Builder
Run or work on small to medium building projects - extensions, renovations, conversions.
This UK builder career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £22,000 - £30,000 (labourer/improver)
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £55,000
- Senior salary
- £60,000 - £120,000+ (own firm)
- Work environment
- Sites, customers' homes, all weather
- Time to entry
- 2 - 5 years (apprenticeship or on-site progression)
- Degree required
- Not required (CSCS card required)
- Category
- Skilled Trades
What a Builder does
Run or work on small to medium building projects - extensions, renovations, conversions.
- Extension / Loft Specialist - Focus on house extensions and loft conversions for homeowners.
- Renovation Builder - Full house refurbs - structural work, layouts, finishes.
- Site Manager - Run large new-build sites for a contractor.
How to become a Builder
- Look up Builder roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Builder - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Practical know-how across trades
- Project management
- Quoting
- People management
- Reading drawings