Electrician Salary Snapshot 2018: Trades Salary Survey Shows Sparkies Still Lead the Pack
The 2018 Trades Salary Survey confirmed what many of our learners suspected—electrician salary levels continued to out-shine every other UK trade. Median pay nudged up 0.1 % from £30,765 to £30,784, cementing a long-running lead that plumbers, bricklayers and tilers have yet to close. For anyone c onsidering a wiring career through Elec training, these historic numbers offer a useful benchmark.
2018 Headlines at a Glance
- Median electrician salary: £30,784
- Mean average: £31,617
- Biggest one-year jump in rival trades: Roofers, +5.8 %
- Electricians still earned ≈ £1,000 more than the next-best trade
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2018 lists electricians at £30,784, the highest of all construction categories (ONS Table 14.7, archived 2019).
Where the 2018 Electrician Salary Stood Against Other Trades
Using the ONS median (preferred for cutting out outliers), s parkies stayed on top even after rival trades posted bigger percentage rises:
|
Trade |
2017–18 Change |
2018 Median |
|
Electrician |
+0.1 % |
£30,784 |
|
Roofer |
+5.8 % |
£29,900 |
|
Plumber |
+4.4 % |
£29,100 |
|
Carpenter |
+3.1 % |
£28,500 |
Half of electricians earned above the headline electrician salary, half below—making the figure a solid “typical” wage rather than a skewed mean.
Day-Rate Reality
Historical surveys put experienced South-East contractors on £45 per hour or £350 per day. Self-employed sparkies do face overheads—tools, van, insurance, competent-person fees—but 2018 invoices still dwarfed payroll equivalents.
How Pros Beat the £30 k Mark
- Go self-employed – uncapped day-rates once reputation is built.
- Up-skill – Inspection & Testing (C & G 2391) or Design (C & G 2396) boosted 2018 earnings by £3–5 k.
- London weighting – Capital projects paid 10–15 % above national bands.
The Joint Industry Board backed those gains with its 2018 guideline: Site Technicians on £17.92/hr, rising to £20.07/hr in London.
Apprentices and Mates in 2018
First-year apprentices averaged £170 a week, slightly a bove the then £3.50 per-hour minimum. Many future learners at Elec training Birmingham front-loaded C & G 2365 Level 2 & 3 first, entering the market as electricians’ mates on £21–25 k while building their NVQ portfolios.
Secondary Routes That Lifted 2018 Earnings
- Overtime – Deadline jobs paid time-and-a-half.
- Agency Contracts – Short-term commercial builds pushed weekly pay over £900.
- EV Charging Upskilling – Grants launched in 2018 let certified installers add £200–£300 per charger.
A Semrush industry analysis published that year showed a 120 % spike in UK “EV installer” search interest, signalling demand growth .
What the 2018 Data Still Tells Us Today
While figures have moved since, the 2018 electrician salary spread illustrates three durable truths:
- Skill scarcity pays. Sparkies led the field even when rivals posted larger yearly jumps.
- Qualifications equal negotiating power. NVQ 3 plus AM2 pushed workers into higher JIB brackets then—and still does.
- Regional surcharges stack fast. London and South-East weighting added thousands to the baseline electrician salary.
Ready to Out-Earn the Average?
Historic numbers prove the ceiling keeps rising. Enrol on a City & Guilds 2365 Diploma or fast-track NVQ package with Elec training Birmingham and start building the portfolio that unlocks top-tier rates.
Elec training Birmingham—transforming today’s learners into tomorrow’s best-paid tradespeople.
FAQs
What qualifications should an electrician have?
UK electricians should have City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3, NVQ Level 3, AM2 assessment, and 18th Edition Wiring Regulations certification.
What qualifications are needed to become an electrician?
You need City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3, NVQ Level 3, AM2 assessment, and 18th Edition certification to become a UK electrician.
What qualifications do I need to be an electrician apprenticeship?
For a UK electrician apprenticeship, you need basic Maths and English (GCSEs 9-4) and City & Guilds Level 2 as a starting point.
What qualifications are needed for an electrician?
Electricians require City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3, NVQ Level 3, AM2 assessment, and 18th Edition Wiring Regulations certification.
What are the qualifications for an electrician?
UK electricians need City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3, NVQ Level 3, AM2, and 18th Edition Wiring Regulations certification.
What is the average salary of an electrician in the UK?
The average UK electrician salary is £33,600 annually, varying by region, experience, and specialization.
What is the average salary of an electrician?
In the UK, electricians average £33,600 per year, with higher earnings in specialized or self-employed roles.
What is the average salary for an electrician?
UK electricians earn an average of £33,600 annually, with variations by region and expertise.
What is the average salary for an electrician in the UK?
The average electrician salary in the UK is £33,600 per year, higher in London or specialized roles.
What is the average salary of an electrician?
The UK electrician average salary is £33,600 per year, with potential for more in specialized roles.
What is the average electrician salary in Australia?
Australian electricians earn AUD 75,000-100,000 annually (£37,500-£50,000), varying by state and specialization.
What is the average salary for an electrician?
UK electricians average £33,600 per year, with higher salaries for experienced or self-employed professionals.
What is the average salary for a UK electrician?
The average UK electrician salary is £33,600 annually, with variations based on experience and location.
How do I learn to become an electrician?
Enroll in City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3, complete an apprenticeship, achieve NVQ Level 3, and pass AM2.
How to become an electrician in Scotland?
Complete City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3, NVQ Level 3, AM2, and 18th Edition certification in Scotland.
Why become an electrician?
Electricians enjoy stable demand, good pay (£33,600 average), varied work, and opportunities for specialization or self-employment.
Can I become an electrician online?
Online theory is possible, but practical training for City & Guilds, NVQ, and AM2 requires in-person sessions.
How to become an electrician apprentice?
Apply with basic Maths/English GCSEs, enroll in City & Guilds Level 2, and secure an apprenticeship placement.
Is it hard to become an electrician in the UK?
It’s challenging, requiring 3-5 years of study, practical training, and exams, but achievable with dedication.
