The Average Cost of Hiring an Electrician in the U.K.

Hiring an electrician: What’s the average cost?

Lighting, heating, and even your trusty power shower — more household appliances run on electricity than you might first think. When something goes wrong, it’s time to call out an electrical specialist. But how much will electrical repair jobs set you back? On average, you’re looking at £50 per hour; however, many factors can affect the overall cost.

How much do electrical services cost?

While it might be tempting to go down the DIY route with many other jobs, most people feel more comfortable hiring a specialist for any electrical repairs. And for good reason: it’s not worth the safety risks. 

No matter the task at hand, from installing a new appliance to conducting a full property rewire, a trained expert can take it on with ease. But these jobs can vary in price, so having an idea of average electrical work costs can help you manage your budget. 

Average rates for electrical work in the UK

Electricians usually charge an hourly rate for the standard work, often around £45 to £65 per hour. Like any professional service, however, there are lots of factors that play into your final bill.

And don’t forget that emergency or out-of-hours call-outs can be pricier. If your boiler suddenly goes kaput in the depths of winter, you’ll need an ASAP visit. For emergency call-outs, you’re looking at anywhere from £80 to £100 per hour.

Why you can trust our data

The rates you see above are based on a combination of industry averages, our own internal data, and verified quotes from qualified electricians across the UK. We regularly update this information to reflect the current market rates and trends.

What affects the cost of electrical repairs or installation?

Aside from emergency rates, there are several factors that can influence a quote from an electrical specialist. 

• Location: If you’re in the South East (especially London), electrical work usually costs more than in other parts of the UK.
• Job complexity: The more challenging and time-consuming an electrical job, the higher the cost. Rewiring and fault-finding, for instance, require a high level of expertise and can take a while, so your electrician will likely charge more.
• Parts and materials: If your project requires specific materials, like light fittings, new sockets, or wiring, these will add to the total cost.

Calculating the cost of electrical services

As most electrical specialists charge by the hour, calculating a price can be as easy as guessing how long the work might take and multiplying it by the expert’s hourly rate. Remember, however, that you may need to take the cost of materials into account, too.

You can also use Taskrabbit to compare hourly rates from Taskers near you. There are lots of electrical specialists ready to take on the job, and they’ll be able to offer an upfront hourly rate with no nasty surprises. 

DIY electrical work vs hiring an electrician

It might seem surprising, but there are actually only a handful of electrical jobs homeowners can safely and legally carry out without any training. 

Changing a bedroom light bulb? Go for it — this is a job you can safely do yourself. As long as you feel confident doing so, you can also replace a plug fuse, install light switches or replace electrical outlets.

But when it comes to the bigger jobs, it’s time to speak with an electrical expert. Wiring and installing new circuits need to be completed by a qualified professional, as does any work involving bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor areas.

Even when a job seems simple, it might not be as safe as you think. Getting help from an electrical specialist can put your mind at ease, lowering the risk of significant dangers, like fires and electrical shocks.

FAQs about electrician costs

How much do electricians charge per hour in the UK?

In the UK, most electrical specialists charge between £40 and £60 an hour, with the national average sitting slap-bang in the middle and £50 per hour. This price range depends on how complex the task is, however, and services might be more expensive in areas like London.

What is the average cost of rewiring a house?

Like a lot of household services and repairs, the price of rewiring a house really depends on the property size and how complicated the job might be. Rewiring a one-bed flat might cost as little as £3000, while a three-bed house could be anywhere between £4000 and £8000. For larger houses, expect a bigger quote.

Do electricians charge a call-out fee in the UK?

It depends on the individual. However, yes, many electrical workers do charge a call-out fee of around £80 to £150, especially for out-of-hours or emergency work, to cover their travel. Often, this fee covers the first hour of labour, too.

What is the cost of replacing a fuse box?

The price you will pay for an electrical expert to replace a fuse box will cover buying a new one, removing the old one, and then installing the new fuse box. For parts and labour, you’ll usually spend around £375 to £500, depending on the new fuse box model.

How can I save money on electrical repairs?

Electrical repairs aren’t really something you want to skimp on. The work needs to be done to a high standard by an electrical professional for safety. However, if you want to reduce the amount you spend on electrical work, you could combine electrical tasks. If you have several jobs that need doing, hire an electrical worker to carry them all out in one day. That way, you’ll only pay one call-out fee.