Why Approved Electricians Earn More Than Standard Electricians
- Technical review: Thomas Jevons (Head of Training, 20+ years)
- Employability review: Joshua Jarvis (Placement Manager)
- Editorial review: Jessica Gilbert (Marketing Editorial Team)
- Last reviewed:
- Changes: Initial publication explaining JIB grading structure and pay differentials between Electrician and Approved Electrician grades using 2024/25 JIB rates, ONS data, and job market analysis
If you’re looking at electrician job adverts or researching average electrician salary uk figures, you’ll see roles listed as “Electrician,” “Approved Electrician,” and sometimes “Technician Electrician,” with pay differences that seem arbitrary. A standard electrician role might advertise £34,000-£38,000 annually, while an Approved Electrician position at the same company offers £40,000-£48,000. The gap widens further in industrial sectors, where Approved roles can reach £50,000+. On paper, that’s a 15-20% premium for what appears to be a similar job title.
The difference isn’t arbitrary. It reflects a specific set of competencies, responsibilities, and regulatory requirements defined by the Joint Industry Board (JIB) and recognised across the UK electrical industry. The primary differentiator is qualification in Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection and Testing (typically City & Guilds 2391 or equivalent), combined with at least two years of post-qualification experience. This enables Approved Electricians to verify installations are safe and compliant, produce Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), and take final responsibility for work quality. Standard electricians install systems competently but typically require their work to be checked and signed off by someone with verification qualifications.
This article explains what “Approved Electrician” actually means in the JIB framework (and why job adverts often use the term loosely), what the wage evidence shows across official JIB rates, ONS data, and market signals, and why employers pay premiums for verification capability, compliance responsibility, and supervisory autonomy. You’ll understand whether pursuing Approved status accelerates career progression, what qualifications are genuinely required, and where the JIB structure matters most (industrial and commercial sectors) versus where it’s less relevant (some domestic work under Competent Person Schemes).
What "Approved Electrician" Actually Means (and Why Job Adverts Get It Wrong)
Understanding the pay gap requires first understanding that “Approved Electrician” has a specific meaning in the JIB framework, but job adverts use the term inconsistently, creating confusion about what qualifications and experience employers actually require.
JIB and ECS Official Definitions
The Joint Industry Board governs employment conditions and grading for electricians working under collective agreements (predominantly large commercial and industrial contractors). The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) issues competency cards that verify JIB grades. These definitions are precise:
Electrician (also called Installation Electrician or Standard Electrician in some contexts). Requires completion of a formal apprenticeship and NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Installation, plus passing the AM2 practical assessment. Holds an ECS Gold Card at Electrician grade. Competent to install electrical systems to BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 standards, work unsupervised on routine installations, and understand electrical theory at Level 3. However, this grade does not include formal qualification in testing, inspection, and verification, meaning the electrician typically cannot produce final installation certificates or EICRs independently. Their work is checked and signed off by someone with verification qualifications.
Approved Electrician. Requires at least two years working as a qualified Electrician, plus completion of a recognised qualification in Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection and Testing (City & Guilds 2391-52, 2394-01, 2395, or equivalent Level 3 Award). This qualification teaches testing procedures from IET Guidance Note 3, inspection methodologies, certification requirements, and fault diagnosis. Approved Electricians can design, install, and verify electrical systems independently, produce installation certificates, conduct periodic inspections (EICRs), and supervise teams. They’re expected to work with minimal oversight, interface directly with clients and consultants, and make technical decisions on site. Holds an ECS Gold Card at Approved Electrician grade. JIB defines this as the grade capable of “setting out jobs from drawings and specifications” without constant guidance.
Technician Electrician. Requires five years as an Electrician (with at least two years at Approved grade, including three years in supervisory roles), plus Level 4 qualifications in areas like electrical design, installation verification, or project management. This is the senior JIB grade, often functioning as site managers, lead engineers, or technical specialists responsible for complex fault diagnosis, project leadership, and advanced compliance documentation. Holds an ECS Gold Card at Technician grade.
How Job Adverts Use These Terms
Agencies, recruiters, and employers frequently use “Electrician” and “Approved Electrician” interchangeably or inaccurately. An advert for “Standard Electrician” might actually expect verification qualifications if it mentions EICR responsibilities in the job description. An “Approved Electrician” role might accept someone without 2391 if they have extensive experience and are willing to complete the qualification within a probation period. “Qualified Electrician” is used as a catch-all term that could mean anything from NVQ Level 3 completion to Approved status.
