How Much Can You Make as an Electrician? A 2025 UK Pay Guide
Look, electricians keep homes bright, factories humming, and the grid safe, and honestly, earnings can be just as varied as the jobs themselves. So we’ve pulled the latest figures into one place, including entry pay, regional u plifts, and what happens when you niche into renewables or testing. Looking to get fully qualified check out our NVQ Level 3 Electrical course path. Fast track and normal available.  Â
The Broad View: National AveragesÂ
Let’s start with the basics:Â
- New starters : £18,000 – £22,000Â
- Typical qualified: ~£33,500Â
- Master/approved electrician: £40,000 – £60,000Â
Those are UK-wide medians that blend domestic, commercial, and industrial work. But here’s the thing, the moment you add extra tickets or move south of the M25, the curve shifts upward. Sometimes quite significantly.Â
Specialisation Pays (and It Really Does)
|
Focus Area |
Typical Salary Band |
Why It’s Higher |
|
Renewable installs (solar, battery, EV)Â |
Base + £12k-£15k |
Demand outruns supply; projects hit net-zero targets |
|
Industrial automation |
£35k-£45k |
Three-phase, PLC, and hazardous-area expertise |
|
High-end commercial fit-outs |
£30k-£40k |
Tight programmes, premium specs |
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Geography still counts (Unfortunately)
|
Region |
Mid-Career Average |
|
London |
£35k – £40k |
|
South-East |
£33k – £38k |
|
West Midlands |
£30k – £35k (local learners can jump onto our Electrician Courses in Birmingham for day-release routes) |
|
North-West |
£28k – £33k |
|
Scotland |
£30k – £35k |
|
Wales |
£28k – £33k |
Higher house prices equal higher call-out fees, just remember costs rise too. It’s not all sunshine and massive pay packets in London when your rent is d ouble what it is in Birmingham.Â
Charging for Your TimeÂ
Here’s what you can realistically charge:Â
- Hourly rate: ~£40 (routine)Â
- Day rate: £200 – £250Â
- Emergency call-out: £80 – £100 per hourÂ
PAT testers often price per appliance Â
Sub-Contracting vs. Direct WorkÂ
|
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 |
Honestly, many electricians blend the two, subbie work for quiet weeks, direct when referrals flood in. It’s a smart way to keep income steady whilst building your own client base.Â
Typical Job Prices (Materials Excluded)Â
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. What looks like a straightforward rewire can turn into a nightmare if you’re dealing with a 1970s concrete prefab with no loft access (we’ve all been there).Â
Five Levers to Lift Your Income QuicklyÂ
- Collect extra certs.
Fast-pivot into EV or battery installs with our EV Charging course. The demand is there, and honestly, it’s only going to grow.Â
- Keep the Regs current.
An 18th edition refersher avoids costly call-backs and boosts credibility. Nobody wants to be the spark who’s still quoting outdated regs.Â
- Package routine jobs.
Fixed-fee consumer-unit swaps or PAT bundles sell faster than hourly unknowns. People like knowing what they’re paying upfront, it builds trust and reduces the back-and-forth.Â
- Track every cost.
Log travel, consumables, and disposables. Adjust your day rate quarterly. Seriously, so many electricians undercharge because they’re not tracking what jobs actually cost them.Â
- Ask for referrals.
One happy client talking on Facebook beats a week of paid ads. Word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool you’ve got, and it’s free.Â
Ready to Earn More?Â
Whether you’re scoping first steps or eyeing master-electrician status, Elec Training has the pathway. Â
Hit the link that suits your goal, book a seat, and turn skill into salary. Because honestly, there’s good money to be made in this industry if you’re willing to keep learning and positioning yourself in the right niches.Â
The electricians making £50k+ aren’t just lucky, they’ve got the right qualifications, they’ve niched into high-demand areas, and they’ve built a r eputation for quality work. That could be you in a couple of years if you play it smart.Â
FAQsÂ
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
About the Author
Charanjit Mannu is the Director at Elec Training, a City & Guilds approved vocational training provider based in UK.
With more than half a decade of experience in vocational education and green-energy skills development, Charanjit oversees course design, compliance, and learner engagement across the UK.
His commentary on electrical safety and workforce training has been featured in national outlets including Express, Manchester Evening News, WalesOnline, and Birmingham Mail.
Charanjit is passionate about helping new entrants and experienced electricians achieve recognised City & Guilds qualifications such as 2365, 2357 NVQ, and the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
Learn more about his background and current initiatives at https://elec.training/author/charanjit-mannu/.
