If you’re asking how much does an electrician cost, the answer isn’t one number, it depends on the job, the location, and how long it takes. Whether you need a quick socket change or a full‑day rewiring project, knowing typical rates helps you budget properly. Here, we break down the average electrician cost, from hourly rates to the price of common jobs.
Quick Overview: UK Electrician Costs 2026
Materials, certification, and VAT may be extra. Always request a fixed written quote before the work begins.
Electrician Cost Per Hour: What You’ll Pay in 2026
The electrician cost per hour can vary widely across the UK.
Standard rate: £40 – £75 per hour
Average electrician cost per hour: around £50–£60
London and the South East: often £60 – £120+ per hour
Emergency call‑outs: £80 – £150+ per hour
When you search for an electrician cost per hour near me, remember your location matters a lot. For example, the electrician hourly rate Scotland tends to sit at the lower end, while London prices push higher.
Most electricians also have a minimum electrician service call cost, usually covering the first hour even for a 15‑minute fix. So a small job still carries a base fee.
Electrician Cost Per Day: Hiring for Bigger Jobs
If your project needs a full day (like a rewire, consumer unit upgrade, or multiple installations), it’s often cheaper to book a day rate.
Average electrician cost per day: £300 – £400
Newly qualified electrician: £200 – £280 per day
Experienced, reputable electrician: £300 – £400+ per day
London day rates: £350 – £550+ per day
Commercial or specialist work: £350 – £500 per day
So, the cost of electrician per day is your best value when you have a list of jobs or a larger installation. If you hire an experienced electrician and a helper (mate/adult trainee), the helper’s rate will be lower—often £150–£200 per day—keeping total labour costs down.
The self employed electrician day rate usually falls in the same range, while those on the books may have slightly different pricing. For reference, JIB electrician rates (the industry‑recognised pay grades) set the standard that many self‑employed sparkies base their day rates on.
Cost Breakdown for Common Electrical Jobs
Every task carries a different price tag. Here’s what you can expect.
Materials are usually on top of these labour figures, so always ask for an all‑inclusive quote. A full electrician price list UK PDF isn’t standard because no two jobs are identical, but the table above gives you a reliable ballpark from a self employed electrician hourly rate UK basis.
Emergency Electrician Cost
If the lights go out at 10 p.m. or a socket starts smoking, you need an emergency electrician cost to factor in the out‑of‑hours premium.
Standard emergency call‑out: £80 – £130 per hour
Weekend or late‑night: £100 – £150+ per hour
Some firms charge a fixed emergency electrician cost call‑out fee plus hourly labour after the first hour
Always confirm the full price before the electrician arrives to avoid surprises.
Labour Cost of Electrician: Why Experience and Qualifications Affect Price
The labour cost of electrician (or labor cost of electrician) isn’t just about time on the tools. It includes:
Electrician license cost and ongoing registration fees (NICEIC, NAPIT, SELECT in Scotland)
Electrician certification cost (City & Guilds 2391, 18th Edition, Part P)
Public liability insurance and van/tools upkeep
A fully qualified, insured, and regularly assessed electrician may charge more per hour, but you’re paying for compliance, safety, and a warranty. That’s why the hourly rate for electrician UK can range from £40 for a newcomer to £70+ for a seasoned pro.
Auto Electrician Cost: A Different Specialism
If the problem is under the bonnet, you need to look at auto electrician cost figures separately. How much does an auto electrician cost? Typically £50 – £80 per hour in a garage setting. Mobile auto electricians may charge a higher call‑out fee. Complex diagnostic work (ECU faults, wiring looms) can push the total higher, but always get a quote first.
Cost of Electrician Training: Thinking of Becoming One?
You might be curious about the cost of electrician school, especially if you came across search terms like electrician school cost, electrician trade school cost, or electrician course cost. Here’s a quick overview, because the costs of electrician training matter for career changers.
Trade school electrician cost (college course Level 2/3): £1,500 – £4,000+
UEI college electrician cost (private provider): around £15,000 – £20,000 for a full programme
How much does trade school for electrician cost overall? It depends heavily on the route—apprenticeship is often free or low‑cost while earning.
Electrician apprenticeship cost: For the apprentice, minimal; the employer and government fund it.
Electrician certification cost (additional assessment fees): £500 – £1,500 for key exams like 2391.
So, the cost of electrician trade school or the cost of electrician apprenticeship varies, but it’s an investment with good return once you qualify and can charge your own average cost of electrician per day.
Electrician Costs Across Different UK Regions
Where you live has a big impact on prices. If you’re searching for an electrician cost per hour near me, it’s because the postcode can change the quote.
London and the South East: £60 – £120 per hour (day rate £350 – £550+)
South West and South Wales: £45 – £65 per hour (day rate £280 – £400)
Midlands: £40 – £60 per hour (day rate £250 – £380)
North of England: £40 – £55 per hour (day rate £250 – £350)
Scotland: The electrician hourly rate Scotland typically falls between £35 and £55 per hour for standard domestic work, with a self employed electrician hourly rate UK often mirroring these region‑specific averages. City centres like Edinburgh and Glasgow are closer to £45–£60.
Northern Ireland: £35 – £50 per hour (day rate £230 – £330)
These ranges reflect a standard, qualified electrician carrying out typical domestic jobs. Emergency and specialist commercial work will always sit at the higher end, no matter the region. Always ask for a fixed quote that matches your postcode.
Quick Recap: What You Should Know
The average cost of electrician per hour is £50–£60, but expect higher in London and for emergencies.
The cost of electrician per day normally sits at £300–£400 for a competent domestic electrician.
Specific jobs like a socket replacement, an inspection, or an outdoor light have their own typical price ranges.
Always ask if the quote includes materials and certification.
If you’re considering training, the electrician school cost near me will vary by provider, but many apprenticeships cost you nothing while you learn.
Use this guide to understand the hourly cost of electrician and the average electrician cost for your next project. When you call a sparky, you’ll know exactly what’s reasonable, and you can book with confidence.
