Electrician hourly rate in the UK
Electricians in the UK typically charge £40–£80 per hour, with a national average around £55 per hour for a domestic Part P registered electrician. Day rates run £280–£450 outside London and £400–£600 in central London. Emergency call-outs add £75–£150 minimum, and weekend or overnight rates are usually 1.5×–2× the standard rate.
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Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Hourly rate — most of UK | £40–£65/hr |
Hourly rate — London | £60–£90/hr |
Day rate — most of UK | £280–£420/day |
Day rate — London & South East | £400–£600/day |
Emergency call-out (first hour) | £75–£180 |
EICR (3-bed house) | £150–£280 |
Labour costs
Most domestic jobs are quoted on fixed price or half/full day rates rather than pure hourly billing.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Fit a single socket or switch | £60–£130 |
Add a new lighting circuit | £180–£380 |
Replace a consumer unit | £400–£800 |
Full rewire — 3-bed house | £3,500–£6,500 |
EV charger install (7 kW) | £800–£1,400 |
Smoke alarm system (mains-wired) | £350–£650 |
Materials costs
Materials are normally itemised separately or marked up 10–20%. Cable, accessories and consumer units are the main lines.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Twin & earth cable (per metre) | £1–£4/m |
Sockets / switches (each) | £5–£20 |
RCD consumer unit | £120–£280 |
LED downlights (each) | £8–£25 |
EV charger (Pod Point / Ohme) | £350–£700 |
Hourly rate by region
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
North England, Scotland, Wales, NI | £40–£55/hr |
Midlands & South West | £45–£65/hr |
South East | £50–£75/hr |
Central London | £65–£95/hr |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Region — London and South East rates run 30–50% above the national average.
- ·Registration scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT) — registered electricians charge slightly more but self-certify Part P works.
- ·Call-out fees — most charge a minimum 1-hour fee even for short visits.
- ·Time of day — weekends and evenings often billed at 1.5× rate.
- ·Job complexity — concealed wiring in plastered walls takes longer than surface conduit.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Bundle multiple small jobs into one visit to avoid repeated minimum fees.
- ·Always confirm the electrician is Part P registered (saves Building Control fees).
- ·Get itemised quotes — distinguish labour from materials.
- ·Source non-specialist items (light fittings, EV chargers) yourself.
- ·Book non-urgent work outside winter peak for lower fixed-price quotes.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does an electrician charge per hour in the UK?
- £40–£80 per hour for domestic work, with a national mid-point near £55. London is £65–£95 per hour.
- What's the minimum call-out charge?
- Most electricians charge a minimum 1-hour fee (£60–£130) plus a separate call-out fee for emergencies.
- Are electricians cheaper than electrical companies?
- Sole traders are typically 15–30% cheaper than national chains, though larger firms offer guaranteed response times and warranties.
- How much is an EICR test?
- £120–£250 for a flat or 2-bed house, £180–£350 for a 3–4 bed house. Landlords are legally required to get one every 5 years.
- Do electricians charge VAT?
- Yes if VAT-registered (turnover above £90,000). Smaller sole traders may not charge VAT.
- What qualifications should I look for?
- Level 3 NVQ, City & Guilds 2391/2382, plus registration with NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA for Part P self-certification.