already mentioned, gardening. Painters and decorators can expect to earn £24,576 per year, on average.

Entry requirements and costs

Since welding is shown to consistently bring in a higher pay check than other handyman jobs, some might doubt their ability to take up the trade. Luckily, the entry requirements to the industry are not much different from other popular job titles like gardening or carpentry. An intermediate welding apprenticeship is likely to require 2-4 GCSEs, typically including English and Maths (or equivalent).

Looking at the costs involved in carrying out different handyman jobs, insurance is a major consideration. Welders earn more, but it is also a tricky business with many risks involved. Thus, insurance for a welder tends to be more expensive than for other, lower-risk trades.

Some of the other biggest costs for tradespeople are tools and equipment, phone and internet services, and marketing.

Areas to work

Wages can vary considerably around the country. Big cities tend to perform best for many industries, while rural areas are often trailing behind. Payscale estimates that London pays 22% higher than national average, and Manchester 8%. If you want to maximise your earnings as a handyman, your likely best bet is to take up welding in the South East. Welders earn an average of £32,766 in the area.