The average electrician salary UK workers earn is around £39,000 a year when employed — roughly £19 an hour — according to ONS data. But electricians are now one of Britain’s fastest-rising trades, and the reason is something most salary guides miss: the green-energy boom is reshaping what a qualified spark can earn.
The green-energy boom is pushing pay up fast
EV chargers, solar panels, battery storage, and heat pumps all need qualified electricians to install them — and demand is exploding faster than the trade can train people. The UK is estimated to need 104,000 new electricians by 2032, and that shortage is driving wages up year after year.
Electricians who specialise in EV charging, solar PV, or testing and inspection command the highest rates of all — typically £45,000–£65,000, with specialist day rates reaching £350–£500. If you’re entering the trade today, the green-energy path is where the money is heading.
Electrician Salary UK: Employed vs Self-Employed
As with most trades, the biggest earnings jump comes from going solo. An employed electrician earns £35,000–£50,000 depending on experience and sector. A self-employed electrician typically earns £50,000–£70,000, and established limited-company owners £65,000+. Day rates run £250–£350 for domestic work and £300–£500 for commercial, with hourly rates of £45–£60 — rising to £80–£100 in London and the South East.
The trade-off is real: self-employment means covering your own tax, insurance, tools, and quiet periods. Most electricians work employed for two to five years first, then go solo once they have the skills and contacts.
Electrician salary by experience
- Apprentice — around £13,500 a year. You earn while you train, with no university debt.
- Newly qualified — around £35,000.
- Experienced (Approved/Technician) — £45,000–£52,000+, more with specialisms.
- Self-employed / business owner — £50,000–£70,000+, the top of the trade.
Electrician Salary UK by Region
Location has a clear effect on the electrician salary UK average. London and the South East pay the most, driven by demand and cost of living, while Wales and parts of the North sit lower:
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As always, higher London rates are partly offset by higher living costs — so an electrician in the Midlands or North can enjoy similar real purchasing power despite a lower headline figure.
What else affects an electrician’s pay
- Specialism — EV charging, solar PV, and inspection & testing (2391) carry the biggest premiums.
- Sector — commercial and industrial work usually pays more than domestic.
- Employment model — self-employed electricians earn 30–50% more than employed ones.
- Region — London and the South East lead, as the table shows.
Is becoming an electrician worth it?
For a debt-free route into a high-demand, future-proof trade, it’s one of the best choices in the UK right now. The green-energy transition guarantees years of strong demand, the work can’t be outsourced, you earn while you train, and there’s a clear path from apprentice to a £70,000+ self-employed business. The trade-offs are physically demanding work and the admin that comes with going solo.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians make an hour in the UK?
Employed electricians earn around £18–£22 an hour (JIB rates), while self-employed electricians charge £45–£60 an hour, rising to £80–£100 in London.
Do self-employed electricians earn more?
Yes — typically 30–50% more. A self-employed electrician earns £50,000–£70,000+ versus around £39,000 employed, though they cover their own costs and downtime.
Which electrician specialism pays the most in the UK?
EV charging, solar PV, and inspection & testing command the highest rates, with specialists earning £45,000–£65,000 and premium day rates of £350–£500.
Want the bigger picture? See our full breakdown of the average salary in the UK, or check official guidance at the National Careers Service.
Comparing trades across countries? See how much an electrician earns in the USA, or what a plumber earns in the UK.