The result is that pay comparisons based on job titles alone are unreliable. What matters is the stated duties (installation only versus testing and inspection), required qualifications (18th Edition and NVQ versus 2391), and whether the role requires ECS Gold Card at a specific grade. Domestic roles, particularly those under NICEIC or NAPIT Competent Person Schemes, sometimes bypass JIB grading entirely, using scheme-specific competency assessments instead. In these contexts, “Approved” might mean scheme-approved rather than JIB Approved, and pay structures differ.
The key point: if you’re comparing salaries, compare the actual qualifications required and duties performed, not the job title. An “Electrician” role requiring 2391 and EICR production should command Approved-level pay regardless of what the advert calls it.
The Wage Evidence: JIB Rates, ONS Data, and Market Signals
Pay data comes from three sources with varying reliability: official JIB collectively bargained rates (highest quality), ONS employee earnings surveys (high quality but not grade-specific), and job board advertised salaries (market signals, not verified earnings).
Tier 1: JIB National Rates (Official Minimums)
The JIB 2024/25 National Working Rules set legally binding minimum hourly rates for employers operating under JIB agreements. These are floors, not ceilings. Many contractors pay above JIB minimums to attract skilled workers, but no JIB-aligned employer can pay below these rates for the stated grades.
2024/25 JIB hourly rates (37.5-hour standard week):
Electrician: £16.59 per hour
Approved Electrician: £17.93 per hour
Technician Electrician: £19.89 per hour
The gap between Electrician and Approved is £1.34 per hour, approximately 8% at the JIB minimum. Across a standard 37.5-hour week for 52 weeks (before holidays), that’s £2,600 additional gross annually. However, this understates the real gap because Approved Electricians typically access more overtime (paid at 1.5x or 2.0x multipliers), shift lead allowances, and site-in-charge bonuses that aren’t available to standard electricians. When overtime and premiums are factored in, the annual difference commonly reaches £5,000-£8,000.
London rates include a separate allowance (approximately 15% uplift depending on zone), applied to all grades. JIB-enhanced sick pay also differs: Approved Electricians receive £200 per week from weeks 3-24 of illness, compared to £190 for standard Electricians. While these differences are modest, they reflect the JIB’s recognition of Approved status as a distinct competency level.
Projected rates for 2026-2028 under current JIB agreements show 4-5% annual increases, maintaining the proportional gap between grades.
Tier 2: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Employee Data)
The Office for National Statistics ASHE survey tracks actual earnings reported to HMRC via PAYE tax records. It’s the most reliable source for employee earnings but doesn’t distinguish JIB grades. The SOC code 5241 (“Electricians and electrical fitters”) aggregates all electricians regardless of grade, experience, or sector.
2025 ONS data shows median full-time electrician earnings of approximately £39,000 annually, with a range from around £28,000 (10th percentile, likely trainees and newly qualified) to £55,000 (90th percentile, likely senior technicians, specialists, or those with substantial overtime). Hourly rates across the occupation average £18-£25 nationally, rising to £22-£30 in London.
Because ONS doesn’t separate Electrician from Approved Electrician, we can’t directly measure the grade-specific pay gap from this data. However, the wide range (£28,000 to £55,000) suggests substantial variation driven by factors including grade, sector, region, and overtime availability. The median of £39,000 likely includes a mix of standard electricians with moderate overtime and Approved electricians without extensive overtime, making it a reasonable midpoint but not a precise grade-specific figure.
Tier 3: Market Signals from Job Boards and Recruiters
Advertised salaries on Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, and CV-Library provide market signals showing what employers are willing to pay to attract applicants. These figures are typically higher than actual earnings because adverts highlight top-of-range salaries or include overtime assumptions to make roles more attractive. Analysis of approximately 50-60 current job listings (Q4 2024 to Q1 2025) shows:
Standard Installation Electrician roles: £30,000-£45,000 annually advertised, with most clustering around £34,000-£38,000 base. Roles emphasise installation duties, 18th Edition compliance, and working under supervision or alongside Approved electricians.
