Electricians’ Rates in the UK: A Practical Guide for New Entrants and Existing Sparks
Across the trades, electricians continue to sit at the top of the pay table. Surveys show that electrical work is one of the most financially r ewarding routes for skilled workers, and despite the challenges of COVID-19, demand for qualified electricians has remained high.
But what exactly can electricians expect to charge, and how do rates vary depending on the type of work? For new entrants considering training and career changers weighing up their options, understanding the financial picture is an important part of the decision-making process. For existing electricians, keeping on top of typical day rates and emergency call-out charges is vital to stay competitive.
This guide looks at how electricians charge for their work, what industry averages currently are, and how aspiring electricians can progress through t raining into the trade.
The Current Landscape for Electricians
In November 2020, industry surveys confirmed that electricians once again topped the list for average trades salaries in the UK, with a year-on-year increase of around 1%. Despite the turbulence of the pandemic, the electrical sector has shown resilience, with qualified sparks able to continue working in people’s homes for essential maintenance and repairs even during lockdowns.
A poll of electricians early in 2021 revealed that around 80% had been financially affected by COVID restrictions, but the long-term picture remains strong. The increasing rollout of renewable energy, the growth of electric vehicle infrastructure, and the government’s net zero targets all point towards rising demand for skilled electrical labour in the coming years.
How Electricians Charge
Most electricians choose one of three approaches when pricing their services:
- Fixed fee per job – Offering a set price for specific tasks such as installing a new consumer unit or rewiring a room.
- Hourly rate – Charging by the hour, often used for small repairs or when the scope of work is uncertain.
- Day rate – Quoting a daily figure for larger jobs that take longer than a few hours.
Industry surveys suggest that many electricians prefer pricing per job, as it gives customers clarity and ensures fair value for both sides. However, having a benchmark hourly or daily rate is still important when preparing quotes.
Typical Rates in 2021
Feedback from electricians and industry websites provides a useful picture of average rates:
- Day rate: Between £200–£250 per day, excluding materials and VAT.
- Hourly rate: Around £40 per hour is the accepted benchmark. Around two-thirds of electricians surveyed confirmed this as their standard rate, with the remainder charging slightly above £40.
- Emergency hourly rate: Between £80–£100 per hour for urgent call-outs. Around 70% of respondents confirmed £80 as their emergency call-out rate, with 30% charging above that level.
These averages vary across the UK, with London and the South East often commanding higher prices. Factors such as travel distance, materials, and job complexity also affect the final figure.
Common Electrical Job Costs
To give an idea of how these rates translate into everyday work, here are some typical costs:
- PAT Testing: £1–£2 per appliance tested.
- Full domestic rewire: From £2,500 for a two-bedroom mid-terrace up to £7,000 for a large detached property.
- Smoke alarm installation: £80–£130.
- Carbon monoxide alarm installation: £80–£130.
- Electric underfloor heating: £50–£80 per square metre.
These figures are helpful benchmarks for both electricians setting rates and landlords or homeowners looking for fair pricing.
What New Entrants Need to Know
For those thinking about entering the electrical trade, these figures highlight why it’s an attractive career option. But before anyone can start charging rates like those above, they need to be fully qualified.
Training usually begins with a foundation such as the level 2 electrical installation course, before progressing to Level 3, NVQ, and the AM2 assessment. This structured pathway ensures learners develop the knowledge, practical skills, and on-site experience needed to work safely and competently.
If you’re considering this route, our guide on how to become an electrician UK provides a step-by-step breakdown of the process.
Fast Track Options and Adult Learners
Not everyone is able to commit to traditional apprenticeships. For career changers or adults looking for a quicker route, there are structured fast track electrician course options available. These programmes compress classroom learning into a shorter timeframe and are often paired with support for gaining on-site evidence.
It’s important to note that even with a fast-track approach, learners still need to complete their NVQ and AM2 to achieve fully qualified status and unlock the ability to join schemes or work independently.
Regional Training Opportunities
Accessibility is an important factor for learners. Elec Training offers courses across the Midlands and beyond, making it easier to begin your journey without relocating. Examples include Electrician Courses West-Bromwich and Electrician Courses Stafford.
By training locally, learners can balance study with family and work commitments while building towards a recognised career.
Balancing Earnings and Safety
While electrician rates are attractive, they come with responsibility. Safe working practices and compliance with standards such as BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) are essential. Training not only prepares you for higher earnings but also ensures you are legally and professionally recognised to carry out work.
Over time, adding qualifications such as inspection and testing or EV charging installation can boost earning potential further and make you more competitive in the marketplace.
Why Rates Matter for Career Changers
When weighing up a career change, it’s natural to consider earning potential. The rates shown above demonstrate why many adults choose to retrain as electricians. Compared with other trades, electrical work consistently sits at the higher end of the pay scale.
For career changers, the combination of strong earnings, job security, and opportunities to specialise in high-demand areas like renewables and EV infrastructure makes this an appealing path.
Electricians’ rates in the UK remain among the best in the trades, with daily averages of £200–£250, standard hourly rates around £40, and emergency call-out fees of £80–£100. These figures highlight the financial rewards available for those who c ommit to proper training and qualification.
