UK Electrician Rates by Region (2026)
| Region | Hourly rate | Day rate | Callout |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £70–£120 | £490–£850 | £80–£150 |
| South East (excl. London) | £60–£95 | £420–£650 | £70–£120 |
| South West | £55–£85 | £380–£580 | £60–£110 |
| Midlands | £50–£80 | £350–£540 | £55–£100 |
| North West | £47–£75 | £330–£510 | £55–£95 |
| North East & Yorkshire | £44–£70 | £308–£490 | £50–£90 |
| Scotland | £47–£75 | £329–£510 | £55–£95 |
| Wales | £44–£70 | £308–£480 | £50–£90 |
Specialist Rates: EV, Smart Home, Commercial
EV charger installation (labour)
£150–£350/installSpecialist certification required. EV work commands a premium — typically 25–40% above standard domestic rates.
Solar PV installation (labour)
£80–£130/hr or quoted by systemMCS certification required. High demand in 2026 — solar-qualified electricians can command top-end regional rates.
Smart home / home automation
£70–£120/hrKNX, Control4, or similar — specialist skills justify premium rates.
Commercial first and second fix
£65–£120/hr or £450–£800/dayOften CIS work. Day rates for commercial projects typically 20–40% above domestic rates.
Rewire (typical 3-bed semi)
£2,800–£5,500 labour + materialsUsually priced as a fixed job. Labour typically £1,800–£3,500; materials £1,000–£2,000.
Minimum Viable Rate Calculator: North West Electrician
At £35.75/hr you break even. Add 25% profit margin → £45/hr minimum. Market rate in the North West is £47–£75/hr — charge at least £50/hr to be viable and competitive.
When to Quote by Day vs By Job
| Method | When to use | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | Small jobs, fault finding, service work where scope is uncertain | Customer anxiety about open-ended cost |
| Day rate | Multi-day projects (rewires, first fix/second fix) | Ambiguity over what 'a day' means — specify hours clearly |
| Fixed job price | Consumer unit replacements, EV installations, specific installations | You underestimate time — always add 20% contingency |
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Start FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the average electrician hourly rate in the UK in 2026?
- Self-employed electricians in the UK charge between £45 and £90 per hour in 2026, with a national average of around £55–£70/hour. London and the South East are at the higher end (£70–£120/hour), while Northern England, Wales, and Scotland tend to be £45–£70/hour. Specialist work — EV charger installation, smart home systems, commercial work — commands a premium over general domestic electrical work.
How much does a first fix/second fix electrician charge per day?
- First and second fix electricians on new build or renovation projects typically charge £220–£400/day as a sole trader, depending on region. Day rates are often used for multi-day projects rather than hourly rates, as they give both parties clarity. London day rates for qualified electricians can reach £500+/day for specialist or commercial work.
How much should a self-employed electrician charge for EV charger installation?
- EV charger installation labour rates in 2026 typically range from £150–£350 for a standard domestic installation (charger not included). The total job price including a 7kW smart charger is usually £600–£1,200. Electricians charge a premium for EV work because it requires specialist knowledge, additional certification, and the OZEV grant administration if applicable.