Heat pump installer: how busy are heat pump installers?
Busier Longest wait of any common home trade (median 14 weeks) and lengthening year on year per TradeMatch; the CPA says heat pump activity is still growing while wider home improvement shrinks.
Median wait of 14 weeks to start (TradeMatch Wait-Time Index, 21 Apr 2026).
The figures
| Where | Measure | Figure | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | People who completed heat pump training, 2022 to Q3 2025 Heat Pump Association estimate quoted in report | 25,500 people | 2022 to Q3 2025 | WPI Economics for MCS Foundation, Nov 2025 |
| UK | Installers needed for the 2028 target (FTE) Heat Pump Association estimate quoted in report | 41,143 FTE | 2028 | WPI Economics for MCS Foundation, Nov 2025 |
| UK | Median wait to start (weeks) Capacity status per TradeMatch: Severe shortage | 14 weeks | Q3 2025 to Q1 2026 | TradeMatch Wait-Time Index, 21 Apr 2026 |
| UK | Slowest 10% wait (weeks) 90th-percentile wait | 22 weeks | Q3 2025 to Q1 2026 | TradeMatch Wait-Time Index, 21 Apr 2026 |
| England | MCS-accredited heat pump installers (estimate) Estimate: contractors x 4.8 installers | 8,645 installers | October 2025 | WPI Economics for MCS Foundation, Nov 2025 |
| England | MCS-certified heat pump contractors | 1,801 businesses | October 2025 | WPI Economics for MCS Foundation, Nov 2025 |
| England | Experienced salary | £46,000 | Live page | National Careers Service, not stated (live pages) |
| England | Starter salary | £24,000 | Live page | National Careers Service, not stated (live pages) |
Industry backdrop
Across construction, most demand signals point quieter: PMI 43.6 in October 2026 and builders' enquiries at -10 in H1 2026. See all demand signals.
Getting into the trade
- Apprenticeship: Low Carbon Heating Technician (Level 3)
- College course, then a trainee role
- Start as an assistant or mate and train on the job
- Private adult courses for career-changers (below)
Routes: National Careers Service job profile
We haven't yet verified published course prices for this trade. Course providers can get in touch.
Common questions
How long is the wait for heat pump installers?
TradeMatch's 2026 Wait-Time Index put the median wait for heat pump installer at 14 weeks from accepting a quote to work starting, with the slowest 10% waiting 22 weeks (jobs from Q3 2025 to Q1 2026).
Source: TradeMatch Wait-Time Index, 21 Apr 2026
Are heat pump installers getting busier or quieter?
Busier. Longest wait of any common home trade (median 14 weeks) and lengthening year on year per TradeMatch; the CPA says heat pump activity is still growing while wider home improvement shrinks. Across construction as a whole, most indicators point quieter: the UK Construction PMI was 43.6 in October 2026.
Source: TradeMatch Wait-Time Index, 21 Apr 2026; CPA Autumn forecasts, 26 Oct 2026; S&P Global UK Construction PMI, 5 Nov 2026
How much do heat pump installers earn?
The National Careers Service gives an average of £24,000 a year for starters, rising to £46,000 with experience. Self-employed earnings vary widely and aren't covered by this figure.
Source: National Careers Service, not stated (live pages)