The Pros and Cons of Being an Electrician 

Thinking about becoming an electrician? Whether you’re choosing your first career or retraining later in life, it’s worth weighing up the positives and the challenges. The trade offers solid wages, future-proof demand, and flexibility — but it’s not without its difficulties. 

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of being an electrician in the UK. 

Pros of being an electrician 

High earning potential 

Electricians consistently earn above the UK average salary. Reed estimates typical pay at around £41,803 a year, with scope to go higher for those who specialise, go self-employed, or move into senior roles. Apprentices start lower, but wages rise quickly once qualifications are secured. 

For a full breakdown, see How Much Do Electricians Make in the UK? — it compares apprentice rates, experienced pay, and specialist earnings across the country. 

Strong demand now and in the future 

The UK is facing a shortage of qualified sparks, and demand will only rise as we move towards a low-carbon economy. From installing consumer units to maintaining complex industrial systems, skilled electricians are n eeded across every sector. 

And with estimates suggesting 100,000 more sparks are required by 2032, training now is a smart move. For perspective on where the sector is heading, check Riding the Green Energy Wave: Opportunities for Electricians in the UK. 

Clear training pathways 

Unlike some careers that lack structure, the electrical industry has well-defined routes into work. You can take an apprenticeship, complete a diploma as an adult learner, or build experience gradually. 

For those starting from scratch, getting qualified usually means working through key steps: Level 2, Level 3, NVQ portfolio and finally AM2. Along the way, you’ll build practical experience and confidence. 

Flexibility in roles and sectors 

Once qualified, electricians can work across domestic, commercial, or industrial settings. You might focus on maintenance, specialise in inspection and testing, or branch into r enewables and smart technology. 

If flexibility matters, self-employment also gives you control over hours and project types. 

Job satisfaction 

For many sparks, the biggest reward is the satisfaction of solving problems and seeing results. Installing systems, fixing faults, and keeping people safe is meaningful work — and no two days look the same. 

It also helps that electricians are rarely short on good kit. If you’re curious, Top Ten Essential Tools for Electricians outlines the equipment every spark needs. 

Cons of being an electrician 

Physical and safety demands 

Electrical work is hands-on and sometimes physically tough. Lifting, bending, working at height or in confined spaces can be part of daily life. The safety element is always present too. Rigorous training and correct isolation procedures reduce risks, but sparks must stay alert at all times. 

Inconsistent hours 

Some projects run to tight deadlines, requiring early starts, late finishes, or even weekend shifts. Callouts can happen at unsociable times. For self-employed sparks, workload can also be irregular, which affects financial security. 

Continuous training required 

You can’t work as an electrician without formal qualifications. And the learning doesn’t stop once you’re qualified. With every amendment to the Wiring Regulations and every new technology — from EV charging to home storage — sparks need to stay updated. 

If you’re thinking of specialising, Four Things to Consider When Replacing a Consumer Unit is a good example of how regulations and best practice evolve. 

Should you become an electrician? 

There’s no single answer — it depends on your skills, personality, and goals. For people who enjoy problem solving, working with their hands, and want a career with strong earning potential, it’s an excellent choice. 

For others, the physical demands and irregular hours may be off-putting. The good news is there are clear, structured ways to find out. Training providers can talk you through the routes available and match them to your circumstances. 

At Elec Training, we support learners from their first step right through to the ECS Gold Card. Explore Elec Training today to see how you can build a career that’s both rewarding and future-proof. 

How much do electricians typically earn in the UK? 

Qualified electricians trained through Elec Training can expect competitive earnings in 2025, reflecting high demand and regional variations in a growing industry. The average salary ranges from £32,000 to £40,500 annually, with hourly rates around £22-£23, based on data from major job platforms and industry analyses. Newly qualified professionals often start at £20,000-£32,000, while experienced ones earn £38,000-£45,000+, with self-employed day rates at £320-£350 for potential £50,000+ pre-tax after expenses. London and the South East offer the highest at £35,000-£40,000 starting, compared to £28,000-£33,000 in the North or Scotland, driven by urban projects and green tech like EV installations. Specialisms via Elec Training’s upskilling courses (e.g., solar PV) can increase pay by 20-30%, with overtime adding £5,000-£10,000 yearly in this skills-short market. 

Is being an electrician physically demanding? 

Yes, being an electrician through Elec Training involves physical demands, but with proper training and precautions, it’s manageable and less strenuous than some trades, focusing on skill over brute force. The role requires prolonged standing, climbing ladders (15-25 times daily), crawling in tight spaces (10-15 times), and lifting objects over 25 lbs, which can strain the spine, hands, and forearms. Tasks like heavy wire pulling or working in awkward positions demand dexterity, strength, and stamina, potentially leading to musculoskeletal issues if not addressed. Elec Training embeds safety modules, including PPE like knee pads and ergonomic tools, to mitigate risks—many days are more mentally demanding, and the job shifts to supervisory roles with experience, reducing physical toll compared to heavier trades. 

Do electricians work regular hours, or are callouts common? 

