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Current electrician day rates, hourly rates, JIB rates, and practical advice on pricing your work.
Electrician earnings vary significantly depending on whether you are employed or self-employed, what type of work you do, where you are based, and what specialist qualifications you hold. This guide provides up-to-date figures for 2026 so you can understand what to expect at each stage of your career and how to maximise your earning potential.
The electrical trade consistently ranks among the highest-paying skilled trades in the UK. Self-employed electricians in particular benefit from strong demand, a shortage of qualified tradespeople, and the ability to specialise in lucrative growth areas like EV charging and solar installation.
Key takeaway
Self-employed electricians typically earn 30 to 50 percent more than their employed counterparts. The trade-off is that you need to manage your own tax, insurance, marketing, and non-chargeable time. Understanding both employed and self-employed rates helps you make the right career decision.
The Joint Industry Board (JIB) sets nationally agreed pay rates for employed electricians. These are minimum rates — many employers pay above them, particularly in areas with strong demand. The JIB rates are reviewed annually and are the benchmark for the industry.
These rates are based on a standard 37.5-hour week. Overtime, travel time allowances, and lodge payments can add significantly to the total package. Many employers also provide benefits such as pension contributions, annual leave above the minimum, and tool allowances.
The Electrician rate applies to qualified electricians holding the appropriate qualifications and an ECS card. The Approved Electrician rate is for those with additional responsibilities, typically able to work independently and check the work of others. The Technician rate is the highest grade, for electricians with the full suite of qualifications including the NVQ and Gold Card, who can manage projects and supervise teams.
Self-employed day rates are significantly higher than employed hourly rates because they need to cover business costs, non-chargeable time, holiday, and pension provision. The rates below reflect what self-employed electricians are charging in the current market.
London premium
Add 15 to 25 percent to all rates above for work in London and the South East. Self-employed domestic electricians in central London regularly charge 350 to 450 pounds per day, with commercial rates reaching 400 to 500 pounds or more.
Related Course
Level 2 Diploma (2365)
The Level 2 Diploma is your first step towards the qualifications needed to command strong day rates.
Many domestic electricians use fixed pricing for standard, repeatable jobs. This gives customers certainty on cost and often works out better for the electrician in terms of pounds per hour, because experienced electricians complete these jobs efficiently.
These are labour-only figures. Materials are charged on top, typically with a 10 to 20 percent markup. Prices vary by region, property type, and accessibility. Always survey the job before quoting a fixed price to avoid underestimating the work involved.
Pricing tip
Track how long each type of job takes you and calculate your effective hourly rate. If a consumer unit replacement takes you four hours and you charge 600 pounds, your effective rate is 150 pounds per hour — much better than a day rate. This data helps you identify which jobs are most profitable.
Your day rate is not fixed. There are several proven strategies for increasing what you charge and what you earn over time.
Electricians with specialist qualifications in EV charging, solar PV, or testing and inspection command significantly higher rates than general domestic electricians. The investment in an additional course typically pays for itself within weeks through higher-value work.
Electricians with 50 or more five-star Google reviews can charge 10 to 20 percent more than competitors because customers are willing to pay extra for proven quality and reliability. Ask every satisfied customer for a review.
Commercial day rates are consistently higher than domestic rates. Building relationships with facilities managers, property management companies, and main contractors opens up higher-paying work streams.
EICR work is high-value and in constant demand due to landlord regulations. A single EICR typically takes two to four hours but can be charged at 150 to 300 pounds. This is one of the most profitable services an electrician can offer, and it requires the 2391 qualification.
Related Course
Level 2 Diploma (2365)
Start with the Level 2 Diploma to begin your journey towards strong earning potential.
The decision between employed and self-employed work is primarily a financial and lifestyle choice. Here is how the numbers compare:
Many electricians start employed to gain experience and build skills, then transition to self-employment after two to five years once they have the confidence, contacts, and qualifications to sustain a steady workflow.
Browse our City & Guilds accredited courses and take the next step in your electrical career.
Everything you need to know about setting up as a self-employed electrician — registration, insurance, pricing, and marketing.
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