From £200 per day for domestic work to £450+ for specialist roles — this is the definitive guide to electrician day rates across the UK. Know the market, calculate your true costs, and set a rate that actually makes money.
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Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.
UK electrician day rates typically run from around £200 per day for domestic work to £350–£450+ for specialist or commercial roles, varying by region (London and the South East are highest). Self-employed electricians need to price in their true costs — van, tools, insurance, certification, pension and non-billable admin time — before setting a rate that actually makes a profit rather than just covering the day.
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The day rate is the standard pricing unit for self-employed electricians, particularly those working on commercial and industrial sites. It represents what you charge for a standard working day — typically 8 hours on site, excluding travel time.
These are labour-only rates — materials, travel, and accommodation are charged separately. If you are working for a main contractor on a CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) basis, the day rate is your gross payment before tax deductions. Self-employed electricians working directly for end clients typically charge more because they are also managing the project, sourcing materials, and handling customer service.
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Location is one of the biggest factors affecting electrician day rates. The cost of living, local demand, and the concentration of large projects all influence what the market will bear:
Remember that higher day rates in London and the South East are offset by higher living costs, longer commute times, and congestion charges. An electrician earning £280 per day in London may keep less after expenses than one earning £240 per day in the Midlands.
The sector you work in has a major impact on your day rate. Domestic and commercial electrical work have different pricing structures, client expectations, and overhead requirements:
£200 to £280 per day. Domestic electricians work directly with homeowners and landlords. You set your own prices, source your own materials, manage the customer relationship, and handle all certification. The day rate appears lower but you are also marking up materials (typically 15-30%) and you have more control over your schedule. Many domestic electricians prefer to price per job rather than quoting a day rate.
£250 to £350 per day. Commercial electricians typically work as subcontractors to electrical contractors or main contractors. The day rate is higher but it is labour only — materials are provided by the contractor. You need additional certifications (CSCS/ECS card, SSSTS/SMSTS) and must comply with site rules. Work is less flexible but more consistent, with multi-week or multi-month contracts available.
When comparing domestic and commercial rates, factor in the full picture. A domestic electrician charging £240 per day who also earns 20% margin on £5,000 of materials per month is effectively earning £280+ per day. A commercial electrician at £300 per day labour-only but paying for their own CSCS cards, additional PPE, and daily travel to site may net less than it appears.
Your experience level directly affects what you can charge. Here is how day rates typically progress as you gain experience:
The biggest jump in day rate comes from gaining specialist qualifications. An electrician with 3 years of general experience earning £250 per day can jump to £320+ per day by adding a C&G 2391 inspection and testing qualification and targeting EICR work.
Specialist electricians command the highest day rates. Here are the current market rates for key specialisms:
Investing in specialist qualifications is one of the best returns on investment in the electrical trade. A C&G 2391 course costs £500 to £1,500. Within a month of qualifying, the higher day rate has paid for the course. Elec-Mate offers 46+ training courses to help you upskill and specialise.
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Most electricians set their day rate by looking at what others charge and picking a similar number. This is a mistake. Your day rate should be calculated from your costs upward, not from the market downward. Here is the correct method:
Example calculation: Target income £45,000 + employer NI £5,000 + pension £3,000 + business costs £18,000 = £71,000 total. Divided by 210 billable days = £338 per day before profit. Add 15% profit = £389 per day. If you are charging less than this, you are either undercharging or your costs are lower than average.
Electrician day rates in 2026 range £150–£400+. Compare regional rates, calculate your profitable daily charge, and undercut competitors with live data.
Try it free for 7 daysWhether you are negotiating with a main contractor, an electrical contractor, or a direct client, these tips will help you get the best rate:
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Try it free for 7 daysKnowing your day rate is only half the battle. You also need to track whether you are actually making the profit you planned. Many self-employed electricians are surprised to discover they are earning less than they thought once they properly account for all their costs.
The keys to tracking profitability are:
The electricians who earn the most are not necessarily the ones with the highest day rates — they are the ones who track their profitability, eliminate waste, and make data-driven decisions about pricing, jobs, and overheads. Treat your self-employed career as a business, not just a job.
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