How Much Can You Make as an Electrician? A 2025 UK Pay Guide

A new starter electrician, such as an apprentice in their first year, can typically earn between £11,000 and £18,000 gross annually, depending on age, apprenticeship stage, and employer. Newly qualified electricians often start at £20,000 to £25,000 per year under PAYE employment, reflecting entry-level JIB rates. Take-home pay will be lower after tax, national insurance, and any pension contributions, and actual earnings depend on hours worked and location. 

The average gross salary for a fully qualified electrician in the UK in 2025 is around £35,000 to £40,000 per year, based on Office for National Statistics data and industry surveys. This figure applies mainly to employed roles under JIB or similar structures, with variations for overtime or bonuses. Take-home pay is reduced by deductions for tax, national insurance, and other contributions, typically leaving 70-80% of gross earnings. 

Approved or master electricians, holding advanced qualifications like the JIB Gold Card, typically earn 10-20% more than standard qualified electricians, with salaries ranging from £40,000 to £60,000 annually compared to £33,000 to £40,000 for typical roles. This difference arises from their supervisory capabilities and ability to handle complex installations. Take-home pay for both groups is affected by employment status, with self-employed individuals potentially earning more but facing higher expenses. 

Electrician pay rates are highest in London and the South East, where salaries can reach £35,000 to £55,000 annually due to demand and cost of living. In contrast, regions like the North East or Midlands offer lower averages of £28,000 to £35,000, influenced by local market conditions. JIB rates include London weighting allowances of up to £3 per hour in central areas, which can add several thousand pounds to annual earnings. 

Typical hourly rates for electricians in 2025 range from £40 to £60 for standard work, with higher charges of up to £90 in London or for specialised tasks. Day rates average £300 to £400, excluding materials and VAT, though emergency call-outs can command £80 to £100 per hour. These rates apply mainly to self-employed electricians and vary by experience, location, and job complexity. 

Specialising in renewables like solar PV or industrial automation can boost earnings by 10-30%, potentially pushing salaries to £45,000 to £60,000 or more due to high demand and required certifications. These fields often include opportunities for overtime or project bonuses, reflecting the UK’s push towards clean energy. However, additional training is needed, and actual income depends on experience, location, and market conditions. 

Working directly with clients allows electricians to set higher rates, potentially earning £300 to £500 gross per day, but involves greater administrative costs and work irregularity. Sub-contracting under CIS provides more consistent income at £200 to £350 per day, with 20% tax deducted at source, though main contractor margins may reduce rates. Take-home pay for direct work offers higher potential if expenses are managed, while sub-contracting ensures steadier cash flow. 

For common tasks, electricians typically charge £100 to £150 in labour for installing a new socket or light fitting. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) for a standard property costs £150 to £300 in labour. Full house rewiring labour ranges from £2,000 to £5,000 depending on size, with all prices excluding VAT and varying by region. 

Self-employed electricians can achieve higher gross earnings of £40,000 to £60,000 annually but face deductions for business expenses, self-assessed taxes, and national insurance, often resulting in 60-70% take-home. Employed electricians under PAYE earn £30,000 to £40,000 gross with automatic deductions, plus benefits like paid holidays, providing more predictable net pay. Under CIS for self-employed subcontractors, 20% tax is withheld upfront, impacting cash flow but reclaimable through returns. 

The most influential factors include experience and qualifications, with approved status or specialisations adding significant premiums to base earnings. Location affects pay, with higher rates in urban areas like London. Employment type (self-employed vs employed) and opportunities for overtime or bonuses also play key roles in determining overall income.