Approved Electrician roles: £35,000-£50,000 annually advertised, with base salaries most commonly £40,000-£45,000 before overtime. Higher-end roles (£48,000-£55,000) are in industrial sectors like data centres, EV charging infrastructure, and manufacturing requiring specialist knowledge or shift work. These roles explicitly require 2391 or equivalent testing qualifications and ECS Gold Cards at Approved grade.
Technician Electrician roles: £45,000-£60,000+ advertised, often with supervisory responsibilities, Level 4 qualifications, and complex project management duties.
Recruiter surveys from Hays and industry salary guides suggest average electrician earnings of £36,000-£44,000, with Approved status adding £4,000-£8,000 to base salary before overtime considerations. The market premium for Approved status (15-20% in many cases) exceeds the JIB mandatory minimum (8%), reflecting genuine scarcity of electricians qualified to perform testing and inspection.
The comprehensive electrician earnings by qualification level shows how NVQ Level 3, 2391, and specialist certifications combine to determine earning potential across different sectors and employment structures.
Why Approved Electricians Command Higher Pay: Ranked Drivers
The pay gap between Electrician and Approved grades reflects a combination of true skill premiums (competencies that require training and experience), context premiums (sector and risk profile), and market premiums (scarcity). Understanding which factors drive the difference helps learners prioritise qualification routes and helps employers justify pay structures.
1. Testing and Inspection Capability (True Skill Premium, ~30% of gap). The single largest driver is the 2391 qualification enabling Initial Verification (installation certificates) and Periodic Inspection (EICRs). Employers cannot hand over commercial installations to clients without verification certificates confirming compliance with BS 7671. A company with ten standard electricians but no Approved electricians must hire external inspectors at £400-£800 per visit, creating project delays and additional costs. One Approved hire internalises this expense, saving far more than the £2,600-£5,000 annual pay premium. The ability to perform testing to IET Guidance Note 3 standards, understand Zs (earth fault loop impedance) calculations, verify RCD operation, and produce legally defensible documentation isn’t taught in NVQ Level 3 or AM2. It requires separate qualification and practice.
2. Compliance and Risk Responsibility (True Skill + Context Premium, ~20% of gap). Approved Electricians carry what employers call “compliance burden.” They ensure installations meet BS 7671 requirements and can defend design decisions if incidents occur. When an electrical fire or shock injury happens, the installation certificate and EICR become primary evidence in investigations by HSE, insurance assessors, or courts. The electrician whose signature appears on those documents bears responsibility for demonstrating due diligence. Employers pay for this risk absorption. Standard electricians work under supervision; if their work is defective, the responsibility typically falls on the supervisor who signed off the final verification. Approved electricians take that responsibility personally.
3. Supervisory Autonomy and Leadership (True Skill Premium, ~15% of gap). JIB definitions state Approved Electricians should be capable of setting out jobs from drawings and specifications without constant guidance, leading small teams including apprentices, and making technical decisions on site without referring every variation back to management. This autonomy reduces management overhead. A contracts manager overseeing five Approved electricians on different sites can operate efficiently; overseeing five standard electricians requires more frequent site visits, detailed work instructions, and problem-solving support. The premium pays for reduced supervision costs and the ability to trust the electrician’s judgment on design variations, material substitutions, and sequence adjustments.
4. Sector Density and Application (Context Premium, ~15% of gap). Industrial and commercial sectors value Approved status more highly than domestic work. Manufacturing facilities, data centres, hospitals, and large commercial developments require regular inspection regimes, formal handover documentation, and compliance with stringent contractor management processes. These environments almost exclusively hire Approved or Technician grades because standard electricians cannot fulfil documentation and verification requirements. Domestic electrical work, particularly under Competent Person Schemes (NICEIC, NAPIT), sometimes allows electricians to self-certify installations through scheme membership without JIB Approved status, reducing the premium in that sector. The sector you work in determines how much Approved status increases earning potential.
5. Productivity and Reduced Rework (True Skill Premium, ~10% of gap). Approved Electricians develop what’s called a “verification mindset.” Rather than installing systems and handing them to someone else for testing, they verify compliance as they work, checking earth continuity, polarity, and circuit protection during installation rather than retrospectively. This catches errors while cables are still accessible, before plasterboard goes up or plant becomes live. Employers value this because rework on closed installations costs 3-5 times more than fixing issues during build. The premium reflects productivity gains from getting installations right first time.
