Electrician Salary UK: What the Official Data Shows

If you're an electrician or considering the trade, understanding the real electrician salary in the UK is essential. The most reliable source is the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). The 2025 provisional data reveals a median gross annual salary of £39,187 for electricians and electrical fitters. That works out to roughly £19.19 per hour for a standard 37.5-hour week, excluding overtime.

But these headline figures hide a lot of variation. The top 10% of earners take home over £57,280 a year, while those at the bottom 10% earn around £23,616. Regional differences are also significant: electricians in the South East earn a median of £42,431, while in Wales the figure drops to £34,719. London sits near the national average at £39,267, which may surprise those expecting a big London premium.

Hourly to Annual Conversion: The Maths

A common myth is that you can simply multiply your hourly rate by 2,000 (40 hours × 50 weeks) to get your annual salary. In reality, UK full-time work is often based on 37.5 hours per week with 52 weeks of pay, though some contracts use 40 hours. The conversion rule used on Hourly to Salary is:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For an electrician on the median hourly rate of £19.19 working 37.5 hours:

£19.19 × 37.5 × 52 = £37,420

But the ONS median is £39,187, which is higher. Why? Because many electricians work more than 37.5 hours, or receive overtime, or have pay that includes on-call allowances. The ASHE hourly figure excludes overtime, so your actual annual earnings could be higher if you regularly work extra hours.

Overtime Myths: What Counts and What Doesn't

One of the biggest myths about hourly pay is that overtime is always paid at a premium. In reality, many electricians on fixed-price contracts or self-employed arrangements don't get overtime pay at all – they simply earn more per job. For employed electricians, overtime rates vary. Some contracts offer time-and-a-half for weekday evenings and double time (2x) for weekends or bank holidays. Others may offer flat-rate overtime. Always check your contract.

Another myth: that overtime is included in the ONS hourly figures. It isn't. The ASHE hourly pay measure excludes overtime, so if you see an advertised hourly rate of £19.19, that's your base rate. Your actual take-home could be much higher if overtime is available.

London Weighting and Regional Pay

London weighting is a common topic. The ONS data shows that the median electrician salary in London (£39,267) is actually slightly below the national median. This doesn't mean London electricians are worse off – many work on larger commercial sites with higher rates – but it does suggest that the traditional London premium is less pronounced for electricians than for office-based roles. The South East, with its mix of affluent suburbs and major construction projects, offers the highest median at £42,431.

If you're considering a move, check our salary data for regional breakdowns. Remember that the cost of living in London is significantly higher, so a higher salary elsewhere might leave you with more disposable income.

National Living Wage vs Electrician Pay

The National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour in 2025, rising to £12.71 in 2026/27. Even the lowest-paid electricians (10th percentile at £12.31 per hour) earn just above the NLW. This highlights that electricians are generally well above minimum wage, but apprentices and trainees may start lower. The NLW increase in April 2025 has pushed up pay in lower-paid occupations, but electricians have seen strong growth too – the median hourly rate rose 5.4% year-on-year.

Common Myths About Hourly Pay and Overtime

Myth 1: Your hourly rate directly equals your annual salary divided by 2,000. False. As shown, the conversion depends on actual contracted hours and weeks paid. Many electricians work 37.5 hours, not 40, and get paid for 52 weeks (including holiday pay). Use our hourly calculator to get an accurate figure.

Myth 2: Overtime is always paid at 1.5x or 2x. Not always. Some contracts offer straight-time overtime (same as base rate) for the first few extra hours. Others may offer time off in lieu. Self-employed electricians don't get overtime – they charge per job.

Myth 3: London electricians earn significantly more. The data shows London median is close to the national average. While some specialist roles or large projects pay more, the overall picture is that regional differences are smaller than many assume.

Myth 4: The ONS figures include all electricians. ASHE covers employees only – not the self-employed. Since 31% of electricians are self-employed (according to Salary Scout), the true earnings picture may be different. Self-employed electricians often have higher gross earnings but must cover their own tax, insurance, and tools.

How to Use This Information

When negotiating your electrician salary, use the ONS median as a benchmark. If you're on £19 per hour, you're around the median. If you're on £15, you're below the 10th percentile – consider asking for a raise or looking for new opportunities. Remember that benefits like pension contributions, travel allowances, and paid overtime can add significant value beyond the base rate.

For a full breakdown of UK pay scales, visit our salary articles covering various occupations. And always check official GOV.UK guidance on minimum wage and employment rights.

Final Thoughts

The electrician salary in the UK is healthy, with strong growth and good prospects. But don't fall for myths about overtime and hourly conversion. Use the official ONS data, understand your contract, and use our tools to calculate your true annual earnings. Whether you're an apprentice, a journeyman, or a master electrician, knowing the numbers helps you make better career decisions.