How Much Do Electricians Earn? Average Electrician Salary 2020

The National Average Electrician Salary for 2025

The earning potential for those in skilled trade industries is great, as many trades have proven in these 2025 average figures.

Electricians have proven to be one skilled trade that always performs as one of the highest earning trades, whether they are employed by a company or self employed. Salaries can vary for electricians, with those new to the industry and with less experience starting at the lower salary end, compared to those with years of experience and qualifications who can achieve a high salary.

Newly qualified electricians who choose to work for an employer can expect to earn annually between £19,000 and £22,000 a year. However, over time and after you have gained more experience in various jobs, you can expect to see your salary rise.

According to data from the Government’s Office for National Statistics, the South East currently offers the highest regional electrician salary at £42,431, whilst Wales reports the lowest at £34,719. These figures are calculated at the median point. This means that the average has not been influenced by a small number of high earners and instead, shows a fair average for most workers.

Self-employed electricians enjoy limitless earning potential, benefiting from the freedom to maximise income opportunities. Below, we outline these figures for your reference.

How much do trainee electricians earn?

For apprentices aged 16, the average annual salary is approximately £15,628 based on £7.55 per hour. For those aged 21 and above, earning around £12.71 per hour translates to an annual salary of approximately £25,512. Alternatively, completing a technical certificate such as the 2365 Level 2 Electrician Course and 2365 Level 3 Diploma Course can lead to a higher trainee salary of up to £27,000 annually. 

We offer a range of courses Electrician Course 4 U to help you begin your career as an electrician. Some courses we recommend which are crucial for advancing in the electrical field are Electrical Course for Beginners, Domestic Electrician Course, NVQ Level 3 Electrical Qualification, and Experience Course.

How much do Self Employed Electricians earn?

Self employed electricians can set their own rates, which is normally calculated by the cost of materials, the time needed and travel expenses. Most self employed electricians will charge rates between £20-50 per hour, depending on the type of job, the location and the premises. Electricians may choose to charge a day rate instead, averaging anywhere between £200-£250. In some places such as London, this can go up to £350-400 a day.

When being self-employed as an electrician, your earnings are entirely down to how much work you do. This depends on marketing your business correctly. Successful self employed electricians get work through their own websites, advertising correctly such as using fliers, and have excellent referral strategies.

Becoming self-employed as an electrician can most easily be obtained through professional courses and obtaining the right qualifications and experience needed to start your own electrical business.