Average Electrician Salary UK: Hourly, Weekly and Annual Pay in 2026

Average Electrician Salary UK: What You Can Expect to Earn

If you're looking for the average electrician salary uk, the most reliable source is the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). For 2025 (provisional data), the median gross annual pay for electricians and electrical fitters is £39,187. That works out at a median hourly rate of £19.19 (excluding overtime). The mean (average) salary is slightly higher at £40,108.

These figures cover all employees in the occupation – from newly qualified electricians to experienced supervisors. Half of all electricians earn between £30,899 (lower quartile) and £48,416 (upper quartile). The lowest-paid 10% earn under £23,616, while the top 10% earn over £57,280.

How the average electrician salary compares to statutory minimum wages

The current UK Minimum Wage rates (from April 2025) are:

• National Living Wage (age 21+): £12.71 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (age 18–20): £10.85 per hour
• National Minimum Wage (under 18): £8.00 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £8.00 per hour

The median electrician hourly rate of £19.19 is well above the National Living Wage. Even the lowest-paid 10% of electricians earn £12.31 per hour, which is just below the NLW – but most qualified electricians will earn significantly more.

Regional variations in electrician pay

Where you work makes a big difference. According to ONS data, median annual salaries by region are:

• South East: £42,431
• Yorkshire and The Humber: £41,620
• North West: £41,401
• West Midlands: £39,921
• East Midlands: £39,842
• London: £39,267
• Scotland: £37,928
• East of England: £37,539
• South West: £36,270
• Wales: £34,719
• North East: £29,946

The gap between the highest (South East) and lowest (North East) is over £12,000. London's median is actually slightly below the national median, which may reflect a mix of roles and lower-paid apprentices in the capital.

JIB rates: the industry standard for many electricians

The Joint Industry Board (JIB) sets minimum hourly rates for electrical operatives working under its agreements. The 2026 Industrial Determination includes national standard rates and London rates. For example:

National standard rates (transport provided):

• Approved Electrician: £20.08/hr
• Electrician Craftsperson: £18.38/hr
• Site/Installation Technician: £22.70/hr
• Trainee Electrician (Stage 1): £14.60/hr
• Apprentice (Stage 1): £8.16/hr

London rates (transport provided):

• Approved Electrician: £22.48/hr
• Electrician Craftsperson: £20.58/hr
• Site/Installation Technician: £25.47/hr

If you provide your own transport, rates are about £1.10–£1.20 higher per hour. Shop-employed operatives (working in a workshop) have slightly lower rates.

JIB also sets rates for specialist roles like Network Infrastructure (Advanced £18.11/hr, Gold £16.49/hr) and Highway Lighting (Technician £20.95/hr).

These JIB rates are minimums – many employers pay above them, especially for experienced or highly skilled workers.

Take-home pay: what you actually receive

On the median salary of £39,187, your monthly take-home pay (after tax and National Insurance, assuming no pension or student loan) is approximately £2,645 per month, or £31,734 per year. This is based on 2026/27 tax rates for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Remember that overtime, bonuses, and benefits (like van, tools, or pension contributions) can significantly increase your total compensation. The ONS figures are gross pay before deductions.

How to use this information

When negotiating a salary or evaluating a job offer, consider:

• Your experience level and qualifications (apprentice, craftsperson, approved electrician)
• Your region and whether London weighting applies
• Whether transport is provided (affects JIB rates)
• Overtime opportunities and shift allowances
• Pension and other benefits

For more detailed pay data, see our pay data page. You can also explore pay guides for different trades and regions.

Summary

The average electrician salary uk is £39,187 per year (median) or £19.19 per hour. With experience and the right location, you can earn significantly more – up to £57,280 for the top 10%. JIB rates provide a useful benchmark for minimum pay in the electrical contracting industry. Always check your contract and current statutory rates, and remember that actual earnings depend on your specific role, hours, and employer.

If you're just starting out, the apprentice rate is £8.00 per hour, but you'll progress through stages to higher rates. For more on minimum wage rules, visit the UK Minimum Wage page.