How much does an electrician cost?

Electrician average hourly rate

Ever wondered about electrician costs in the UK? From hourly rates averaging £45 - £50 to typical call-out fees and day rates up to £400, get the full breakdown on what to expect for jobs like fixing lights or full rewires.

In this cost guide we will talk about:

1. Electrician average hourly rate costs
2. Electrician day rate costs
3. Electrician call out fee costs
4. Common electrician job costs
5. Avoid these hidden electrician costs
6. Find electricians near you on MyBuilder
7. FAQ: common questions about electrician rates

Electrician average hourly rate costs

When you’re hiring an electrician in the UK, whether you need a simple fix or full electrical installation, it's important to know what to expect when it comes to costs.

In the UK, the electrician 's hourly rate can vary depending on several factors.

Standard hourly rate: Around £45 per hour

Higher-end rates: Up to £60 per hour in London or the Southeast due to the higher cost of living

Electrician hourly rates in the UK often rise significantly for emergency or out-of-hours work, jumping from a standard £45 - £60 to £80 - £110 or more, depending on time and location.

It’s important to always reach out to a few electricians near you so you can get a good idea of the hourly rate in your area.

Just post your job on MyBuilder today, and interested electricians near you can be back in touch.

Electrician day rate costs

It's worth knowing the difference between hourly and day rates for an electrician. Hourly billing suits quick jobs like fixing a socket, while day rates work better for bigger tasks.

But for bigger jobs, like rewiring your whole house, a day rate, at around £335 for a full day of work, can save you money by covering multiple tasks in one visit and avoiding extra call-out fees.

Here’s a quick look at the cost benefits of electrician day rates:

• Cost savings: Day rates (around £335 average) often work out cheaper than hourly (£45–£60) for full-day jobs, avoiding extras like travel time piling up.​
• Predictable budgeting: Fixed price for the day means no surprises if the job takes longer than expected.​
• Fewer call-outs: Covers multiple tasks in one visit, skipping repeat fees (£50–£150 each time).​

If you’re not sure whether you need an electrician for just a couple of hours or the whole day, you can ask for advice on MyBuilder.

Just post your job, and electricians near you will be able to respond.

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Electrician call out fee costs

An electrician call out fee is a separate charge applied when a tradesperson needs to come to your house urgently or outside standard working hours.

Electrician call out fees typically range from £80 to £150, depending on urgency, time, and location.

Common reasons for call out fees include:

• Emergency or out-of-hours work (evenings, weekends, holidays)
• Travel time and inconvenience
• Immediate troubleshooting and fault-finding

If you’re dealing with a specific issue like a faulty electric meter, the situation may warrant a quicker response and a possible call-out charge.

Common electrician job costs

Planning electrical work at home?

Knowing the costs of some common electrician jobs can help you budget smartly and avoid surprises, costs vary by job size, location, and extras like materials or emergencies.

Take a look at this table for some common electrician costs:

Service	Cost
Socket replacement	£25–£80
Light fitting installation	£40–£120
Fault finding	£50 - £200
House rewiring	£1,500–£10,000

If you want to know more details, see a full guide to socket replacement cost or house rewiring cost here.

Avoid these hidden electrician costs

When hiring an electrician, unexpected costs can catch you off guard. Here are common hidden charges to watch for so you can budget confidently:

• Call-out fees: Many electricians charge a flat fee (£30 - £100) just for coming to your property, even before any work begins. Always ask if this applies upfront.​
• Travel charges: Some may add extra fees if you live outside their usual service area or in a rural location, increasing your final bill.​
• Additional materials: Basic prices might exclude parts like extra cables, sockets, or special fittings, which can add 5 - 30% or more to costs.​
• Emergency or out-of-hours rates: Expect to pay 25 - 50% more for urgent or evening and weekend work.

To avoid surprises, get a detailed, written quote covering all potential extras and clarify call-out, travel, and materials charges before hiring.

This ensures transparency and saves you from unexpected bills later.

You can view our directory of electricians near you on MyBuilder today, read customer reviews and see images of their past jobs. Then, you can request quotes from electricians you’re interested in for your job.

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Find electricians near you on MyBuilder

It only takes a few clicks to post your job on MyBuilder, and find electricians that are ready to help. Whether you’re struggling with some faulty wiring, or want some upgrades added to your home, it’s the hassle-free way to find electricians near you.

You can rest assured that every tradesperson on MyBuilder has gone through checks, like ID verification and skills assessments, so you can hire with more confidence than before.

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FAQ: common questions

Are there different rates for emergency electrician call-outs?

Yes, emergency call-outs usually attract higher rates due to the urgency and inconvenience of the service. Electricians may charge anywhere from £75 to £125 per hour for urgent requests, particularly during nights, weekends, or holidays.

Is it more cost-effective to hire an electrician for a day rather than hourly?

Hiring an electrician for a day rate can be more cost-effective for larger projects. It reduces the total fee by bundling multiple hours into one rate, often leading to savings, especially if the project requires a substantial amount of work or entails unpredictable durations.

What questions should I ask an electrician before hiring them?

When hiring an electrician, ensure you ask about hourly or day rates, whether they include VAT, the call-out fee, additional expenses, payment terms, and whether there is a surcharge for materials or emergency call-outs. Clear communication helps avoid unexpected costs.

Can electricians provide safety certificates?

Yes, electricians can provide Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) which typically cost between £125 and £300 depending on the size of your home.