SOC 8151 Process, plant and machine operatives

Scaffolders, stagers and riggers Salary

Median salary £40,797 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £41,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For scaffolders, stagers and riggers, £41,548 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +6.0% versus the national average.

About this role

Scaffolders, stagers and riggers erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding, staging and temporary structures to provide safe access for construction, maintenance, events and industrial work at height.

Key responsibilities

Erecting and dismantling scaffolding to design specifications
Inspecting scaffolding for safety and structural integrity
Working at height using ropes, ladders and access equipment
Following NASC (National Access & Scaffolding Confederation) standards
Transporting, loading and unloading scaffolding components

Qualifications and entry routes

CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) card is the mandatory industry qualification. Progressive training from labourer through Part 1, Part 2 to Advanced scaffolder. CSCS equivalent status. Working at height training is essential.

Career outlook

Strong demand driven by construction and industrial maintenance activity. Offshore and events scaffolding offer premium rates.

Key skills

Scaffolding erection Working at height Physical strength Safety awareness Team coordination

Common industries

Scaffolding contractors
Construction
Industrial maintenance
Events and staging
Offshore oil and gas

Data coverage

SOC code 8151

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Median Salary

£40,797

Mean Salary

£43,164

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

Median: £40,797

P10: --P25: --Median: £41kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£40,797

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +38.1%Real growth: +0.0%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£40,797

Full-time Only

£41,548

Full-time premium: +£751

Scaffolders, stagers and riggers salary: common questions

How much do scaffolders, stagers and riggers earn in the UK?

Scaffolders, stagers and riggers earn a median of £41,548 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £41,548 a good salary in the UK?

For scaffolders, stagers and riggers, £41,548 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +6.0% versus the national average.

Have scaffolders, stagers and riggers salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median scaffolders, stagers and riggers pay has risen from £29,878 to £41,548 — +39% in cash terms, or +1.0% after CPIH inflation. That is roughly in line with inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).