How much does an electrician cost? [May 2025]

How much does an electrician cost?

Electricians typically charge an hourly rate ranging anywhere from £50 - £95 (inc VAT), on top of any materials needed to complete the job. 

The total cost of booking an electrician will vary depending on several factors, but the type of job will usually be the biggest. For example, an electrical rewire can cost a few thousand pounds, while changing a light fitting is typically no more than £100 per light. 
 

How does pricing work?

The way electricians charge for their work varies depending on the individual electrician or the tradesperson company you book with.

Call out fees: You'll find many electricians will charge an standard call out fee to cover their travel, fuel and time spent accessing the problem - even if they don't end up completing the work. Some electricians will deduct the call out fee if you end up going ahead with their services though, and then charge an hourly rate or fixed charge to complete the actual job. 

Hourly rate: Most electricians will charge an hourly rate for their services, with a minimum hour charge to cover travel expenses (if they don't charge a call out fee), in case the job doesn't take the full hour. 

Fixed fee: Some electricians may charge a fixed-fee, depending on the job. For example, £90 for an EICR or £100 to change a light fitting. 

Day rate: Many electricans may charge a day rate for larger jobs. This usually ranges from £350 to £665 for 7 - 8 hours of work. 
 

Back to top

How does the cost of materials work? 

If your electrican needs materials to complete the job, you can either purchase these yourself or ask your electrician to source them instead and add the cost to your final bill.

Keep in mind, you'll be likely charged an additonal 20% on top of the actual materials if your plumber sources them for you, to cover their time and travel. Although your electrician will know exactly what to buy and may benefit from trade discounts which could off-set the extra cost. 

Back to top

What other factors affect the cost of booking an electrician?

Apart from the type job and materials, there are some other factors that need to be considered when determining the total cost of booking an electrician. 
 

1. Whether you book with a sole trader or a well-known company

Independent electricians typically charge a lower hourly rate than well-established tradesperson companies. Many sole traders may even operate below the VAT threshold, saving you from paying VAT on top of the service cost.

Despite the higher cost, choosing a professional tradesperson service comes with many benefits. These often include a responsive customer service team to assist if anything goes wrong, access to instant online quotes, and 24/7 emergency call-outs.

2. When you book 

Slots during unsociable hours, such as early mornings, evenings, bank holidays, and weekends, are usually charged at a rate. Emergency electricians booked for same-day urgent issues will typically charge a higher rate or increase their call out fee. 

3. Accessibilty 

If the job requires your electrician to work in hard to reach areas, such as in your attic or handling under floor wiring, the job will take longer, and therefore hike up the final cost.
 

Back to top

How much does an emergency electrician cost?

Some electrical issues can't wait, and you'll need a electrician ASAP. Unsurprisingly, emergency electricians will charge more than they do for usual call outs. Many will increase their call out fee or minimum charge, whilst some may add a surcharge into their hourly rate. The hourly rate for an emergency electrician ranges anywhere from £80 - £110 (inc VAT).

The total cost will generally depend on the day and time of the callout. For example, those on weekends, bank holidays and during the night tend to be more expensive than those during the week. 

Back to top

Can I carry out electrical work myself?
 

Electricity isn’t something you want to handle without knowing your stuff - improper handling puts yourself and others around you in danger. In the UK alone, faulty electrics, appliances, wiring, and overloaded sockets contribute to an estimated 7,000 house fires annually. ^[1] Therefore, it’s always recommended to book a qualified electrician to carry out any electrical work, whether it's something as simple as installing a new plug socket, or as complete as rewiring your home. 

Almost all electrical work done in the home must comply with industry regulations to ensure safety. Only a ‘qualified’ and ‘competent’ person can self-certify under Part P of the Building Regulations. ^[2] This basically means a qualified electrician who belongs to a recognised and trusted trade body, such as the NICEIC or Electrical Contractors Association. A qualified and registered electrician will also be able to provide a certificate to prove that any work carried out meets industry standards.

Back to top

Where can I find a qualified electrician?

There are plenty of different ways to find an electrician, from local groups on social media and neighbourhood boards to recommendations from family and friends. Just remember to check their credentials - any electrician you book needs to be ‘qualified’ and ‘competent’ to do the work at hand. This simply means they are registered with a recognised trade body, such as the NICEIC or Electrical Contractors Association. These trade bodies usually have their own online directories, so it’s a good shout to check these out too. 

An easy and hassle-free way to find a qualified electrician is to book through a professional tradesperson service - like Housekeep. Just let us know what needs doing and we’ll send out a fully qualified electrician to come at a time and date that suits you. Need an emergency electrician? Just choose what time you'd like the electrician to arrive and we'll get it sorted. 

Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson

Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.

With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.