6. Fault-Finding and Diagnostic Capability (True Skill Premium, ~5% of gap). Routine installation is repetitive: pulling cables, terminating accessories, testing circuits. Fault-finding in live commercial or industrial environments requires deeper theoretical understanding of three-phase systems, motor controls, PLC integration, and complex circuit protection coordination. Approved electricians typically develop diagnostic skills through testing and inspection training that standard electricians don’t receive formally. Employers pay for the ability to diagnose faults without extensive trial and error or external specialist call-outs.
7. Scarcity Premium (Market Premium, ~5% of gap). While many electricians can install systems competently, far fewer have the technical writing skills, theoretical depth, and attention to documentation detail required for high-quality EICRs and installation certificates. Testing and inspection training includes substantial paperwork, understanding of codes (C1, C2, C3, FI), and ability to write clear observations that non-technical clients can understand. The shortage of electricians combining practical competence with these skills drives market premiums above JIB minimums, particularly in regions or sectors with high demand.
These percentages are approximate and vary by employer, sector, and region. The key insight is that most of the premium (60-70%) reflects genuine skill differences requiring training and experience, not just market scarcity or employer willingness to pay.
"Producing a defensible EICR or installation certificate requires understanding Guidance Note 3 testing procedures, knowing when observations are coded C1, C2, or C3, and documenting findings clearly enough that they'd stand up in court if there's an incident. Standard electricians aren't trained for this responsibility. Approved electricians carry that compliance burden, and employers pay for it."
What Employers Are Really Buying When They Pay Approved Rates
From an employer perspective, the Approved Electrician premium isn’t charity or seniority recognition. It’s a calculated investment in risk reduction, quality assurance, and operational efficiency.
Sign-off capability and project completion. A commercial contractor with a pipeline of office fit-outs, retail developments, or industrial installations cannot complete projects without final verification certificates. Every contract requires handover documentation proving electrical systems are safe, compliant, and tested. Without at least one Approved Electrician on staff, the contractor must subcontract testing and inspection at £400-£800 per project visit, creating scheduling dependencies (waiting for external inspectors), quality risks (external inspector may find defects requiring rework), and cost overruns. One Approved hire at £42,000-£48,000 annually eliminates these external costs across dozens of projects, paying for itself multiple times over.
Client and consultant interface. Approved Electricians frequently act as the technical face of the business on site. They deal with main contractors, architects, clerks of works, building control officers, and client representatives. These interactions require ability to explain technical decisions, justify design variations, respond to queries about BS 7671 compliance, and negotiate practical solutions to specification conflicts. Standard electricians typically work under direction; Approved electricians represent the company’s technical competence externally. Employers pay for professionalism and communication skills that protect business reputation and maintain client relationships.
Fault diagnosis and problem-solving. Standard installation work follows specifications and drawings. When something doesn’t work as expected or existing installations behave unexpectedly, fault-finding requires systematic diagnostic processes, theoretical understanding of electrical principles, and experience with diverse system types. Approved Electricians develop these skills through inspection work (identifying existing installation defects) and testing procedures (understanding how circuits should behave). They can diagnose tripping RCDs, identify borrowed neutrals, trace intermittent faults, and resolve polarity errors without extensive trial and error. This saves project time and reduces client frustration.
Verification mindset and quality assurance. Employers describe Approved Electricians as having a “verification mindset” meaning they think about testing and compliance during installation, not just at the end. They verify earth continuity as circuits are extended, check polarity before energising, confirm protective device ratings match cable sizes, and ensure documentation accuracy from the start. This reduces rework when final testing reveals errors that are expensive to fix after walls are closed or equipment is commissioned. The premium reflects quality assurance value that prevents costly remedial work.
Supervision of teams and apprentices. JIB Approved status includes expectation of supervisory capability. Approved Electricians lead teams of standard electricians and apprentices, allocate tasks, check work quality, and make decisions about job sequencing and material procurement. This reduces the need for constant management oversight. A contracts manager can run multiple concurrent projects if each has an Approved electrician on site making day-to-day decisions. Without Approved staff, the manager must visit sites more frequently to resolve issues, approve variations, and verify quality, reducing the number of projects they can oversee simultaneously.
The premium isn’t paying for “more experience” in isolation. It’s paying for specific capabilities that reduce business costs, improve project delivery, and minimise legal and commercial risks.
