Plumbing is the second-best paid of all construction trades according to the latest figures released by Hudson Contract, with Shop-fitters number one.

Analysis of June payroll data for more than 2,200 construction companies in England and Wales reveals a month-on-month increase of 4.7 per cent to an average of £1,132. The rise reverses the 3.2 per cent fall seen in May.

Year on year, weekly earnings showed a 4.3 per cent improvement in June compared to the same month in 2018, illustrating the strong underlying demand for plumbers.

Plumbers in Yorkshire and the Humber saw the biggest increase in weekly earnings in June, rising 17.8 per cent to £734, followed by Wales, up 9.5 per cent to £1,004.

Plumbers in the East of England enjoyed the best month in June, seeing their average earnings rise by 4.3 per cent to £1,336. This is the equivalent of a £70,000 annual salary.

Ian Anfield, managing director of Hudson Contract, said: “Plumbing remains one of the most sought-after trades and skilled contractors earned an average of £1,132 per week in June, which is a great advertisement for young people who want to learn the trade, be their own boss and enjoy the rewards of being a valued supplier.

“Looking ahead, pent-up demand for new housing and the necessary plumbing work will ensure that demand remains strong for skilled plumbers.”

Hudson Contract delivers the most accurate indication of sub-contractor pay trends across the construction industry, using payroll data to publish the average pay for a spectrum of 17 different trades split across ten regions in England and Wales.