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 considering 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), sparkies 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 above 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.