Job Advert Patterns: What Approved Roles Actually Require
Analysis of approximately 50-60 current job listings across Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, and CV-Library reveals consistent patterns in how employers describe Approved Electrician roles versus standard installation positions. The keywords, qualification requirements, and responsibility descriptions differ predictably, showing what employers genuinely value.
The Gold Card filter. Approximately 90% of adverts explicitly requesting “Approved Electrician” require an ECS Gold Card at Approved grade. Adverts that don’t mention “Approved” or specify “Electrician” or “Installation Electrician” often accept ECS Gold Card at any grade or don’t mention ECS at all, focusing instead on 18th Edition certification and NVQ Level 3. The Gold Card requirement acts as a verification filter, ensuring candidates have met JIB-recognised competency standards rather than relying on self-reported experience.
The 2391 requirement. 100% of Approved Electrician job adverts mention Testing and Inspection qualifications explicitly, using phrases like “City & Guilds 2391,” “C&G 2394/2395,” “Initial Verification,” “Periodic Inspection,” or “EICR experience essential.” Many specify “2391-52” (the combined inspection and testing qualification) rather than older split qualifications. Standard electrician adverts rarely mention testing qualifications, focusing on 18th Edition BS 7671, AM2, and installation experience. This is the clearest differentiator: if an advert requires 2391, it’s an Approved-level role regardless of what title appears.
Keyword signals in Approved adverts. Roles genuinely requiring Approved status include specific terminology that standard installation roles don’t:
RAMS: Risk Assessment and Method Statements, indicating site safety documentation responsibility
EICR: Electrical Installation Condition Reports, the primary output of periodic inspection work
Handover: Formal project completion including documentation packages for clients
Client-facing: Direct interaction with building owners, facilities managers, or consultants
Sign-off: Final verification and certification responsibility (though legally this should be phrased as “verification and certification responsibility” rather than informal “sign-off”)
Fault-finding: Systematic diagnosis of electrical problems in existing installations
Compliance verification: Ensuring work meets BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 and Building Regulations Part P
Standard installation adverts use different language focusing on installation, first and second fix, cable pulling, termination, basic testing (continuity and insulation resistance without full verification), and working under supervision or alongside senior electricians.
Sector bias in grading requirements. Industrial roles (manufacturing, data centres, power generation, EV charging infrastructure) almost exclusively request Approved or Technician grades. These environments require regular inspection regimes, complex fault diagnosis, and stringent compliance documentation that standard electricians aren’t trained to provide. Commercial fit-out and office refurbishment roles mix requirements, sometimes accepting standard electricians for installation phases but requiring Approved electricians for final verification and handover. Domestic maintenance roles (social housing, local authority property services) use Approved and Electrician interchangeably, often prioritising 18th Edition currency and EICR experience over formal JIB grading.
Scarcity signals and premiums. Approximately 40% of Approved Electrician adverts include urgency language (“immediate start,” “ongoing contract,” “long-term opportunity”) suggesting genuine shortage. Shift premiums, night rates, and shutdown allowances in these adverts reach £30-£36 per hour (compared to £25-£28 for standard roles), with annual earnings including overtime frequently quoted at £50,000-£55,000. Repeated listings for the same Approved roles across multiple months while equivalent standard roles fill quickly confirms market scarcity.
"Confidence and communication skills matter when you're Approved because you're often the face of the company on site. Dealing with architects, main contractors, and clients requires professionalism beyond pulling cables. Standard electricians work under supervision. Approved electricians are expected to represent the business, handle variations, and justify technical decisions. That client-facing responsibility is part of what employers pay for."
When the Title Doesn't Match the Reality
Job advert titles are unreliable indicators of actual requirements, creating confusion for applicants and mismatches for employers. Understanding when to trust the title and when to read the full job description prevents wasted applications and incorrect salary expectations.
Loose use of “Approved” without verification requirements. Some adverts title roles “Approved Electrician” but list duties limited to installation work with no mention of testing, inspection, EICRs, or 2391 qualifications. These are effectively standard electrician roles mislabelled, possibly because the employer associates “Approved” with “experienced” rather than understanding JIB grading. Applying for these roles with Approved-level salary expectations creates negotiation problems. If the duties don’t include verification, the role shouldn’t command Approved pay regardless of title.
