Gas engineer: boilers, servicing and repairs

Homeowners, landlords, small builders and plumbers who sub-contract gas work.

Fixed prices for installs and annual services, and call-out or hourly rates for repairs. Repeat servicing customers give steadier income between larger installs.

• Gas Safe qualifications and practical heating knowledge
• Careful, safety-first working habits
• Fault finding and problem solving
• Clear quoting and customer communication

• You must be on the Gas Safe Register before doing gas work for others. Registration is required across the UK, but check the Gas Safe Register and the Health and Safety Executive (or HSENI in Northern Ireland) for the rules and scope of work that apply where you work
• Training and assessment take time and money before you can earn, so plan how you will cover living costs
• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need other cover for tools and your van
• Keep records and certificates for every job, and check the requirements for notifying installations, which differ by nation (for example to Building Control or through a competent person scheme)
• Check whether you need manufacturer training or approvals to fit certain boiler brands

Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £15,000, depending on tools, van, insurance and registration costs. Training and assessment also take time and money before you can earn, so plan how to cover living costs. These are estimates.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on the hours you work, the jobs you take and your prices. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not profit once tools, van and insurance are covered.

Check that you must be on the Gas Safe Register before doing gas work for others, and check scope rules with the Gas Safe Register and HSE (or HSENI in Northern Ireland). Also check record-keeping, notification rules in your nation, insurance and manufacturer approvals.