Signwriters (or signmakers) design and make signs and write the lettering for them. They may also install them on the fronts of shops, offices, restaurants, pubs, hotels, on the sides of vehicles and by the sides of roads.
Most signs are now designed on computer and made by machine. There is less demand for traditional hand painted signs.
The Work
You could be:
designing and making signs on a computer, using signmaking computer-aided design (CAD) software
taking designs printed on vinyl and applying them to vehicles, known as vinyl wrapping
making 3D letters from moulds or cutting them out from materials such as vinyl, perspex, plastic, metal, wood and glass fibre
using solvent-based inks, paints and adhesives
writing signs by hand, measuring and calculating the letter size, preparing the background and writing the lettering by way of hand painting, engraving, screen printing and spray painting
meeting clients to discuss their needs, working out costs and measurements, preparing planning application forms and drafting contracts
ensuring risk assessments and method statements (a document outlining step by step instructions on carrying out jobs safely and efficiently) are followed
cutting glass neon tubes and carrying out minor electrical work if the sign is illuminated
installing, repainting or repairing signs on location, in line with health and safety and planning regulations.
Pay
Pay rates vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).
As of 1 April 2025 the National Minimum Wage is £7.55 an hour for workers under 18, £10.00 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20. The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.21 an hour.
After a year or two of experience you might earn around £20,000 to £25,000 a year or more, with four to five years experience this can rise to £30,000. Some signwriters run their own business. They charge a fee for each sign they make and their income can be irregular and variable.
Conditions
You would work in a factory or workshop.
You may have to travel to different sites, to install or repair signs.
You might have to work at heights on a ladder or on scaffolding.
You may have to work outdoors in all weather.
There could be heavy lifting and a lot of standing.
You might wear protective clothing such as a hard hat, face mask and overalls.
You do not always need formal qualifications but some employers prefer you to have English and Art and Design at National 4 or 5.
You could take a full time course at NC or NQ (SCQF Levels 4-6), HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8) level, in a subject such as art and design or visual communication, before applying for a job.
You may need a portfolio of artwork.
You could take the Modern Apprenticeship in Signmaking at SCQF Level 5 or 6.
You usually need a driving licence.
You may have to lift heavy signs.
You may find jobs advertised through your local Jobcentre Plus office or on the Find a Job website.
willing to follow instructions from clients or supervisors
accurate at spelling and punctuation
good with numbers, for calculating spacing
interested in technical processes
adaptable, to keep up with changing methods
able to work in a team.
Training
If you are installing signs on site you might need to hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card (either Sign Installer – Illuminated or Sign Installer – Non-illuminated). You may also need to obtain working at height qualifications.
Getting On
You could work for a large or small signwriting company.
In larger companies, you would probably be able to specialise, perhaps as a sign designer, manufacturing technician or site surveyor.
You might get a supervisory job or become a manager.
With experience you might set up your own business, perhaps taking up a franchise for making signs.
2025
