Best Cities for Tradespeople
New research has been provided by bathroom hardware supplier Sanctuary Bathrooms. The new ranking analysed the average wages of electrians, plumbers, joiners and painter decorators, alongside cost of living data. The data revealed that the best opportunities for tradespeople are concentrated in the north of England, with seven of the top ten cities located above the Watford Gap.
The top 10 cities are:
The rankings also revealed that:
- Leeds has the highest concentration of tradespeople in the workforce, making up 10.3% of the city’s working population;
- University College London offers the best Building degree course, with a rating of 99.2 out of 100;
- Glasgow offers the best rates of pay for tradespeople across the board, with electricians earning an average annual wage of £28,683
James Roberts, director of Sanctuary Bathrooms, commented:
“As a company with our roots tied into the trade sector, both through our employees and our clients, we wanted to look where to find the best opportunities for tradespeople in the UK.
“The results are a useful resource for those wanting to embark on a career as a tradesperson, and also highlight important hubs for related businesses to expand into."
For full results, graphics and methodology, visit the Sanctuary Bathrooms blog here.
To find out more here’s a blog post with all the stats here : www.sanctuary-bathrooms.co.uk/blog/best-cities-tradespeople
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.
















