How Much Do Electricians Make?

How Much Do Electricians Make? Career, Salary and Training Breakdown

Electricians are highly skilled tradespeople who install, repair and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses and large infrastructure. As one of the highest-earning trades in the UK, it’s a solid career path with great long-term prospects—especially for those who go self-employed.

This guide covers what electricians do, the qualifications needed, earning potential, job outlook, and top companies to work for in the UK.

Job Description: What Do Electricians Do?

Electricians install and maintain electrical systems for lighting, power, communications, and fire safety in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Key responsibilities:

• Installing and maintaining wiring, sockets, switches, and consumer units

• Testing electrical systems to ensure safety and compliance

• Diagnosing faults and repairing electrical issues

• Reading technical diagrams and wiring plans

• Upgrading systems during renovations or extensions

• Installing EV chargers, alarms, and smart home devices

• Writing inspection and condition reports (EICRs)

How Hard Is It to Become an Electrician?

It’s not academically difficult, but it’s a practical and technical role that takes time to master. You’ll need a solid understanding of physics, safety rules, and hands-on installation work. Most people qualify via an apprenticeship, which takes 3–4 years.

Once trained, it’s a highly transferable and in-demand trade.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

• Attention to detail – wiring errors can be dangerous

• Good problem-solving – diagnosing faults under pressure

• Strong practical skills – confident using tools and systems

• Maths and logic – essential for electrical calculations

• Calm under pressure – especially in live environments

• Safety-focused – strict adherence to regulations

• Customer service skills – if working in domestic settings

Do You Need to Study?

Yes. You don’t need A-levels or a degree, but you will need recognised technical training.

Standard qualification route:

• NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Systems (Installation or Maintenance)

• City & Guilds 2365 or EAL equivalent

• AM2 (practical assessment) – final exam

• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) – essential for working electricians

• Apprenticeship – 3–4 years, combines classroom and on-site training

Alternative: Fast-track adult learning courses (1–2 years) followed by work-based assessment to reach NVQ Level 3.

What Are the Levels and Specialisations?

Levels:

• Apprentice Electrician

• Electrician’s Mate / Improver

• Qualified Electrician (Gold Card holder)

• Senior Electrician / Site Supervisor

• Electrical Engineer / Contracts Manager

Specialisations:

• Domestic Electrician – homes and small properties

• Commercial Electrician – shops, schools, offices

• Industrial Electrician – factories, substations, heavy machinery

• Solar PV and EV Charger Installer – booming green sector

• Electrical Tester / Inspector – performs EICRs and certifications

• Maintenance Electrician – ensures ongoing compliance in facilities

What Experience Do You Need?

To qualify fully:

• 3–4 years of work-based learning via an apprenticeship

• Completion of the AM2 assessment

• Practical site work experience

• Familiarity with regulations and documentation

Experience working with different types of installations boosts your value.

Benefits of Being an Electrician

• High earning potential—especially as a self-employed contractor

• Ongoing demand—construction, maintenance, green energy

• Job security—everyone needs electricity

• Freedom to be self-employed or work for companies

• No degree required

• Hands-on, active work—great if you prefer physical jobs

• National and international mobility

Drawbacks and Negatives

• Physically demanding—working in lofts, under floors, outdoors

• Early starts and long hours sometimes required

• Work at height or in tight spaces

• Requires constant upskilling with new regulations and tech

• Initial training is time-consuming

• Can be dangerous if not done correctly – safety is critical

Electrician Salary UK

Apprentice: £10,000 – £17,000

Qualified: £26,000 – £32,000

Experienced Electrician: £33,000 – £45,000+

Supervisor / Site Lead: £45,000 – £60,000+

Self-employed / Contractor: £40,000 – £80,000+

Tax Example:

A self-employed electrician earning £55,000/year might pay:

• Income Tax: ~£8,432

• National Insurance: ~£4,149

• Take-home pay: ~£42,400/year or £815/week

Expenses like tools, van, insurance, fuel, uniforms, and training can reduce taxable income.

What Factors Affect Salary?

• Location – London and South East pay more

• Experience and qualifications

• Specialisation – testing, EV charging, and solar pay more

• Type of employment – self-employed often earn more

• Union/site rates – NAECI and JIB sites pay standardised day rates

• Overtime / night work / weekend shifts

• Job size and complexity

What’s the Future for This Role?

Bright. Electricians are at the heart of green infrastructure and smart tech. Growth is expected in:

• EV charging installations

• Solar panel and battery storage

• Smart homes and IoT integration

• Retrofit upgrades for older properties

• Infrastructure and housing development

Ongoing demand for qualified electricians far outstrips supply.

Best Companies to Work for in the UK

• NG Bailey – engineering and services

• Mitie – facilities and maintenance

• Balfour Beatty – major infrastructure projects

• Skanska / Laing O’Rourke – big site contracts

• EDF Energy / SSE – utility and power firms

• Local councils and housing associations – steady maintenance work

• Small firms or own business – high flexibility and profit potential

Final Thought

Electricians are among the best-paid skilled trades in the UK. It’s a job with strong earning power, long-term demand, and real-world satisfaction. Whether you want a steady job or your own business, this trade can offer freedom, income, and purpose—without the cost of university.