Whether you’re an existing electrician reviewing your rates or a career changer planning your next step, structured training with Elec Training provides the pathway to a rewarding future in the trade. Visit https://elec.training/ to explore your options.
FAQ: Electrician Rates and Charging in the UK (2025)
What is the average hourly rate for electricians in the UK?
The average hourly rate for electricians in the UK in 2025 is £40–£50, with a median of £45. Rates range from £23–£49 for standard work, depending on experience and location.
How much do electricians typically charge per day?
Electricians typically charge £200–£400 per day in 2025, with an average of £237. This includes VAT and materials for full-day jobs, varying by complexity.
What are standard emergency call-out rates for electricians?
Standard emergency call-out rates are £75–£150, plus £70–£120 per hour thereafter. Hourly emergency rates average £80–£100, often with a minimum 1-hour charge.
Do rates vary depending on region (e.g., London vs Midlands)?
Yes, rates vary regionally: London averages £50–£60/hour (£300–£400/day), 20–25% higher than the Midlands (£30–£45/hour, £200–£300/day) due to living costs. Midlands salaries average £22.30/hour regionally.
How do electricians usually decide whether to charge per job, per hour, or per day?
Electricians decide based on job complexity: fixed per-job quotes for defined tasks (e.g., socket install, 60% of work); hourly for variable/repair jobs (e.g., fault-finding); daily for large projects (e.g., rewires, 20–30% of jobs). This balances predictability for clients and profitability, with quotes including materials/VAT.
What are some example costs for common electrical jobs (e.g., rewires, alarms, PAT testing)?
- Full Rewire (2-bed house): £2,500–£5,000.
- Burglar Alarm Install: £200–£500 (basic system).
- PAT Testing (50 appliances): £50–£100 (£1–£2/item). Costs include labor/materials/VAT; vary by location/job size.
How do qualifications and experience affect what an electrician can charge?
Qualifications (NVQ Level 3, 18th Edition) and experience enable higher rates (£40–£60/hour vs. £20–£30 for new quals), with specialisms adding 20–30% premiums. Experienced pros charge £50–£70/hour, boosting annual earnings to £40,000–£60,000.
Can career changers expect to earn the same rates as experienced electricians straight away?
No, career changers start at £20–£30/hour (£19,000–£32,000/year) post-qualification, vs. £40–£60/hour (£40,000–£60,000) for experienced ones. Earnings grow with experience/specialisms (1–2 years to £30–£40/hour).
How does adding specialisms like inspection & testing or EV installation impact earning potential?
Adding specialisms boosts earnings by 20–30% (£5,000–£12,000/year): Inspection & Testing (C&G 2391) enables EICRs (£150–£300/job); EV installation (C&G 2921-34) adds OZEV grants (£350–£14,000/project), raising rates to £50–£70/hour. These open high-demand niches.
What training routes should new entrants follow before they can begin charging professional rates?
New entrants should follow: Level 2 Diploma (C&G 2365, 6–12 months) for basics; Level 3 Diploma (6–12 months) for advanced skills; NVQ Level 3 via placements (6–12 months); AM2 assessment; and 18th Edition. This leads to ECS Gold Card for professional rates (£20–£30/hour starting).
What is the average hourly rate for electricians in the UK?
The average UK electrician hourly rate is £45-£60, with London at £50-£60 and Midlands £40-£50.
How much do electricians typically charge per day?
Electricians charge £200-£600 per day, averaging £335; commercial/specialized work commands higher rates.
What are standard emergency call-out rates for electricians?
Standard emergency call-out rates are £80-£200/hour, with call-out fees £100-£150; after-hours double standard rates.
Do rates vary depending on region (e.g., London vs Midlands)?
Yes, London rates are £50-£60/hour vs Midlands £40-£50; day rates £350-£600 in London vs £200-£350 in Midlands.
How do electricians usually decide whether to charge per job, per hour, or per day?
Electricians charge hourly for small/uncertain jobs, daily for full days, and fixed per job for standard tasks like rewires.
What are some example costs for common electrical jobs (e.g., rewires, alarms, PAT testing)?
Rewires cost £3,800-£4,500; alarms £200-£500; PAT testing £1-£3/item or £75-£150 for small businesses.
How do qualifications and experience affect what an electrician can charge?
NVQ Level 3 and specialisms like EV add 10-20% to rates; experienced electricians charge £50-£60/hour vs £30-£40 for juniors.
Can career changers expect to earn the same rates as experienced electricians straight away?
No, career changers start at £20,000-£25,000/year; experienced rates (£35,000+) come after 2-3 years of qualification.
How does adding specialisms like inspection & testing or EV installation impact earning potential?
Specialisms like 2391 inspection or 2921-34 EV boost earnings by 10-20% (£4,000-£8,000/year), enabling higher rates for specialized work.
What training routes should new entrants follow before they can begin charging professional rates?
New entrants should complete City & Guilds Levels 2-3, NVQ Level 3, and AM2 for qualification, then start as mates before independent rates.
