Electrician pay varies significantly by region, qualification level and whether you’re employed or self-employed/contracting. Figures below are a general market guide, not a guarantee for any specific role.
Apprentice / Trainee
Typically £18,000–£24,000 a year while working towards NVQ Level 3 and the AM2 assessment, often rising each year of the apprenticeship.
Qualified electrician (employed)
Around £30,000–£40,000 a year outside London, with commercial and industrial specialisms usually paying more than domestic-only work. London and the South East typically run 10–20% higher to reflect cost of living.
18th Edition and testing & inspection
Electricians holding an 18th Edition qualification plus 2391 (testing & inspection) tend to command a premium, since fewer people hold both — often £2,000–£5,000 a year above a standard qualified rate.
Self-employed / contracting
Day rates commonly range £180–£280 depending on region and specialism, though self-employed income needs to account for gaps between contracts, your own tools/van, and no holiday or sick pay.
What moves the number most
In order: specialism (industrial/commercial vs domestic), region, whether you hold testing & inspection quals, and CSCS card level. Years of experience matters less on its own than what qualifications and specialisms it’s paired with.