Kitchen and bathroom fitter: how busy are kitchen and bathroom fitters?
No trend data yet Median waits of 7 weeks (kitchens) and 5 weeks (bathrooms), TradeMatch. The CPA expects home improvement spending to fall 8% in 2026.
Median wait of 7 weeks to start (TradeMatch Wait-Time Index, 21 Apr 2026).
The figures
| Where | Measure | Figure | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Median wait to start (weeks) Capacity status per TradeMatch: Moderate | 7 weeks | Q3 2025 to Q1 2026 | TradeMatch Wait-Time Index, 21 Apr 2026 |
| UK | Slowest 10% wait (weeks) 90th-percentile wait | 12 weeks | Q3 2025 to Q1 2026 | TradeMatch Wait-Time Index, 21 Apr 2026 |
| England | Experienced salary | £45,000 | Live page | National Careers Service, not stated (live pages) |
| England | Starter salary | £24,000 | Live page | National Careers Service, not stated (live pages) |
Industry backdrop
Across construction, most demand signals point quieter: PMI 43.6 in October 2026 and builders' enquiries at -10 in H1 2026. See all demand signals.
Getting into the trade
- Apprenticeship: see the job profile
- College course, then a trainee role
- Start as an assistant or mate and train on the job
- Private adult courses for career-changers (below)
Routes: National Careers Service job profile
We haven't yet verified published course prices for this trade. Course providers can get in touch.
Common questions
How long is the wait for a kitchen fitter?
TradeMatch's 2026 Wait-Time Index put the median wait for kitchen fitter at 7 weeks from accepting a quote to work starting, with the slowest 10% waiting 12 weeks (jobs from Q3 2025 to Q1 2026).
Source: TradeMatch Wait-Time Index, 21 Apr 2026
Are kitchen and bathroom fitters getting busier or quieter?
We don't have a trade-specific trend yet. Median waits of 7 weeks (kitchens) and 5 weeks (bathrooms), TradeMatch. The CPA expects home improvement spending to fall 8% in 2026. Across construction as a whole, most indicators point quieter: the UK Construction PMI was 43.6 in October 2026.
Source: TradeMatch Wait-Time Index, 21 Apr 2026; CPA Autumn forecasts, 26 Oct 2026; S&P Global UK Construction PMI, 5 Nov 2026
How much do kitchen and bathroom fitters earn?
The National Careers Service gives an average of £24,000 a year for starters, rising to £45,000 with experience. Self-employed earnings vary widely and aren't covered by this figure.
Source: National Careers Service, not stated (live pages)