“Qualified Electrician” as a catch-all. This phrase means almost nothing without context. It could mean NVQ Level 3 completion (standard grade), Gold Card holder (any grade), or Approved status depending on employer understanding. Always check whether “qualified” means “completed apprenticeship” or “holds testing qualifications.” Salary offers of £32,000-£35,000 for “Qualified Electrician” roles suggest standard grade expectations. Offers of £42,000-£48,000 suggest Approved grade expectations even if not explicitly stated.
Standard roles requiring Approved competencies. Conversely, some adverts titled “Electrician” or “Installation Electrician” list EICR production, periodic inspection, or verification duties in the description. These are Approved-level roles regardless of title and should be negotiated at Approved rates. If an employer expects you to produce installation certificates and EICRs, they’re expecting Approved-level competence and should pay accordingly.
Domestic sector exceptions to JIB grading. NICEIC and NAPIT Competent Person Scheme memberships allow electricians to self-certify domestic installations through scheme assessment processes that don’t align directly with JIB grading. An electrician can be NICEIC Approved Contractor or NAPIT Approved without being JIB Approved Electrician. In domestic contexts, scheme approval often matters more than JIB grade, and pay structures differ. Someone advertising as “NICEIC Approved Electrician” might earn £38,000-£45,000 in domestic work without formal JIB Approved status or 2391. This creates parallel qualification pathways that confuse pay comparisons.
The practical takeaway: ignore job titles, read full descriptions, check qualification requirements (especially 2391), look for verification and inspection duties, and negotiate salary based on actual responsibilities and your qualifications, not the advert headline.
Common Misconceptions About Approved Status and Pay
Several myths persist about what Approved Electrician status means and why pay differs from standard grades.
Myth 1: “I’ve been an electrician for 20 years, so I’m automatically Approved.” Reality: No. Experience alone doesn’t create Approved status. Without the specific JIB-recognised Level 3 Testing and Inspection qualification (2391 or equivalent) and formal ECS grade regrading, you remain classified as a standard Electrician in the eyes of JIB framework and most large contractors. Years of experience matter for competence and pay progression within a grade, but they don’t move you between grades without additional qualifications. An electrician with 20 years’ experience but no 2391 should be paid as a highly experienced standard electrician (potentially at the top of the £34,000-£42,000 range), not as an Approved electrician (£40,000-£50,000 range).
Myth 2: “The pay gap is only a few pounds per hour, so it doesn’t matter.” Reality: JIB base rates show £1.34/hour difference (8%), which appears modest. However, Approved electricians get preferential access to overtime (often first call for evening and weekend work at 1.5x-2.0x rates), shift lead allowances (additional £1-£2/hour when supervising teams), and site-in-charge bonuses that standard electricians don’t qualify for. A £1.34/hour base difference becomes £5,000-£8,000 additional annual earnings when these opportunities are included. The gap widens further in market rates (15-20% premium) beyond JIB minimums.
Myth 3: “Approved status only matters in big commercial or industrial jobs.” Reality: Partially true but overstated. Approved status is most valuable in commercial and industrial sectors where formal JIB grading is recognised and contract compliance requires verified documentation. However, domestic electricians producing EICRs for rental properties, social housing, or insurance purposes also benefit from formal testing qualifications. While domestic sole traders might operate outside JIB frameworks using Competent Person Schemes, having 2391 opens access to periodic inspection work (landlord EICRs, insurance inspections, building surveys) that generates additional income streams. The premium is smaller in domestic work but not zero.
Myth 4: “You need to be Approved to work on commercial sites.” Reality: No. Standard electricians work on commercial sites routinely, typically under supervision or alongside Approved electricians who handle final verification. Large commercial contractors employ both grades, with standard electricians performing installation work and Approved electricians conducting testing, inspection, and project handover. What you can’t do as a standard electrician is work entirely unsupervised on commercial projects requiring final verification documentation, because you lack the qualifications to produce installation certificates independently.
Myth 5: “2391 qualification alone makes you Approved.” Reality: No. JIB Approved status requires 2391 (or equivalent) plus minimum two years’ experience as a qualified Electrician plus formal ECS card regrading. Completing 2391 six months after finishing your apprenticeship makes you qualified to perform testing and inspection, but you’re not JIB Approved Electrician until you’ve met the experience requirement and applied for ECS card upgrade. Employers hiring for genuine Approved roles check ECS card grade, not just whether you hold 2391. Holding the qualification without the card grade might get you hired at mid-range pay between standard and full Approved rates while you accumulate required experience.
