How much can you make as an electrician? A 2025 pay guide
Electricians keep homes bright, factories humming, and the grid safe. Earnings can be just as varied as the jobs themselves, so we’ve pulled the latest figures into one place—including entry pay, regional uplifts, and what happens when you niche into renewables or testing.
The broad view: national averages
- New starters: £18 000 – £22 000
- Typical qualified: ~£33 500
- Master/approved electrician: £40 000 – £60 000
Those are UK-wide medians that blend domestic, commercial, and industrial work. The moment you add extra tickets—or move south of the M25—the curve shifts upward.
Specialisation pays
Focus area | Typical salary band | Why it’s higher |
Renewable installs (solar, battery, EV) | Base + £12 k–£15 k | Demand outruns supply; projects hit net-zero targets |
Industrial automation | £35 k–£45 k | Three-phase, PLC, and hazardous-area expertise |
High-end commercial fit-outs | £30 k–£40 k | Tight programmes, premium specs |
Upskilling paths are clear: start with a solid electrical course, log on-site evidence, then add micro-credentials such as our EV pathway or the 18th edition update.
Geography still counts
Region | Mid-career average |
London | £35 k – £40 k |
South-East | £33 k – £38 k |
West Midlands | £30 k – £35 k |
North-West | £28 k – £33 k |
Scotland | £30 k – £35 k |
Wales | £28 k – £33 k |
Higher house prices equal higher call-out fees; just remember costs rise too.
Charging for your time
- Hourly rate: ~£40 (routine)
- Day rate: £200 – £250
- Emergency call-out: £80 – £100 per hour
PAT testers often price per appliance—see the latest benchmarks in our pat tester hourly rate guide.
Sub-contracting vs. direct work
Model | Day rate | Pros | Cons |
Sub-contract | £130 – £150 | Steady pipeline, less admin | Lower margin, rates set by main contractor |
Direct to client | £200 – £250 | Control your price, build brand | Quote prep, materials cash-flow, marketing |
Many electricians blend the two—subbie for quiet weeks, direct when referrals flood in.
Typical job prices (materials excluded)
Task | Average fee |
PAT testing (ten items) | £10–£20 |
Smoke-alarm install | £80–£130 |
Two-bed rewire | ~£2 500 |
Four-bed detached rewire | £5 000–£7 000 |
Electric underfloor heating | £50–£80 / m² |
Quote each project on its own merits—distance, fabric type, and board capacity skew totals fast.
Five levers to lift your income quickly
- Collect extra certs. Fast-pivot into EV or battery installs with our ev charging course.
- Keep the Regs current. An 18th edition refresher avoids costly call-backs and boosts credibility.
- Package routine jobs. Fixed-fee consumer-unit swaps or PAT bundles sell faster than hourly unknowns.
- Track every cost. Log travel, consumables, and disposables; adjust day rate quarterly.
- Ask for referrals. One happy client talking on Facebook beats a week of paid ads.
Ready to earn more?
Whether you’re scoping first steps or eyeing master-electrician status, Elec Training has the pathway:
- Day-release and weekend options via our Electrician Courses in Wolverhampton.
- Blended theory and practical through our flagship electrical course.
- Compliance upgrades with the latest 18th-edition training.
Hit the link that suits your goal, book a seat, and turn skill into salary.
FAQs
What is the pathway to become an electrician?
Complete City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3, pursue an apprenticeship, achieve NVQ Level 3, and pass AM2 in the UK.
What GCSEs do you need to become an electrician?
Maths and English GCSEs (grades 9-4) are required; Physics is helpful for electrical principles.
What do you need to know to become an electrician?
Basic electrical theory, safety regulations, wiring techniques, and practical skills from City & Guilds and NVQ training.
Where to go to become an electrician?
Enroll at colleges like Derby College or training providers like Just Electrical Training for City & Guilds courses.
What classes are needed to become an electrician?
City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, and NVQ Level 3 classes are required.
How to become an electrician journeyman?
Complete City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3, NVQ Level 3, AM2, or in the US, a 4-year apprenticeship.
How long does it take to become an electrician in Ireland?
In Ireland, it takes 4 years via an apprenticeship, including SOLAS training and on-the-job experience.
What do I need to know to become an electrician?
Understand electrical principles, safety standards, wiring methods, and regulations like BS 7671 from City & Guilds courses.
How to become an electrician in London?
Complete City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3, NVQ Level 3, AM2, and gain experience via London apprenticeships.
How quick can I become an electrician?
Fast-track City & Guilds and NVQ via work experience, qualifying in 2-3 years in the UK.
What are the requirements to become an apprentice electrician?
Maths/English GCSEs (9-4), enrollment in City & Guilds Level 2, and securing an apprenticeship placement.
