Negotiating a pay rise can feel like a daunting process, but with the right approach, you can make a strong case for better wages, and potentially other benefits. Knowing when to discuss pay for trades roles can help your chances of success. We recommend doing this either at the start of a contract, during a contract renewal, or at an annual review for permanent employees. The following guide will help you prepare for negotiations, ensuring you have the best chance of success.
1. understanding the industry
Before starting a conversation about pay, it's important to understand the wider industry conditions and how this impacts your job. The construction and trades sector is always changing, and wages can differ based on location, demand, company size and the type of work you do. With current labour shortages and high demands for workers however, employers know how valuable skilled tradespeople are.
It’s a good idea to research what others in your trade and region are earning. Websites like Glassdoor, industry forums, and chats with colleagues can help you work out if you're being paid fairly. If you are working on a large-scale project, understanding the budget and how your work contributes to its success can also strengthen your case.
- Experience and Skills: Talk about your industry experience and transferable skills. For example, if you've moved from general labour to a specialised trade, highlight this progress.
- Project Awareness: Show your understanding of project health, budget constraints, and timelines. Explaining how your role impacts the project proves your value.
2. your contributions and performance
To earn a pay increase, you need to prove your value to your employer. Think about what you’ve achieved in your role:
- Have you helped keep the project on track and within budget?
- Have you introduced safer working practices or suggested improvements that benefited the team?
- Have you taken on extra responsibilities or completed work to a high standard with no issues?
- Have you gained new qualifications or skills that make you more valuable?
- Have you helped solve problems on-site? What solutions did you suggest, and how did they help?
Giving clear examples of how you've made a difference on-site will make your request more convincing. If your work has helped avoid costly mistakes, saved time, or improved health and safety, make sure you mention this. Employers are more likely to agree to a pay rise if they see the direct benefits of your work. If you can, include figures, such as money saved or improvements made, to back up your case. If your work is always done to a high standard with no problems, mention this - your employer will see how valuable you are.
3. timing is key
Timing is key when asking for a pay rise. For freelance or contract workers (or anyone on hourly/daily rates), the best time to negotiate is when starting a new job or renewing a contract. Midway through a project, it can be more difficult to ask for an increase unless your responsibilities have clearly changed.
For those in permanent roles, annual reviews are the best opportunity to discuss pay. If your employer doesn’t normally offer formal reviews, you could request a meeting to talk about your wages and career progression.
Try to avoid asking during tough financial times or when your manager is under a lot of pressure. If the company is struggling or cutting costs, they may not have the budget to approve a raise. Similarly, if your manager is dealing with urgent deadlines, staff shortages, or other major issues, they may not have the time to consider your request properly. Waiting until things have settled can improve your chances of success.
4. prepare your case
Being well-prepared will help you feel more confident when discussing pay. It can help to put together a summary of:
- Your key achievements and contributions.
- The value you’ve added to the company.
- Any extra responsibilities you have taken on.
- Any positive feedback you have received.
- Average salaries for similar roles in your area.
- Any new training, tickets, or certifications you’ve gained.
Think about possible objections and prepare some responses. If your employer says the budget is tight, point out how your work has saved money or increased efficiency. If they say your current pay is fair, have industry data ready to support your case.
5. consider other benefits
If a pay rise isn’t an option, there may be other ways to improve your overall package. Depending on your type of employment, these might include:
- Fuel cards or mileage allowances: if you regularly travel long distances for work, this can help cover costs.
- Digs allowances: if you stay away from home for a project, an allowance for accommodation or daily expenses can save you money.
- Training or additional tickets: this can help boost your skills and future earnings.
- Flexible working hours or adjusted shift patterns: a better work-life balance can be just as valuable as a pay rise.
- Opportunities to shadow or work with experienced professionals: shadowing senior tradespeople or gaining mentorship can help with career progression.
6. having the conversation
When you sit down to discuss your pay, be professional and confident. Start by thanking your employer for the opportunities you've had to date before explaining why you believe a pay rise is deserved. Use clear examples to support your request, and be direct about the rate or salary you’re aiming for.
Remember, negotiation is a two-way discussion. Be open to feedback and willing to consider other options if an immediate pay rise isn’t possible. If your request is declined, ask what you can do to work towards an increase in the future.
7. follow up
After the discussion, follow up with an email summarising the conversation and any agreements made. If you’ve secured a pay rise, continue working at a high level to justify future increases. If your request was declined, take on board any feedback and have the conversation in the future when the timing is better.
Negotiating better pay in the trades and labour industry takes preparation, confidence, and proof of your value. By understanding the industry, showcasing your contributions, and approaching the conversation professionally, you’ll improve your chances of success. Even if you don’t get a raise right away, every negotiation is an opportunity to build a stronger case for the future.
To explore the latest available trades and labour roles, click here. Or feel free to share your CV with us and we’ll match your skills and experience up with the ideal job for you.