Electrician Day Rates UK 2026: £300–£500/Day (Hourly & JIB Rates)

UK electrician day rates: £300–£500 (average £350). Hourly rates £45–£60, up to £100 in London. Includes 2026 JIB graded rates and pricing advice for self-employed electricians.

10 min read Guide N. Edwards, Career Development AdviserLast reviewed: April 2026

What Do Electricians Charge in the UK?

Self-employed electricians in the UK charge £250–£350 per day for domestic work and £300–£500 per day for commercial work in 2026. Hourly rates range from £45–£60, rising to £80–£100 in London and the South East. Specialists in EV charging, solar PV, or testing and inspection command the highest rates.

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. For detailed salary data, see our electrician salary guide.

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.

JIB Employed Rates

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.

JIB National Agreed Rates (2026)

From January 2026, the JIB applied a 3.95% increase to all graded operative rates as part of a new three-year wage agreement running to 2028.

✓Electrical Improver: approximately £13.30 per hour
✓Electrician: approximately £19.04 per hour (approximately £36,400 per year)
✓Approved Electrician: approximately £20.50 per hour (approximately £39,200 per year)
✓Technician: approximately £22.19 per hour (approximately £42,400 per year)

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.

What the JIB Grades Mean

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

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.

Domestic Day Rates

✓Newly self-employed (0 to 2 years): 200 to 280 pounds per day
✓Established (2 to 5 years): 250 to 350 pounds per day
✓Experienced with strong reputation: 300 to 400 pounds per day

Commercial Day Rates

✓Standard commercial work: 250 to 400 pounds per day
✓Industrial and maintenance contracts: 280 to 420 pounds per day
✓Specialist commercial (data centres, hospitals): 350 to 500 pounds per day

Specialist Day Rates

✓EV charger installation: 300 to 500 pounds per day
✓Solar PV installation: 300 to 450 pounds per day
✓Fire alarm and emergency lighting: 280 to 400 pounds per day
✓Testing and inspection (EICR work): 300 to 450 pounds per day

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.

View Course

Common Fixed-Price Jobs

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.

Typical Fixed Prices (Labour Only, 2026)

✓Single socket installation: 80 to 150 pounds
✓Double socket addition from existing circuit: 100 to 180 pounds
✓Light fitting installation (simple swap): 50 to 100 pounds
✓New light point with switch: 120 to 200 pounds
✓Consumer unit replacement: 400 to 800 pounds
✓Full house rewire (3-bed semi): 3,000 to 6,000 pounds
✓EICR (electrical installation condition report): 150 to 300 pounds
✓EV charger installation: 300 to 600 pounds (labour only)
✓Outdoor socket installation: 120 to 200 pounds
✓Smoke alarm system (wired): 300 to 600 pounds

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.

How to Increase Your Earning Potential

Your day rate is not fixed. There are several proven strategies for increasing what you charge and what you earn over time.

Specialise in High-Demand Areas

Electricians with specialist qualifications in EV charging, solar PV, or testing and inspection command significantly higher rates than general domestic electricians. For tips on quoting electrical jobs effectively, see our dedicated guide. The investment in an additional course typically pays for itself within weeks through higher-value work.

Build a Strong Online Reputation

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.

Target Commercial and Industrial Work

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.

Offer Testing and Inspection Services

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.

View Course

Employed vs Self-Employed: The Earnings Comparison

The decision between employed and self-employed work is primarily a financial and lifestyle choice. Here is how the numbers compare:

Employed Electrician

✓Typical salary: 30,000 to 42,000 pounds per year
✓Guaranteed regular income with holiday pay and sick pay
✓Employer provides van, tools, and materials
✓Pension contributions from employer
✓Less administration and stress
✓Limited control over earnings ceiling

Self-Employed Electrician

✓Typical earnings: 40,000 to 65,000 pounds per year (after expenses)
✓No guaranteed income — earnings depend on finding and completing work
✓You fund your own van, tools, insurance, and materials
✓Must manage your own tax, pension, and business administration
✓Full control over schedule, rates, and type of work
✓Higher earning ceiling with no cap on growth

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. Make sure you have the right insurance in place before going self-employed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average day rate for a self-employed electrician?

The average self-employed day rate for domestic work in the UK is 250 to 300 pounds per day in 2026. Commercial work commands 300 to 400 pounds per day, while specialists in EV charging or solar installation can charge 350 to 500 pounds per day. Rates are higher in London and the South East.

Should I charge a day rate or hourly rate?

Day rates work best for larger, multi-day jobs where the scope is well defined. Hourly rates suit smaller call-out jobs and reactive maintenance work. Many electricians use a minimum call-out charge of 80 to 120 pounds for the first hour, then charge hourly after that. For well-defined jobs like socket installations or consumer unit replacements, fixed prices give the customer certainty and often earn you more per hour.

What are the current JIB rates for employed electricians?

Following the 3.95% increase in January 2026, the JIB national agreed rates are approximately 19.04 pounds per hour for an Electrician, 20.50 pounds per hour for an Approved Electrician, and 22.19 pounds per hour for a Technician. A further 4.6% increase is agreed for January 2027. Many employers pay above JIB rates to attract skilled electricians, particularly in areas with high demand.

How much more do London electricians earn?

London electricians typically earn 15 to 25 percent more than the national average. Self-employed day rates in central London often reach 350 to 450 pounds per day for domestic work and 400 to 500 pounds for commercial work. The London premium reflects higher living costs, travel time, and parking challenges.

How can I increase my day rate?

The most effective ways to increase your rate are: specialise in high-demand areas like EV charging or solar PV, build a strong reputation through reviews and referrals, obtain additional qualifications such as the 2391 or specialist certifications, and target commercial or industrial work which pays more than domestic. Experience and reliability also allow you to command premium rates over time.

Do electricians charge for materials on top of their day rate?

Yes, materials are almost always charged separately on top of the labour rate. Most electricians add a markup of 10 to 20 percent on materials to cover the time spent sourcing and collecting them. For fixed-price jobs, materials are included in the total quote but are still accounted for separately in the electrician's costing.

Ready to Start Training?

Browse our City & Guilds accredited courses and take the next step in your electrical career.

View All Courses Get in Touch