Bathroom Fitter

Bathroom fitters install all aspects of bathrooms including showers, baths, sinks, toilets and storage units. Many bathroom fitters work as a team, made up of specialists. So you could be removing old units, fitting new ones, laying floors, plastering or tiling walls, painting and decorating, plumbing or even doing electrical work.

Onsite
Trade-Craft
Sporty-working with hands
Very organised

What does a bathroom fitter do?

As a bathroom fitter, you will be responsible for overseeing and completing all activities involved in installing and fitting bathrooms. Duties may include removing existing units and measuring up for new ones. You could also be required to follow plans drawn up by design teams and working around existing features such as hidden pipes and units.

The job role of a bathroom fitter includes:

Removing and disposing of old units and suites
Measuring out spaces according to layout and design plans
Measuring and cutting out worktops
Using hand and power tools
Identifying and marking the location of hidden pipes and cables
Fitting new units and appliances
Plumbing in bathroom units
Tiling walls and laying flooring
Clearing away debris at the end of the job
Working at a client’s home or business, often in dusty or cramped conditions.

How to become a bathroom fitter

There are several routes to becoming a bathroom fitter. You could do a college course or an apprenticeship. If you already have relevant skills or experience you may be able to apply directly to an employer.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options will list qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer courses which would help you to become a bathroom fitter, such as a Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Carpentry and Joinery, a Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing, or a Level 2 Diploma in Fitted Interiors.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

An intermediate apprenticeship takes around two years to complete. If your employer can provide you with the right experiences you could progress onto a Level 3 qualification.

You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship in fitted interiors, joinery, tiling, plumbing or electrical installations and then go on to specialise in bathroom fitting.

Alternatively, you may find a bathroom fitting company who will take you on a direct apprenticeship.

You might need GCSEs (including English and maths) or equivalent, to do an apprenticeship, but not all employers ask for formal qualifications.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have existing experience or qualifications in kitchen fitting, shopfitting, joinery, plumbing, tiling or electrical installation, you may be able to apply directly to an employer for a job.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Be thorough and pay attention to detail
Knowledge of maths, building and construction
Able to work well with others
Able to work well with your hands
Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure
Knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
Design skills and knowledge
Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Qualifications

England

To become a bathroom fitter, you could complete a:

Level 2 NVQ in Fitted Interiors

Scotland

To become a bathroom fitter, you could complete a:

SVQ at SCQF Level 5 in Fitted Interiors (Construction)

Wales

To become a bathroom fitter, you could complete a:

Level 2 in Fitted Interiors (Bathrooms)
Level 2 Apprenticeship in Fitted Interiors (Bathroom Fitter)

How much could you earn as a bathroom fitter?

The expected salary for a bathroom fitter varies as you become more experienced

Newly trained bathroom fitters can earn from £24,000
Trained bathroom fitters with experience can earn up to £52,000*
Self-employed bathroom fitters set their own pay rates.

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

With experience, you could work with building companies, designers, bathroom manufacturers and retailers.

You could do further training to move into planning and design, plumbing or decorating. You could also move into kitchen fitting or shopfitting.

Alternatively, you could progress into a senior or project manager role to earn a higher salary. Some people become self-employed and work as subcontractors, often offering specialist skills to other bathroom fitters.