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 and news
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.



















