Electrician Salary UK: What You Need to Know in 2026

If you're researching the electrician salary UK – whether you're considering a career change, negotiating a pay rise, or comparing job offers – the latest official data gives a clear picture. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) provides the most authoritative benchmark, while industry-specific rates from the Joint Industry Board (JIB) set the contractual floor for many electricians.

ONS ASHE 2025 Provisional Data for Electricians

The ONS ASHE survey, based on employer-reported PAYE records for a 1% sample of employees, shows that the median gross annual pay for electricians and electrical fitters in the UK is £39,187. The median hourly rate (excluding overtime) is £19.19. The mean (average) annual pay is slightly higher at £40,108, reflecting a spread of earnings across the occupation.

Here are the key percentiles from the ASHE data:

• 10th percentile: £23,616 per year (£12.31/hr)
• 25th percentile (lower quartile): £30,899 (£15.73/hr)
• Median (50th percentile): £39,187 (£19.19/hr)
• 75th percentile (upper quartile): £48,416 (£22.48/hr)
• 90th percentile: £57,280 (£26.35/hr)

These figures cover all employees – full-time and part-time – in the occupation. For full-time electricians specifically, the median annual pay is approximately £39,647 according to supplementary ONS breakdowns.

JIB Rates 2026: The Industry Standard

The JIB sets minimum pay rates for electricians employed by member companies of the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA). These rates are negotiated between the ECA and Unite the Union and are updated annually. From 5 January 2026, the national standard rates (based on a 37.5-hour week) are:

Grade	Hourly Rate	Annual Salary (37.5 hrs × 52 weeks)
Electrician	£18.38	£35,841
Approved Electrician	£20.08	£39,156
Technician	£22.70	£44,265

For work within the M25 (London), rates are higher:

• Electrician: £20.58/hr (£40,131/yr)
• Approved Electrician: £22.48/hr (£43,836/yr)
• Technician: £25.47/hr (£49,667/yr)

JIB rates are contractual minimums – many employers pay above these figures, especially for experienced or specialist roles. Apprentice rates range from £8.16 to £14.03 per hour depending on stage.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

A common question is how to convert an hourly wage to an annual salary. The standard formula used by the industry and the ONS is:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × contracted hours per week × 52 weeks

For most electricians, the standard working week is 37.5 hours (though some contracts use 40 hours). Using the median hourly rate of £19.19:

£19.19 × 37.5 × 52 = £37,413

This is close to the ONS median of £39,187, but the difference reflects overtime, bonuses, and London weighting. If you work 40 hours per week, the same hourly rate gives £39,915.

Our Hourly to Salary calculator can help you do this conversion instantly. For more context on how different occupations compare, see our salary articles.

Overtime and London Weighting

Overtime is common in electrical work. JIB agreements specify enhanced rates: typically time-and-a-half for the first two hours and double time thereafter. Regular overtime can add several thousand pounds to annual earnings. For example, working just 5 hours of overtime per week at time-and-a-half could boost annual pay by over £5,000.

London weighting is significant. The JIB London rate for an Approved Electrician is £22.48/hr compared to £20.08/hr nationally – a 12% premium. Some employers also offer travel time payments, daily fares, and lodging allowances when working away from base.

How Electrician Pay Compares to National Living Wage

The National Living Wage (NLW) for employees aged 21 and over is £12.21 per hour from April 2025, rising to £12.71 from April 2026. Even the lowest qualified JIB rate (£18.38/hr) is well above the NLW. Apprentice rates also exceed the statutory apprentice minimum wage (£8.00/hr from April 2026).

This means electricians are generally paid significantly more than the legal minimum, reflecting the skill, training, and responsibility involved.

Factors That Affect Your Take-Home Pay

While the median electrician salary UK is £39,187, your actual pay depends on:

• Employment type: JIB member firms vs non-JIB employers
• Location: London and South East typically pay more
• Experience and qualifications: Approved Electrician or Technician grades command higher rates
• Overtime and shift work: Can boost earnings by 10–30%
• Contract type: Agency or self-employed electricians may have different pay structures

Always check your contract for the exact hourly rate, overtime policy, and any allowances. For a deeper dive into UK pay data, visit our salary data page.

Summary

The electrician salary UK in 2026 is well-supported by official data. The ONS ASHE median of £39,187 per year (£19.19/hr) provides a reliable benchmark, while JIB rates set a contractual minimum that exceeds the National Living Wage. Whether you're comparing a salaried offer with an hourly position, or negotiating a raise, understanding the conversion between hourly and annual pay – and factoring in overtime and location – is essential.

Use our hourly calculator to see what your hourly rate means in annual terms, and explore our topics for more UK wage guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average electrician salary UK in 2026?

According to the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025 provisional data, the median gross annual pay for electricians and electrical fitters is £39,187, with a median hourly rate of £19.19. The mean annual pay is £40,108. These figures cover all employees in the occupation, including full-time and part-time workers.

How do JIB rates compare to the National Living Wage for electricians?

JIB rates are contractual minimums set by the Joint Industry Board for electrical contracting. From January 2026, a qualified Electrician earns at least £18.38 per hour nationally, well above the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour (from April 2026 for ages 21+). Even the lowest JIB apprentice rate (£8.16/hr) is above the statutory apprentice minimum wage (£8.00/hr).

How do I convert an electrician's hourly rate to an annual salary?

A common rule of thumb is to multiply the hourly rate by contracted weekly hours and then by 52 weeks. For a standard 37.5-hour week, annual salary ≈ hourly rate × 37.5 × 52. For example, £19.19/hr × 37.5 × 52 = £37,413, close to the median. However, actual pay depends on overtime, shift premiums, and unpaid leave. Always check your contract.