2022 UK Trades Salary Survey: Electricians Still Lead the Pack (and How to Maximise Your Earnings) 

Electricians continue to set the pace for earnings across the UK trades—driven by persistent skills shortages, sustained demand in domestic and commercial work, and g rowth areas like EV charging, consumer unit upgrades, and inspection & testing. If you’re mapping your career, pricing your jobs, or deciding which qualifications to add next, this guide pulls everything into one place: what the salary survey means in practice, realistic day-rate scenarios, trainee pay, JIB grades, and four practical deep-dives to help you sharpen your edge. 

Early reads worth bookmarking: 

• A grounded look at what trades actually charged on the ground: 2018 day-rate snapshot for domestic work 

• Professional habits that accelerate early-career progress: dos and don’ts for electrical apprentices 

• Where the demand is heading next: EV charging – a market zooming toward 300,000 public sockets 

• Pricing and risk on a bread-and-butter job: four things to consider when replacing a consumer unit 

What the headline salary tells (and doesn’t tell) you 

The 2022 ONS figure puts the average employed electrician salary at £33,636, up from £32,540 the previous year. That keeps electricians at the top of the trades table. It’s a useful signal for planning, but it’s an employed average—so treat it as a baseline, not a ceiling. 

In real life, your earnings will vary with: 

• Region – London and the South East tend to command higher rates. 

• Status – self-employed/contract versus PAYE. 

• Scope – higher-value work (I&T, consumer unit changes, EV installs, small works packages) moves you beyond day-rates alone. 

• Presentation – tidy workmanship, clean certification, and reliable communication are price multipliers. 

If you’re just starting, don’t be discouraged by the spread. Your goal is to move quickly from “pair of hands” to “installer who can survey, design, test, and document”—that’s where rates rise. 

How electricians actually charge (and where money is made) 

Two main models dominate: day rate and fixed price. Smart contractors blend them: 

• Survey-first fixed prices for contained jobs (consumer unit upgrades, small rewires, EV home charge points). 

• Day rates for open-ended fault-finding, multi-trade projects, or when the scope is uncertain. 

Typical small-job ballparks often circulated in the trade include: 

• Consumer unit (fuse box) replacement: ~£500 (½–1 day, plus materials & certification) 

• EICR (domestic): £90–£180 (4–8 hours, property dependent) 

• Replace a light fitting: £40–£60 (½–1 hour) 

• Add a double socket: £80–£130 (1–3 hours) 

• EV charge point install (basic domestic scenario): £200–£300 labour (often part of a package price) 

Note how margin works: a well-planned consumer unit change with documented testing and a clean handover can be extremely efficient; a poorly s coped one (no survey, hidden faults) can chew hours and goodwill. Before you price, study four things to consider when replacing a consumer unit so your quote covers safety, compliance, and surprises. 

For broader context on day-rates and what real sparkies used to charge at the coalface, the 2018 day-rate snapshot for domestic work is still a useful sanity check—especially for how contractors structured quotes and communicated value to customers. 

Trainee and improver pay: set expectations (and get past them fast) 

Apprentice starting pay is modest because you’re being trained on the job, but many employers do pay above the legal minimum to attract committed learners. If you’re not on the apprenticeship route, front-loading your technical learning (e.g., core diplomas before site) can move you into better-paid trainee roles sooner. 

The fastest way to move your pay north is to document competence: 

• Build a simple portfolio of neat, labelled installs and clean certificates. 

• Keep a log of test results you’ve taken yourself. 

• Gather short supervisor references that speak to reliability and safe isolation. 

• Nail the basics in the first 90 days: time-keeping, tidy work area, methodical testing. 

New to site or still training? The habits in dos and don’ts for electrical apprentices will save you months of frustration and help you stand out for the right reasons. 

JIB wage grades: how progression translates into pay 

Many contractors and agencies reference JIB grades to anchor rates for Trainee Electrician, Electrician, Approved Electrician, and Technician. As you collect qualifications and experience—NVQ Level 3, AM2/AM2E, and periodic inspection/testing competence—your grade and typical rate climb accordingly. 

Use JIB grades as a planning tool: 

• Map what you’re missing (e.g., inspection & testing ticket, evidence breadth for NVQ). 

• Book the right training or assessments. 

• Track your pay conversations to those tangible milestones. 

Where demand is growing: align skills to opportunity 

EV charging (domestic and small commercial) 

Client enquiries keep rising in line with EV adoption. Domestic installs demand sound load assessment, RCD selection, PME considerations, and neat routing; small commercial sites add load management, multiple points, and clearer documentation for duty-holders. If you want a quick primer on where the public infrastructure is heading (and why that spills over into home and workplace demand), read EV charging – a market zooming toward 300,000 public sockets. 

Inspection & Testing (EICR and Initial Verification) 

Testing and documentation are non-negotiable—and they’re great for building trust with managing agents, landlords, and SMEs. Quality reports with actionable advisories bring you back year after year. 

