2026 trade-rate deep dive

Electrician Hourly vs Day Rate

Compare current routine hourly, day and emergency electrician rates, plus common fixed-job benchmarks, before deciding how to compare contractor quotes.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 · source table updated May 2026

Routine electrician£45–£60 / hour
Typical day rateAbout £400 / day

Calculate electrician labour

Electrician rates in 2026

Routine hourly rate£45–£60 / hour
About £50 / hour
Typical day rateAround £400 / day
Based on an 8-hour day
Emergency electrician£80–£100 / hour
About £90 / hour

Hourly rate or day rate?

Hourly
Small repairs, fault finding, one or two fittings
Check minimum call-out
Day rate
Several jobs, larger installation work, renovation electrical work
About £400 / day
Fixed project price
Rewires, consumer units and clearly defined packages
Compare written scope

Common electrical job benchmarks

Electrical safety certificate£125–£300+
About £212.50
Socket installation£55–£75
About £65
Replace light fitting£55–£75
About £65
Electric shower installation · install only£250–£400
About £325
Replace fuse box / consumer unit£450–£800
About £625
House rewire£3,900–£10,000
About £6,950

What to check in a quote

  • Whether the rate includes VAT.
  • Any minimum call-out or first-hour charge.
  • Materials and consumables.
  • Testing, certification and notification where required.
  • Parking, travel or access charges.
  • Making good after chasing walls or lifting floors.

Source

Checkatrade

Electrician Hourly Rates in the UK in 2026

Used for May 2026 routine hourly, day, emergency and common electrical-job benchmarks.

View source ↗

Frequently asked questions

How much does an electrician charge per hour in the UK in 2026?

Current UK guidance is around £45–£60 per hour for routine electrical work, with an average around £50 per hour. Minimum call-out charges can make very small jobs cost more than one hourly rate.

What is the average electrician day rate?

The current average electrician day rate is around £400, based on an eight-hour day at roughly £50 per hour.

When is a day rate better than an hourly rate?

A day rate can be easier to compare for larger installation or remedial work that is likely to occupy most of a working day. Small repairs are often charged hourly or with a minimum call-out fee, while large projects may be quoted as a fixed total.

How much does an emergency electrician cost?

Emergency electrician rates are currently around £80–£100 per hour, averaging about £90, and a separate call-out fee may also apply.