What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- What are the latest median and average salaries for UK electricians according to official ONS 2024 data?
- How does your level of experience—from entry-level to highly experienced—impact your earning potential?
- In what ways do qualifications and employment type influence electrician income?
- How can overtime, incentives, and bonuses significantly boost your total earnings?
- What are the regional wage trends across the UK, and where can you find official data?
- What expert advice does Tolga Aramaz offer from his vocational and contractor background?
Introduction
As the Director of Learn Trade Skills, a vocational training institute, and WireNow, a NICEIC-registered electrical contractor, I’ve had the privilege of training future electricians and managing electrical work at both residential and commercial scales. Having previously worked in local authority services, I bring a grounded perspective on how the UK electrical trade has evolved.
Every year, I’m asked the same question by aspiring electricians and career switchers: “How much can I earn as an electrician in the UK?” In this article, I break down the most up-to-date statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and provide expert interpretation so you can plan your career path confidently and with clarity.
Official Electrician Wage Data – ONS 2024 (Relevant in 2025)
The UK’s official wage data comes from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), published by the ONS. While the latest full dataset is for 2024, it remains highly relevant for 2025 career planning and wage benchmarking due to the annual release cycle and consistency in reporting structure. This survey is the most reliable source for salary trends across different occupations. According to the 2024 ASHE report:
Annual Salaries for Full-Time Electricians
Wage Type | Annual Salary (2024) |
---|---|
Median Salary | £38,760 |
Mean Salary | £39,249 |
(Source: ONS ASHE Table 14.7a – Annual Pay – Gross 2024)
Hourly Wages for Full-Time Electricians
Wage Type | Hourly Rate (2024) |
Median Hourly | £18.04 |
Mean Hourly | £18.29 |
(Source: ONS ASHE Table 14.5a – Hourly Pay – Gross 2024)
Salary Progression by Experience
Although the ONS datasets don’t explicitly break wages down by experience level, the National Careers Service provides reliable guidance. Based on their profile for electricians:
Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary |
Entry-level (0–3 yrs) | £26,000 |
Mid-level (4–9 yrs) | £35,000 – £40,000 |
Senior/Highly Skilled | Up to £45,000+ |
(Source: National Careers Service – Electrician Job Profile)
These ranges are realistic based on what I’ve seen in industry—especially when electricians develop additional specialisms like solar PV, EV charge points, or work in industrial environments.
Regional Variations in Pay
While the ONS tables provided do not include regional breakdowns, it’s well-known that salaries vary across the UK. Historically:
- London and South East offer the highest pay, sometimes exceeding £42,000 for skilled roles.
- Northern regions and rural areas often offer less but may balance out with lower living costs.
To see official breakdowns by region, you should visit the Office for National Statistics website and search for:
- ONS ASHE Table 16 – ‘Earnings by industry by region’ (based on SIC codes)
- ONS ASHE Table 15 – ‘Earnings by occupation by region’ (usually based on 2-digit SOC codes)
Overtime, Bonus and Working Hours
Electricians don’t just earn from their base pay. Many top up their income through overtime or incentive work:
- Overtime rates can raise total income substantially. Electricians often report 5–10 extra paid hours per week.
- Bonuses and incentive pay apply especially in private contracting and on-site commercial jobs.
ONS Tables 14.4a, 14.8a, and 14.11a provide the detailed breakdowns.
What Influences Electrician Pay?
1. Qualifications & Licences
Those with:
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
- 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
- AM2 certification
- ECS/JIB Gold Card
…are better placed to access higher-paying jobs.
2. Employment Type
Self-employed contractors often earn more than salaried employees. However, they take on additional overheads, including insurance, transport, tools, and admin.
3. Sector of Work
Industrial and commercial electricians earn more than domestic electricians. Green energy and data cabling are also high-growth areas with premium rates.
My Perspective as a Trainer and Contractor
At Learn Trade Skills, we’ve trained hundreds of successful electricians who’ve gone on to earn well over £40,000 within a few years of qualifying. At WireNow, we hire based on both skills and attitude. Electricians who are adaptable, safety-conscious, and willing to upskill tend to climb the pay scale quickly.
I started in local authority work on modest wages—but investing in further training and diversifying my experience helped me progress. This is the journey I now help others take.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the median salary for a UK electrician in 2024?
£38,760 for full-time electricians, according to ONS.
How much do electricians earn per hour?
Around £18.04 median hourly rate.
How much can I expect as a new entrant?
New electricians typically earn £26,000 to £29,000 annually.
Do I need to be self-employed to earn more?
Not necessarily—but self-employed electricians can set their own rates and earn more through flexibility and client volume.
Where can I find official wage data?
Check ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) and the National Careers Service.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re considering becoming an electrician, take the first step with confidence:
- Download our free Electrician Career Handbook – A practical guide to qualifications, pathways, and how to get started.
- Visit our Become an Electrician page to learn more about hands-on training opportunities with Learn Trade Skills.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 data shows that UK electricians enjoy competitive pay, with room to grow based on skill, experience, and sector. The best way to boost your earning potential is to:
- Train with an accredited provider (like Learn Trade Skills)
- Gain hands-on experience
- Diversify your skillset
- Stay updated with current regulations and technology
Whether you’re fresh to the trade or looking to increase your salary, the path forward is clear—and full of opportunity.
Tolga Aramaz is the Director of Learn Trade Skills (LTS), a family-run training centre specialising in electrical installations. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the electrical industry, Tolga is known for their exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding results. They provide valuable insights and guidance to electricians, contractors, and businesses, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols. Through engaging training programmes and consultancy services, Tolga empowers professionals to excel in their roles, fostering long-term relationships built on professionalism and customer satisfaction.