How Much Is Electrician Day Rate in the UK?
In 2025, hiring a qualified electrician in the UK typically costs between £200 and £350 per day, though this figure can vary significantly depending on several key factors, including location, experience, and type of job required.
Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation, a landlord maintaining rental properties, or a small business upgrading premises, understanding the breakdown of electrician rates is vital to budgeting accurately and avoiding unexpected costs.
So, what goes into determining how much you’ll actually pay for a day’s work from an electrician in the UK?
What Does an Electrician Day Rate in the UK Really Mean?
A day rate refers to a fixed price charged by an electrician for a full working day, generally up to eight hours.
This pricing model is especially common for jobs that exceed two or three hours but don’t require long-term commitments or ongoing contracts.
Unlike hourly charges, a day rate provides transparency, consistency, and peace of mind for customers, particularly when the scope of work is moderately large or difficult to estimate by the hour.
Day rates are especially useful in situations where an electrician might need time for diagnosis, sourcing materials, testing, or carrying out safety checks that can’t be rushed or split into quick hourly sessions.
What Is the Average Day Rate for Electricians Across the UK?
Nationally, the average day rate for an electrician in the UK falls around £275, but this average masks significant variations.
Electricians in London and surrounding areas typically charge more due to the higher cost of living and greater demand. In contrast, areas in the North and certain parts of Wales and Northern Ireland tend to have lower rates.
Here’s a general overview of the average electrician day rates across regions in the UK:
| Region | Average Day Rate (2025) |
| London & South East | £300 – £350 |
| South West & Wales | £250 – £300 |
| Midlands | £230 – £280 |
| Northern England | £220 – £270 |
| Scotland | £220 – £260 |
| Northern Ireland | £200 – £250 |
These figures represent typical pricing for standard domestic or light commercial jobs. Specialist services or emergency call-outs often command a higher day rate.
How Does the Electrician Hourly Rate Compare to the Day Rate?
Many electricians offer both hourly and daily pricing options, and choosing the right one depends on the scope of work involved. Hourly rates are ideal for quick repairs or installations, while day rates are more cost-effective for larger projects.
Typical hourly rates range from £35 to £60, while emergency work may rise to £80–£100 per hour. Here’s a comparison between average hourly and daily rates based on different job types:
| Work Type | Hourly Rate | Day Rate |
| Domestic Jobs | £40–£50 | £250–£300 |
| Commercial Installations | £50–£60 | £300–£350 |
| Emergency Call-Outs | £80–£100 | £350–£450 |
As shown above, booking an electrician for a full day may prove more cost-efficient if the job is expected to last more than 5–6 hours.
What Factors Affect the Electrician Day Rate in the UK?
Several factors influence what an electrician charges. These include the electrician’s qualifications, the complexity and nature of the task, the urgency of the job, and of course, your location.
Electricians who are NICEIC or Part P certified often charge more due to their proven experience and regulatory compliance.
You may also find higher rates from those who specialise in areas like solar installations, EV charging, or smart home setups.
The type of work also matters. Domestic repairs, such as replacing sockets or installing lighting, are generally cheaper than large-scale commercial installations or high-voltage systems.
Emergency work, especially when requested during evenings or weekends, often incurs a 25% to 50% surcharge.
Lastly, where you live plays a huge role. London-based electricians typically top the chart, while professionals in smaller towns or rural locations often offer more competitive pricing.
What Are the Typical Costs for Common Electrical Jobs in the UK?
In addition to daily and hourly rates, many electricians provide fixed pricing for standard services. These are helpful reference points for homeowners and businesses budgeting for frequent or one-off electrical tasks.
Estimated Costs for Common Electrical Jobs
| Task | Estimated Cost |
| Electrical fault diagnosis | £95 |
| Smart lighting upgrade | £45 |
| Satellite dish installation | £80 |
| Rewiring a single room or circuit | £1,000 |
| Rewiring a full house or flat | £3,750 |
| Consumer unit (fuse box) replacement | £250 |
| PAT testing | £60 |
| Electric oven replacement | £150 |
| Outdoor power socket installation | £95 |
| Garden lighting installation | £130 |
| Storage heater installation | £200 |
| LED lighting installation | £90 |
| Solar panel installation | £1,500 |
| Electric shower installation | £200 |
| TV aerial installation | £220 |
| Downlights installation (per room) | £350 |
| Bathroom extractor fan installation | £200 |
| Light switch installation or repair | £50 |
| Induction hob installation | £85 |
| Light fitting fixture repair | £80 |
| Plug socket installation | £130 |
| Electric vehicle charger installation | £900 |
| Underfloor heating installation | £300 |
| Electric radiator installation | £200 |
| Electric combi boiler installation | £1,200 |
| EICR test | £150 |
| Gas meter earth bonding | £470 |
| Cooker hood installation | £250 |
| Cooker hood repair | £150 |
| Additional consumer unit installation | £750 |
| Electric shower repair | £240 |
| Extractor fan repair | £150 |
| Additional power socket fitting | £150 |
| Power socket repair | £100 |
| Consumer unit relocation | £550 |
These prices serve as averages; costs may vary slightly depending on individual electricians, project scale, and regional pricing.
How Do Electrician Rates Vary by UK Region?