Myth 6: “All electricians earn the same in the same company.” Reality: Even within a single employer, grading determines pay. A JIB-aligned contractor will pay standard electricians at Electrician grade rates and Approved electricians at Approved grade rates according to JIB minimums or company pay scales that mirror JIB structure. Two electricians with similar experience working on the same site can have £5,000-£8,000 annual salary difference based solely on whether one holds 2391 and Approved ECS card grade.
Myth 7: “Approved electricians just do testing; standard electricians do the real work.” Reality: Approved electricians perform all the duties standard electricians do (installation, termination, cable pulling, first and second fix) plus additional responsibilities (testing, verification, inspection, supervision). They’re not specialists who only test others’ work. They’re electricians with broader competency including verification capability. In practice, Approved electricians often spend more time on complex installations, fault-finding, and final commissioning than on routine installation tasks, but they’re capable of the full range of electrical work.
What We Still Can't Measure Well: Data Gaps
Several aspects of the Approved versus standard pay gap remain poorly documented, creating uncertainty in precise comparisons.
Grade-specific ONS earnings breakdowns. ONS ASHE aggregates all electricians under SOC 5241 without distinguishing JIB grades. We know median electrician earnings are approximately £39,000, but we don’t know the median specifically for Approved Electricians versus standard Electricians from official statistics. The JIB provides minimums, but actual market earnings at each grade aren’t tracked centrally. Job board data gives advertised ranges, but actual accepted salaries aren’t published. This gap means we rely on JIB minimums (verified but understated) and advertised ranges (indicative but potentially inflated) without official data on real-world average earnings by grade.
Self-employed and CIS contractor grade differentials. The analysis focuses on PAYE employment under JIB frameworks. Self-employed electricians and CIS subcontractors often negotiate rates based on reputation, speed, and client relationships rather than formal grading. An experienced self-employed electrician without 2391 might command £280-£320 day rates based on portfolio and reliability, while someone with 2391 charges £320-£380. However, this varies enormously by region, sector, and individual negotiation. There’s no systematic data tracking whether CIS contractors with testing qualifications actually earn premiums over those without, or how large those premiums are. The differential might be smaller in self-employment than in PAYE structures because clients care more about work quality and reliability than formal certifications.
Regional variations beyond London. JIB notes London allowances (approximately 15% uplift), but regional variation in market rates beyond London isn’t well documented. Advertised salaries suggest South East pays premiums similar to London, while North East, Wales, and Scotland pay 10-15% below national averages, but we lack verified earnings data by region and grade combined. An Approved Electrician in Manchester might earn £42,000-£46,000, while an equivalent role in London commands £50,000-£55,000, but precise regional multipliers aren’t published.
Scarcity premium trends over time. Job adverts showing urgency and repeated listings suggest Approved electricians are scarce relative to demand, particularly in industrial sectors. However, we don’t have time-series data showing whether this scarcity is increasing (as older electricians with legacy Approved status retire without sufficient new qualifications at the same rate) or stable. If 2391 uptake among newly qualified electricians is declining, scarcity premiums should increase over coming years. If training providers are successfully encouraging earlier 2391 completion, scarcity might stabilise or reduce. This trend data doesn’t exist publicly.
Precise allocation of premium drivers. The ranked drivers section estimates that testing capability accounts for approximately 30% of the pay gap, compliance risk 20%, supervision 15%, etc. These are informed judgments based on employer feedback, job advert analysis, and sector patterns, not measured data. There’s no published research quantifying what proportion of the Approved premium pays for each capability. Different employers might weight these factors differently, with industrial firms placing more value on fault-finding and commercial firms prioritising client interface skills.
These gaps don’t undermine the core finding that Approved status commands genuine premiums through verified capability rather than arbitrary seniority, but they prevent precise modelling of pay progression and regional variation.
Understanding Whether Approved Status Is Worth Pursuing
The evidence shows Approved Electrician status commands genuine pay premiums of 8% at JIB minimums and 15-20% in market rates, driven primarily by verification qualifications enabling testing, inspection, and compliance responsibility. For learners and career changers, the question is whether investing time and money in 2391 qualifications (approximately £1,000-£1,500 course cost plus 1-2 weeks away from work) delivers sufficient return to justify the effort.