Consumer unit upgrades and safety remediation 

SPDs, AFDDs in higher-risk residential p remises, RCD protection, labelling, and clean certification—these jobs reward tidy work and clear explanations. Again, start with four things to consider when replacing a consumer unit to avoid scope creep. 

Pricing confidently: a practical framework 

1. Survey before you price 
   Record Ze, earthing arrangement, bonding, protective device types, spare ways, and visible defects. If pre-works are needed, list them.

    

2. State assumptions and exclusions 
   If concealed faults are discovered, quote variations before proceeding.

    

3. Bundle deliverables 
   Include testing, certification, labelled boards, and a brief handover document in the price—clients understand value when it’s visible.

    

4. Schedule intelligently 
   Sequence jobs to minimise travel and downtime. Protect testing windows from interruptions.

    

5. Review every job’s margin 
   Tweak your pricing model based on facts, not feelings. 

Four routes into (and through) the trade—picking the right one 

1. New Entrant – 4-Step Programme (self-funded) 
   Classroom/workshop first, then on-site NVQ evidence and AM2. Good for career-changers who want speed and structure.

    

2. Apprenticeship (funded, employed) 
   Earn while you learn, build evidence naturally, and sit AM2S when ready. Best with a supportive employer offering varied work.

    

3. Experienced Worker Assessment 
   For operatives with ~5+ years in the industry who can evidence competence; includes gap training and AM2E.
    
4. NVQ Level 3 “Step 4” only 
   Ideal if you already hold the Level 3 diploma and need to complete the workplace NVQ (with assessor guidance) to reach full competence. 

Whichever you choose, keep your testing discipline sharp and your portfolio tidy—those two things accelerate everything else. 

Costs you must factor if you go self-employed 

• Tools & testers (and calibration) 

• Vehicle (fuel, insurance, maintenance) 

• Scheme membership and assessment time 

• Insurance (PL, PI if appropriate) 

• Admin time (quotes, certs, chasing parts) 

Build those into your day-rate or fixed prices. Profit isn’t a dirty word; it’s what lets you answer the phone next year. 

The mindset that grows both reputation and revenue 

• Do it right the first time: straight runs, correct fixings, tidy terminations, labelled boards. 

• Communicate clearly: explain options, give written scopes, and stick to agreed variations only. 

• Show your workings: clean certificates and photo evidence turn one-off jobs into repeat clients. 

• Keep learning: small, regular upskilling (I&T, EV, regs updates) compounds fast. 

If you’re at the beginning, adopt the professional habits in dos and don’ts for electrical apprentices; they’ll carry you from trainee rates to professional day-rates faster than any shortcut. 

Electricians sit at the top of the trades earnings tree for good reasons: complex, safety-critical work; accountable documentation; and the ability to design, install, test, and hand over systems that simply must work. Use the employed average as a baseline, then grow past it with better scoping, rigorous testing, and targeted specialisms. Keep your pricing honest, your paperwork clean, and your workmanship tidy—and let the market do what it does for competent, reliable sparkies. 

When you want more detail on rates and charge-out examples, revisit the 2018 day-rate snapshot for domestic work; for apprentice momentum and site etiquette, lean on dos and don’ts for electrical apprentices; for the next wave of demand, study EV charging – 300,000 public sockets; and for profitable bread-and-butter upgrades, keep four things to consider when replacing a consumer unit close at hand. 

For more information www.elec.training  

FAQs on Electrician Salaries and Earnings in the UK (Based on 2022 Data and Trends) 

Below is a comprehensive FAQ addressing your questions on electrician salaries in the UK, drawing from the 2022 Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey and other reliable sources. Data reflects 2022 figures where specified, with notes on trends up to 2025. All salaries are gross annual unless stated otherwise. 

1 – What is the average electrician salary in the UK according to the 2022 survey?

According to the 2022 ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, the average (median) salary for electricians in the UK was £32,540, a slight decrease from £33,495 in 2021, but still among the highest for trades. This figure includes both PAYE employees and self-employed workers, with full-time roles averaging around £36,000 when adjusted for hours. By 2025, estimates have risen to £33,549–£38,000 due to inflation and demand, but the 2022 benchmark remains £32,540. 

2 – How do electrician earnings compare with other UK trades?

In 2022, electricians earned the highest average salary among major UK trades at £32,540–£36,134, outperforming plumbers (£33,836), bricklayers (£30,000–£35,000), carpenters (£30,000–£38,000), and painters/decorators (£28,000–£32,000) by £3,000–£5,000 annually. Electricians topped the list due to skills shortages and complex work, with a 0.1% rise from 2021. By 2024–2025, the gap widened, with electricians at £18,000–£42,000 vs. plumbers at £21,000–£40,000 and roofers at £17,000–£35,000. 

3 – Do electricians earn more as PAYE employees or as self-employed contractors?

Self-employed electricians generally earn more than PAYE employees, with 2022 data showing self-employed averaging £51,200 annually (56% higher than the overall £32,540 average), thanks to day rates of £200–£400 and flexibility. PAYE roles averaged £32,000–£38,000, including benefits like pensions but with fixed hours and less control. Self-employed can charge £20–£50/hour or £320/day, potentially reaching £60,000 pre-tax, but face higher risks and costs; by 2025, self-employed still lead at £40,000–£60,000 vs. PAYE £33,000–£40,000. 

