Average Electrician Salary UK: What the Data Shows

If you're looking for the average electrician salary UK, the most reliable source is the Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). For 2025, the median annual salary for a full-time electrician stands at £39,187. That works out at roughly £20.08 per hour based on a standard 37.5-hour week. This figure is slightly above the UK median full-time salary of £39,039 across all occupations, reflecting the specialist demand for qualified electricians.

It's important to note that 'average' here means the median – the middle point where half earn more and half earn less. The mean (average) electrician salary is slightly higher at £40,108, pulled up by higher earners. The typical range for the middle 50% of electricians is between £30,899 and £48,416 per year, according to ONS ASHE data.

JIB 2026 Rates: The Industry Standard for Electrician Pay

For electricians working under the Joint Industry Board (JIB) agreement, pay rates are set nationally through negotiations between the Electrical Contractors' Association and Unite the Union. From 5 January 2026, the new three-year deal introduces the following hourly and annual rates (based on a 37.5-hour week):

• Electrician: £18.38/hr – £35,841/yr
• Approved Electrician: £20.08/hr – £39,156/yr
• Technician: £22.70/hr – £44,265/yr

These are basic rates and do not include overtime, travel time, or lodging allowances. Overtime is typically paid at time-and-a-half for the first two hours and double time thereafter, which 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 an Electrician's annual pay by over £7,000.

How to Convert Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

When comparing job offers or calculating your worth, the standard conversion used across UK salary research is:

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

For a full-time electrician on a 37.5-hour week, multiply the hourly rate by 1,950 (37.5 × 52). For part-time roles, adjust the hours accordingly. For instance, a part-time electrician working 25 hours per week at £20/hr would earn approximately £26,000 per year (25 × 52 × £20).

Remember that this calculation assumes a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, bonus, tips or salary sacrifice. Actual take-home pay depends on your rota, holiday pay method, and any London weighting or shift allowances. Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance.

Regional Variations in Electrician Pay

The average electrician salary UK varies significantly by region. ONS ASHE 2025 data shows the highest median pay in the South East at £42,431, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (£41,620) and the North West (£41,401). London sits close to the national median at £39,267, but this is offset by higher living costs. At the lower end, the North East has a median of £29,946, and Wales £34,719.

These regional differences reflect local demand, cost of living, and the prevalence of large industrial or commercial projects. Electricians willing to travel or relocate can often command higher rates.

London Weighting and Additional Allowances

For electricians working within the M25, London weighting is a common addition. JIB 2026 London rates are:

• Electrician: £20.58/hr
• Approved Electrician: £22.48/hr
• Technician: £25.47/hr

That's roughly £2.20 per hour more than national rates. Some employers also offer daily fares, travel time pay, and lodging allowances when working away from base. These can add a significant amount to total compensation.

Overtime and Its Impact on Total Earnings

Overtime is a major factor in electrician pay. JIB agreements specify enhanced rates: typically time-and-a-half for the first two hours of overtime and double time thereafter. Weekend and bank holiday work often attracts even higher premiums. According to industry sources, regular overtime can add £5,000 to £10,000 per year on top of basic pay. When researching the average electrician salary UK, remember that many published figures (including ONS ASHE) include overtime in their calculations, while JIB rates do not.

National Living Wage Comparison

For context, the National Living Wage for employees aged 21 and over was £12.21 per hour in April 2025. A full-time worker on NLW earning £12.21/hr for 37.5 hours a week would take home about £23,809 per year. Even the lowest JIB electrician rate (£18.38/hr) is well above this, highlighting the premium for skilled electrical work.

Using Our Tools to Calculate Your Salary

You can use our Hourly to Salary converter to quickly see what your hourly rate translates to annually. For more detailed comparisons, explore our salary data pages which break down earnings by occupation and region. If you're considering a career change or negotiating a pay rise, our salary articles offer practical advice on UK wage benchmarks.

Summary

The average electrician salary UK in 2025 is £39,187 per year (median), or about £20.08 per hour for a 37.5-hour week. JIB 2026 rates set a clear ladder from Electrician (£18.38/hr) to Technician (£22.70/hr), with London weighting adding around £2.20/hr. Overtime and allowances can significantly boost total earnings. Always use official sources like ONS ASHE and JIB when researching pay, and remember that your actual salary depends on your specific contract, hours, and location.