The financial case is straightforward for electricians planning commercial or industrial careers. Annual salary uplifts of £4,000-£8,000 repay qualification costs within 3-6 months. Access to better overtime opportunities, shift lead roles, and eventual progression to Technician grade amplify returns over a career. Employers in these sectors actively seek Approved status because without it, they incur external inspection costs and project delivery constraints. Demand for verification-qualified electricians exceeds supply, creating scarcity premiums that make 2391 one of the highest-ROI qualifications in electrical trades.
For domestic-focused electricians, the case is more nuanced. Formal JIB Approved status matters less in domestic markets where Competent Person Scheme approval (NICEIC, NAPIT) often substitutes. However, 2391 opens access to periodic inspection work (landlord EICRs, insurance inspections, house purchase surveys) that generates supplementary income beyond installation jobs. A self-employed domestic electrician producing ten EICRs monthly at £200-£300 each adds £24,000-£36,000 annual gross revenue from inspection work, far exceeding the qualification investment.
Timing matters. Completing 2391 immediately after AM2 provides qualifications but not JIB Approved status until you’ve accumulated two years’ post-qualification experience. Market positioning during those two years sits between standard and full Approved rates (typically £36,000-£40,000 rather than £34,000 or £42,000). Waiting until you have two years’ experience before pursuing 2391 delays the pay uplift but means you achieve full Approved status immediately upon qualification. There’s no definitively “correct” timing, but completing 2391 within three years of qualifying as an electrician accelerates career progression regardless of exact sequencing.
For employers, pay differentials should reflect actual duties and qualifications, not arbitrary title choices. An electrician performing verification and producing EICRs should be paid at Approved rates whether titled “Electrician” or “Approved Electrician” in the advert. Conversely, someone titled “Approved Electrician” but performing only installation work under supervision without 2391 qualifications shouldn’t command Approved pay. Clear job descriptions specifying required qualifications (2391 yes/no, ECS Gold Card grade) and duties (testing/inspection yes/no) prevent mismatches and salary disputes.
The Elec Training’s electrician pay and progression guide shows how JIB grading combines with sectoral choices, regional factors, and employment structures to shape long-term earning potential across different electrical career pathways. If you’re considering whether to pursue 2391 and Approved status, or if you’re an employer determining appropriate pay for electricians with testing qualifications, call us on 0330 822 5337 to discuss qualification routes, JIB framework implications, and realistic earnings expectations for your specific sector and region.
References
- JIB (Joint Industry Board) – Industrial Determination June 2025 – https://www.jib.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/JIB-Industrial-Determination-062025.pdf
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) – Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025 – https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/bulletins/annualsurveyofhoursandearnings/2025
- National Careers Service – Electrician Job Profile – https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/electrician
- ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association) – JIB Pay Rates Member Support – https://www.eca.co.uk/member-support/employee-relations/national-collective-agreements/jib-pay-rates
- ECS Card – JIB Grading Information – https://www.ecscard.org.uk/content/JIB-Grading
- Indeed UK – Electrician Salaries – https://www.indeed.co.uk/salaries/electrician-Salaries
- Reed – Average Approved Electrician Salary – https://www.reed.co.uk/average-salary/average-approved-electrician-salary
- Totaljobs – Approved Electrician Jobs – https://www.totaljobs.com/jobs/approved-electrician
- CV-Library – Approved Electrician Jobs – https://www.cv-library.co.uk/approved-electrician-jobs
Note on Accuracy and Updates
Last reviewed: 30 December 2025. This page is maintained; we correct errors and refresh sources as JIB pay determinations, ONS ASHE releases, and ECS grading requirements are updated. JIB rates reflect 2024/25 published minimums (Electrician £16.59/hr, Approved £17.93/hr, Technician £19.89/hr). Projected 2026-2028 rates show 4-5% annual increases maintaining proportional gaps between grades. ONS data uses 2025 ASHE median electrician earnings (£39,000 annually, aggregated across all grades). Job market analysis based on approximately 50-60 current listings from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025 across Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, and CV-Library. Next review scheduled following JIB 2026 wage determination (expected January 2026), ONS ASHE 2026 release (November 2026), and any significant changes to ECS grading or 2391 qualification frameworks.
