Scaffolder
Also advertised as: Advanced Scaffolder, Industrial Scaffolder, Scaffold Erector, Scaffolder, Scaffolding Supervisor, Trainee Scaffolder
Erects and dismantles scaffolding to provide safe working platforms on construction sites.
What the job involves
Scaffolders build the temporary structures that let other trades work safely at height, following detailed design drawings for more complex builds. You handle heavy tubes and fittings, working methodically to make sure every connection is secure before anyone else steps onto the platform. It is physically tough work, but well paid and always in demand wherever building work happens.
Typical responsibilities
- Erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding structures
- Interpret scaffold design drawings for complex builds
- Check scaffolding meets safety standards before handover
- Inspect and tag scaffolding at regular intervals
- Handle and store scaffolding materials safely
Common employers
- Scaffolding contractors
- Construction main contractors
- Industrial and petrochemical sites
- Events and stage rigging companies
- Self-employment
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£24,000 – £29,000 a year
With experience
£32,000 – £45,000 a year
Typical hours
Early starts, daylight hours on site
Working environment
Outdoor, working at height on construction and industrial sites
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
high
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Scaffolding erection techniques
- Working at height safely
- Reading scaffold design drawings
- Rigging and lifting
- Risk assessment
Transferable skills you may already have
- Physical strength and stamina
- Teamwork under safety pressure
- Practical problem solving
Requirements employers ask for
- Scaffolding erection techniques
- Working at height safely
- Reading scaffold design drawings
- Rigging and lifting
- Risk assessment
- CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) card, working through Part 1 and Part 2
- CISRS card
- CSCS card
Useful but not essential
- Physical strength and stamina
- Teamwork under safety pressure
- Practical problem solving
- Advanced CISRS for supervisory and complex scaffold design roles
Helpful qualifications
- Advanced CISRS for supervisory and complex scaffold design roles
Licences and checks
- CISRS card
- CSCS card
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Scaffolder (Level 2)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Design and technology
Where this career can lead
next
Scaffolding Supervisor
next
Scaffold Designer
next
Self-employed Scaffolding Contractor
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Well paid relative to entry requirements
- Consistent demand across construction and industrial sectors
- Clear progression through CISRS levels
What people find hard
- Physically demanding and higher-risk work
- Early starts and exposure to weather
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a scaffolder?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a scaffolder earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £24,000 to £29,000 a year, rising towards £45,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Physical strength and stamina, Teamwork under safety pressure, Practical problem solving.
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Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 16 September 2026.
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