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: 

1. Fixed fee per job – Offering a set price for specific tasks such as installing a new consumer unit or rewiring a room.

    

2. Hourly rate – Charging by the hour, often used for small repairs or when the scope of work is uncertain.

    

3. 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://dev.elec.training/ to explore your options.