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Electrician Hourly and Day Rates in the UK (2026)

Most UK electricians charge £45–£70 an hour or £250–£450 a day, with London and the South East at the higher end. Call-out fees, minimum charges and emergency rates all affect what you actually pay.

3 min read · Updated October 2026

Calendar, clock, stack of coins and an electrician's van showing day rates

Typical rates by region

Rates vary with experience, demand and whether the electrician works alone or with an apprentice. Teams of two often charge a combined day rate but get through work faster.

Indicative electrician labour rates (2026)
RegionHourlyDay rate
London£60 – £90£350 – £500
South East£55 – £75£300 – £450
South West and East£50 – £70£280 – £420
Midlands£45 – £65£260 – £380
North of England£40 – £60£240 – £360
Wales and Scotland£40 – £60£240 – £360
Northern Ireland£40 – £55£220 – £330

Indicative electrician labour rates (2026)

Call-out fees and minimum charges

Many electricians charge a minimum fee – often the first hour, or a fixed call-out of £50–£100 – for small jobs. That's why replacing one socket can cost nearly as much as replacing three. Grouping small jobs into one visit saves money.

Emergency and out-of-hours rates

Evenings, weekends and bank holidays usually cost more – often 1.5 to 2 times the normal rate, plus a call-out fee. Genuine emergencies, such as a burning smell or a total loss of power that isn't a network fault, justify it. For a tripping circuit you can isolate, waiting for normal hours is often cheaper. See why does my electric keep tripping and who to call: supplier, network or electrician.

Indicative emergency electrician charges (2026)
TimeTypical charge
Weekday evening call-out (first hour)£90 – £150
Weekend call-out (first hour)£100 – £180
Night or bank holiday£120 – £220+

Indicative emergency electrician charges (2026)

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Fixed prices for common jobs

For defined jobs, most electricians quote a fixed price rather than an hourly rate. That gives you certainty and includes materials, testing and certification.

  • Add a double socket: £90 – £180
  • Replace a consumer unit: £500 – £1,000
  • EICR for a typical house: £150 – £300
  • Full rewire of a three-bed house: £4,500 – £8,000
  • Install a home EV charger: £800 – £1,200

Comparing quotes

Don't compare on hourly rate alone. Check that each quote covers the same work, materials, testing, certificates and making good. Check the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme for notifiable work. See how to choose an electrician and comparing electrician quotes, then get quotes from local electricians.

Common questions

How much does an electrician charge per hour?

Typically £45–£70 an hour outside London, and £60–£90 in London.

What is an electrician's day rate?

Usually £250–£450, depending on region and experience.

Do electricians charge a call-out fee?

Many do, or charge a minimum of the first hour – often £50–£100.

Are emergency electricians more expensive?

Yes, usually 1.5–2 times the normal rate plus a call-out fee.

Is a fixed price better than an hourly rate?

For defined jobs, yes. It gives certainty and should include testing and certificates.

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