Location is one of the most influential factors affecting electrician costs. In major cities and affluent areas, higher living costs, travel times, and market demand push rates upward.
Meanwhile, electricians in more rural or less densely populated areas may charge less, though availability might be limited. To help you gauge costs, here’s a selection of electrician hourly and daily rates across different UK regions:
| UK Region / City | Typical Hourly Rate | Estimated Daily Rate |
| London (Central & Greater) | £47 | £274 |
| Birmingham | £33 | £227 |
| Leeds | £32 | £228 |
| Glasgow | £34 | £263 |
| Sheffield | £31 | £225 |
| Bradford | £32 | £227 |
| Liverpool | £33 | £227 |
| Edinburgh | £35 | £249 |
| Manchester | £32 | £223 |
| Bristol | £35 | £244 |
| Kirklees | £32 | £225 |
| Fife | £33 | £243 |
| Wirral | £33 | £227 |
| North Lanarkshire | £34 | £262 |
| Wakefield | £32 | £227 |
| Cardiff | £32 | £223 |
| Dudley | £33 | £226 |
| Wigan | £32 | £224 |
| East Riding of Yorkshire | £31 | £226 |
| South Lanarkshire | £34 | £260 |
| Coventry | £33 | £229 |
| Belfast | £24 | £182 |
| Leicester | £33 | £229 |
| Sunderland | £33 | £231 |
| Sandwell | £33 | £227 |
| Doncaster | £31 | £230 |
| Stockport | £32 | £223 |
| Sefton | £33 | £227 |
| Nottingham | £31 | £222 |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne | £33 | £231 |
| Hull (Kingston-upon-Hull) | £31 | £226 |
| Bolton | £32 | £224 |
| Walsall | £33 | £227 |
| Plymouth | £31 | £226 |
| Rotherham | £31 | £226 |
| Stoke-on-Trent | £30 | £214 |
| Wolverhampton | £33 | £226 |
| Rhondda Cynon Taff | £31 | £218 |
| South Gloucestershire | £35 | £245 |
| Derby | £31 | £221 |
| Swansea | £31 | £218 |
| Salford | £32 | £224 |
| Barnsley | £31 | £228 |
| Tameside | £32 | £224 |
| Oldham | £32 | £224 |
| Trafford | £32 | £224 |
| Aberdeen | £31 | £259 |
| Southampton | £36 | £253 |
| Highland | £34 | £266 |
| Rochdale | £32 | £224 |
| Solihull | £33 | £228 |
| Gateshead | £33 | £231 |
| Milton Keynes | £41 | £258 |
| North Tyneside | £33 | £231 |
| Calderdale | £32 | £225 |
| Northampton | £37 | £250 |
| Portsmouth | £36 | £253 |
| Warrington | £32 | £224 |
| North Somerset | £35 | £243 |
| Bury | £32 | £224 |
| Luton | £45 | £266 |
| St Helens | £32 | £225 |
| Stockton-on-Tees | £32 | £232 |
| Renfrewshire | £34 | £263 |
| York | £32 | £232 |
With more than 100 regional breakdowns available across the UK, it’s clear that electrician pricing is highly localised. Always compare quotes from multiple professionals in your area to find the best balance of affordability and skill.
How Can You Get the Best Value When Hiring an Electrician?
To ensure you’re receiving a fair price while maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism, it’s important to do your due diligence.
Choosing an electrician based on cost alone can backfire, particularly when compliance with UK electrical regulations is at stake.
Here’s how you can maximise value:
- Verify qualifications: Look for NICEIC, City & Guilds, or Part P certification.
- Request multiple quotes: This allows you to understand the local market range.
- Read reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Checkatrade offer insights into previous customer experiences.
- Ask for a written estimate: Make sure all potential costs are outlined, including VAT, materials, and possible surcharges.
Hiring a slightly more expensive but reputable professional can save you from costly mistakes or the need for rework later on.
What Can You Expect to Pay for a Full Day’s Electrical Work?
When hiring an electrician in the UK in 2025, you should budget between £250 and £350 per day, though this can vary depending on region, task complexity, and required qualifications.
For larger jobs or those involving more technical work like EV charging or solar panel installations, expect prices on the higher end of the scale.
Understanding electrician day rates helps you plan more accurately, avoid hidden charges, and ultimately ensure that you’re working with qualified professionals who deliver both safety and value.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Electrician Costs
What’s the average rate for a domestic electrician per day?
Typically, domestic electricians charge between £250 and £300 per day, depending on location and job type.
Are electricians more expensive during evenings or weekends?
Yes, expect to pay up to 50% more for work done outside standard working hours, especially for emergencies.
Can I hire an electrician for half a day?
Some electricians offer half-day rates, usually around 60–65% of the full-day price, depending on their availability.
What is included in an electrician’s day rate?
Usually, labour is included. Materials, parking, and VAT may be billed separately. Always confirm before booking.
How often should I get an EICR for my property?
For domestic homes, an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is recommended every 10 years, or 5 years for rental properties.
Are PAT tests required for landlords?
Yes, if you’re letting a property with electrical appliances, PAT testing helps ensure tenant safety and compliance.
How can I tell if I’m being overcharged?
Compare rates locally, ask for itemised quotes, and check online reviews to assess fairness and reliability.