4 – What factors have the biggest impact on an electrician’s pay (region, skills, status)?

Key factors include: 

• Region: London/South East pays highest (£40,000–£45,000+ due to cost of living and demand), vs. £30,000–£35,000 in North/Midlands; urban areas add £1,000–£5,000. 

• Skills/Specializations: Advanced quals (e.g., EV, renewables) boost pay by 20–30%; inspection/testing adds £5,000–£12,000. 

• Status/Experience: Self-employed earn 50%+ more than PAYE; 5+ years’ experience raises salaries to £40,000–£60,000 vs. £19,000–£25,000 for juniors. Other influences: overtime, customer service, and willingness to travel. 

5 – How much can a newly qualified electrician expect to earn in the first few years?

Newly qualified electricians (post-NVQ Level 3/AM2) earn £19,000–£25,000 in year 1 (PAYE), rising to £25,000–£30,000 by year 3 as they gain experience. Self-employed starters can hit £22,000–£28,000 via subcontracting (£130–£150/day). In London, expect £30,000–£40,000 starting due to demand. By 2025, figures are similar but adjusted for inflation (£22,000–£25,000 entry), with progression to £33,000+ after 2–3 years via JIB grading. 

6 – What are typical rates for common domestic jobs like consumer unit upgrades or EICRs?

• Consumer Unit Upgrades: Average £450–£850 for a 3-bed home (including materials/labor; £485 national median for 10-way RCBO unit). Small flats: £350–£650; larger homes: £850–£1,100+. Includes testing; quotes vary by board type (e.g., dual RCD adds £100–£200). 

• EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports): £150–£300 for a 2–3 bed house (£10–£50/circuit; small units £15–£20 each). Full inspections (up to 10 circuits) cost £200–£400; landlords pay more for compliance. Rates exclude repairs; 2025 averages hold steady. 

7 – How do JIB wage grades work and how do they affect pay progression?

JIB (Joint Industry Board) grades set minimum hourly wages for electrical contractors in England/Wales, progressing via assessments/portfolio: 

• Grades: Trainee/Improver (£13.90–£15.60/hour), Electrician (£17.32), Approved Electrician (£18.78), Site Technician (£20.00+). London rates add 20–25% (e.g., Electrician £21.50). 

• Progression: Start as apprentice (£6.44–£8.16/hour stage 1, rising to £15+ by year 4), grade to Electrician post-qualification (NVQ/AM2), then Approved after 2–3 years’ experience. 2025 saw 7% rises (e.g., Electrician to £20.00+); 2026–2028 adds 3.95%/4.6%/3%. Grades ensure fair pay, with overtime at 1.5x/2x, boosting progression to £42,500+ annually. 

8 – What extra qualifications or skills (like EV charging or inspection & testing) can increase earnings?

Specialized quals boost earnings by 20–30% (£5,000–£12,000/year): 

• EV Charging (C&G 2921-34): Adds £10,000+ via OZEV grants (£350–£14,000/job); specialists earn £40,000–£60,000 in high-demand areas. 

• Inspection & Testing (C&G 2391): Enables EICRs (£150–£400/job), adding £5,000–£10,000; combined with 18th Edition, qualifies for supervisor roles (£45,000+). Other skills: Renewables (solar/battery) or smart homes increase rates by £5–£10/hour. In 2025, EV/inspection demand drives 23% income rises for certified electricians. 

9 – How can apprentices and improvers move up the pay scale more quickly?

To accelerate pay (from £10,000–£15,000 apprentice to £25,000+ improver): 

• Gain quals faster: Complete NVQ Level 3/AM2 early; pursue add-ons like 2391 during apprenticeship. 

• Seek overtime/shifts: JIB allows 1.5x/2x rates; target high-demand sites (e.g., data centers). 

• Network/build portfolio: Move to better employers post-year 2; subcontract as improver (£130–£150/day). 

• 2025 uplifts (e.g., 2% apprentice rise) help; experienced improvers grade to Electrician in 1–2 years via EWA, reaching £17–£20/hour. Focus on skills like testing for quick progression. 

10 – What costs should self-employed electricians factor into their day-rates to stay profitable?

Self-employed electricians (day rates £200–£400) must deduct 30–50% for costs to net £40,000–£60,000: 

• Overheads: Tools/equipment (£500–£2,000/year), van/fuel (£3,000–£5,000), insurance (£1,000–£2,000 public liability). 

• Admin/Compliance: Accounting (£500–£1,000), certifications (e.g., NICEIC £300–£500), materials (20–30% of job cost). 

• Taxes/NI: 20–45% income tax + 9% NI; IR35 compliance adds admin. 
• Other: Marketing (£500), downtime (20–30% non-billable), pensions/sick pay. Aim for £250+ day rate minimum; track via apps to ensure 50%+ profit margin.