Elec Training graduates typically work a standard 40-hour week, offering good work-life balance, but callouts are common, especially for emergency or maintenance roles, adding flexibility and overtime potential. Core hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm or 7:30am-3:30pm, with some shifts for commercial/industrial sites to avoid disruption. Domestic work may include evenings for clients, while self-employed set their schedules but often extend to 45-50 hours during peaks. Callouts, handled 24/7 by many (e.g., 85% resolved under 1 hour), involve minimum 1-2 hour charges starting at £27-£125, with no standard callout fee but overtime for holidays/overnight. Elec Training prepares you with time management skills, ensuring compliance with the 48-hour Working Time Directive average. 

What qualifications do I need to become an electrician? 

To qualify through Elec Training in 2025, you’ll need vocational qualifications focused on practical skills, with no university degree required—entry often starts with GCSEs in maths, English, and science or equivalents. Core requirements include the City & Guilds 2365 Level 2 Diploma (basics like wiring and safety), followed by Level 3 Diploma (advanced inspection/testing), both deliverable via Elec Training’s blended programs. Then, the City & Guilds 2357 NVQ Level 3 involves on-site portfolio evidence, plus the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (2382-22) for compliance. The AM2 assessment tests practical competency, leading to ECS Gold Card. For domestic, add Level 3 Inspection & Testing (2391-52); apprenticeships (Level 3) combine paid work with study. Elec Training offers fast-track options like EWA for experienced workers, aligning with 2025 reforms for Level 2 diplomas and green tech endorsements. 

Can I retrain as an electrician later in life, such as at 30 or 40? 

Yes, Elec Training fully supports retraining at 30, 40, or older, with flexible programs designed for career changers, leveraging maturity and t ransferable skills in a no-age-limit industry. Many switch from unrelated fields, completing Level 2/3 Diplomas part-time (e.g., evenings at college) over 1-2 years while working, then NVQ via mate roles. Funding like loans aids over-19s, and Elec Training’s apprenticeships or fast-tracks (6 months assessment for experience) make it achievable—success stories include 40-year-olds qualifying in 12-18 months and starting businesses, valuing reliability over youth. 

Do electricians need to keep up with new regulations and training? 

Yes, electricians qualified via Elec Training must engage in ongoing CPD to stay compliant with evolving regulations, especially in 2025’s net-zero push, ensuring safety and employability through short courses and updates. Key requirements include requalifying for the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (revisions every few years) and endorsements for low-carbon tech like EV/solar by 2026 under EAS. Bodies like NICEIC mandate annual assessments, with Elec Training offering 1-2 day courses on safety, renewables, and new Level 2 diplomas—supported by £275M government funding for 120,000 spots, maintaining Gold Card status and accessing grants. 

What’s the difference between domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical work? 

Elec Training equips you for all sectors, but differences lie in scope, complexity, and systems: Domestic focuses on residential homes with single-phase power for lighting/sockets, requiring Part P for self-certification of rewires/extensions—shorter training, more social/varied. Commercial involves offices/shops with three-phase systems, data cabling/fire alarms on larger scales, needing advanced safety for complex regulations—higher demand, more consistent. Industrial covers factories/plants with high-voltage machinery, automation/motors in hazardous areas, demanding extra training for heavy loads—most complex, potentially higher pay. Elec Training allows specialization post-core quals, with commercial/industrial often requiring more NVQ evidence. 

Is self-employment a realistic option for electricians in the UK? 

Yes, self-employment is a realistic and popular option for Elec Training graduates in 2025, offering flexibility and higher earnings after 6-12 months’ experience, though it requires business savvy and insurance. Many transition post-qualification, sub-contracting at £320/day for £50,000+ potential, with pros like work-life balance and project choice (e.g., domestic via Part P). Cons include irregular income, admin (HMRC registration, taxes), and startup costs (£5k+ for tools/van, £1k-£2k insurance)—Elec Training advises 1-year employed first for networks, with 70% going self-employed within 2 years in high-demand areas. 

What are the biggest risks of working as an electrician? 

Elec Training emphasizes safety to address the biggest risks: electrocution (main hazard from live wires, causing shocks/burns/fatalities ~25 yearly), falls from heights/ladders, and musculoskeletal disorders from lifting/repetitive tasks. Other dangers include eye injuries from debris/arcs, respiratory issues from dust/asbestos, fires/explosions, and lone working—long-term health impacts are minimal with precautions. Mitigation via Electricity at Work Regulations includes risk assessments, PPE (gloves/helmets), lockout/tagout, and test-before-touch—Elec Training’s HSE modules reduce incidents by 70-80%. 

Why is demand for electricians expected to grow in the future? 

Demand for Elec Training-qualified electricians will grow in 2025 and beyond due to a skills shortage (15,000-217,000 needed by 2030), ageing workforce, and net-zero goals requiring 100,000+ roles for 1.5M homes, EV/solar expansions, and renewables. Industry growth at 5.3% CAGR to 2030, plus tech like smart systems/batteries, creates opportunities nationwide—Elec Training’s green courses position graduates for multi-skilled roles with faster progression and job security.