Welding cost in the UK commonly runs from about £50 to £150 per hour, with day rates of roughly £350 to £700 and a minimum call-out charge of around £60 to £120. Small repairs such as a car patch or garden gate are often quoted at about £100 to £300, while bigger fabrications cost more. These are indicative planning ranges, not a fixed price list, so always get written quotes.
Quick Answer: UK Welding Cost Summary
- Hourly rates: about £50 to £80 for general workshop fabrication, and about £80 to £150 for mobile or coded (certified) welders.
- Day rates: about £350 to £700 for an 8-hour day, depending on location and qualifications.
- Call-out fee: often £60 to £120 minimum, sometimes covering the first hour.
- Small repairs: about £100 to £300 for a car patch or garden gate repair.
- Medium jobs: about £500 to £2,500 for fabricated gates, railings or frames.
These ranges come from the original figures in this guide and have not been matched to a single published source. The Checkatrade welding cost guide is a useful cross-check, and prices vary by region and by the exact job.
| Job type | Indicative cost (UK) | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Small workshop bench repair | £60 to £150 | 1 to 2 hours |
| Car rust or patch welding for an MOT | £100 to £350 | 2 to 5 hours |
| Mobile on-site call-out | £120 to £300 (including first hour) | Often same day |
| Custom metal gate or railings | £400 to £1,500 | 2 to 5 days |
| Structural steel beam work | £800 to £3,500 or more | 1 to 3 days |
How Welders Charge in the UK
Welders usually price by the hour, by the day, or as a fixed quote for the whole job. Workshop work is cheapest because the welder has fixed equipment and no travel. Mobile welders cost more per hour because they carry a generator, gas cylinders and tools to you, and they usually add a call-out fee.
For small automotive or household repairs, expect a minimum charge. Large architectural, marine or structural jobs are normally quoted as a project, and the price depends on materials, access and any required inspection.
What Affects the Price of Welding
Metal type
Mild steel is the cheapest and easiest to weld. Stainless steel and aluminium need more careful setup, often TIG welding with pure argon, so labour costs more. Cast iron and some alloys are crack-prone and may need preheating, which adds time.
Welder skill and qualifications
Rates rise with qualifications. A coded welder tested to a standard such as BS EN ISO 9606 is typically needed for pressure, pipework or load-bearing structural work, and charges more than a general fabricator.
Access and position
Flat bench welding is quickest. Overhead, vertical or confined-space welding is slower and can push up the labour time.
Location
London and the South East generally cost more than other regions because of higher overheads. Ask for at least two local quotes.
Extra Costs to Allow For
- Preparation: grinding, de-rusting or degreasing is often charged at the hourly rate.
- Finishing: galvanising, painting or powder coating is usually priced separately.
- Inspection: non-destructive testing for structural or pressure welds is a separate specialist cost.
- Materials and gas: check whether steel, filler and shielding gas are included in the quote.
- VAT: confirm whether quotes include VAT.
- Contingency: hidden rust or damage can add time once work begins.
How to Keep Welding Costs Down
- Get itemised written quotes that separate labour, materials, gas and VAT.
- Clean and strip the area yourself where it is safe to do so.
- Bring small items to a workshop instead of paying for a mobile call-out.
- Batch several small repairs into one visit.
- For structural work, confirm the welder works to the required standards before fabrication starts.
For related prices, see our guides to car welding costs in the UK, mobile welding costs and welding cost per hour.
Hiring a Reputable Welder
- Check qualifications: ask for current welder approval certificates, such as BS EN ISO 9606, for structural or pressure work. Inspector qualifications are available through bodies such as CSWIP and TWI.
- Check insurance: ask for proof of public liability cover, especially for hot work on your property.
- See past work: look for consistent, clean welds with no cracks or porosity.
- Ask about guarantees: find out what is covered if a weld fails or the metal distorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mobile welder charge in the UK?
Mobile welders commonly charge about £80 to £150 per hour, often with a minimum call-out fee of around £60 to £120. Day rates are roughly £350 to £700. Ask whether travel and consumables are included.
How much does car welding cost for an MOT?
Rust or patch welding for an MOT is often quoted at about £100 to £350 per area, depending on how much metal must be cut out and formed. Extensive sill or chassis repairs cost more.
Is TIG welding more expensive than MIG welding?
Usually yes. TIG is slower and needs more skill, and it is often used for stainless steel and aluminium, so labour rates are higher than for general MIG fabrication.
Can I negotiate a welding quote?
Hourly rates are usually fixed, but you can often cut the total by preparing the surface yourself, batching several jobs together or taking small items to the workshop.
What welder qualifications should I look for in the UK?
For structural, pressure or pipework, look for welder approval to a standard such as BS EN ISO 9606 and ask what execution standard applies, such as BS EN 1090 for structural steelwork.
