I’ll be straight with you, I’m not an electrician. I don’t install consumer units or fault-find dodgy circuits in 3-bed semis. But I work with the people who do, every day. As a marketing professional for trades and contractors, I’ve had the privilege of helping dozens of electrical contractors grow their businesses, attract better clients, and most importantly, earn what they’re truly worth.
Electrical Contractor Salary in 2025: The Numbers Don’t Lie
If you’re an electrician or thinking about becoming one, you might be wondering, how much can I realistically earn? According to data and feedback from contractors across the UK, the typical self-employed electrical contractor is earning between £38,000 and £60,000 a year, but there’s a wide range above and below that.
Some are comfortably clearing £100,000 a year. That’s not a typo, I’ve seen the invoices. Others, particularly those just starting out or undercharging, are stuck in the £25,000–£35,000 bracket, grinding week after week with little to show for it.
If you’re trying to figure out what your actual income looks like after tax and expenses, check out our Outside IR35 Calculator or Inside IR35 Calculator. These tools are great for understanding how much you keep depending on your contracting setup.
Why Some Contractors Earn More Than Others
It’s not just about how many hours you put in, it’s about what you charge, who you work for, and how well you run your business. The electrical contractors who earn top money are the ones who treat their work like a business. They’re not chasing every lead that lands in their inbox. They’re selective. Strategic. Professional.
They also often operate in niche sectors like renewable energy, EV charger installations, smart home systems, or commercial fit-outs. These markets pay more and typically come with less price resistance, because clients value expertise and compliance.
It’s Not Just What You Make, It’s What You Keep
While grossing £90,000 sounds great, many contractors don’t factor in the hidden costs. Between your van lease, insurance, tools, software, training, fuel, admin time, and accountancy fees, your real take-home can look very different.
This is where tools like our VAT Calculator come in handy. If you’re VAT registered, you need to stay on top of your thresholds and margins. Every pound counts when you’re scaling up or quoting for a big contract.
Real Stories from the Field
Let me tell you about a few contractors I’ve worked with:
- Mark in Kent: Went from charging £25/hour to £50/hour by tightening up his quoting, targeting better-paying clients, and launching a professional website. Revenue nearly doubled.
- Sara in Sheffield: Focuses on home automation and luxury installs. She’s a solo operator bringing in £70,000+ annually by offering bespoke solutions no one else in her area touches.
- Ben in Cardiff: Switched to commercial contracts and EV charger installs. Bigger projects, fewer clients, more predictable income. He’s now managing two subcontractors and set to hit £110,000 in turnover this year.
None of them are doing anything out of reach. They’re just focusing on value, not volume.
The Future is Bright (and Lucrative)
With the UK’s push toward green energy, labour shortages in the trades, and a growing demand for smart systems and compliance, there’s never been a better time to be an electrician. Clients are looking for trusted professionals, and they’re willing to pay for quality.
For those thinking long-term, your income isn’t just about this year. It’s also about what it enables you to do, like getting a mortgage. If you’re curious how your contracting income affects affordability, try our Contractor Mortgage Calculator to get a clearer picture.