Executive Summary
- A study from Capital On Tap found that electricians are the second most in-demand trade – but only the ninth-best paid at an average day rate of £237
- There are 133,700 monthly searches for electricians in the UK on average, the report found
- This differs from another recent study from Tradefix Direct which argued electricians could ‘name their price’ in certain regions
Another study has been released which explores how vital the electrical sector is among the wider trades. Electricians are the second-most in-demand trade according to figures from Capital On Tap – but only the ninth best paid.
The analysis found 133,700 monthly searches for electricians in the UK, behind plumbers (180,370) but well ahead of removals and storage (64,000) in third. Yet plumbers were only the fifth best-paid trades according to the analysis with an average daily rate of £250. Electrician was at £237, with fire and security specialists and appliance repair specialists both commanding daily rates of £420.
The study pointed out the macro trends influencing the average rates. For instance, removals and storage, as well as being the third-most searched for trade, was also the third-best paid at a £281 day rate. Whilst not seen as a technical trade compared with others, strong demand and the time-sensitive requirements of the job are key to driving up price. Similarly, plasterers were noted as the second-lowest earner; national averages including smaller jobs and entry-level workers, as well as lower barriers to entry, were cited here.
Compared with the 2023 figures, electricians were the sixth-highest earners at an hourly wage of £33.10 – seeing a negligible increase to just £34.00 three years on. Heating engineers, in comparison, were the second-highest paid in 2023, down to fourth in 2026, rising from £41.00 to £43.00 hourly rate.
The research also offered advice for those looking to start their trade business, noting pricing was essential. “Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, understanding your pricing is crucial. You need to know your costs, research your market, and ensure your rates are sufficient to remain profitable,” Hugh Acland, chief commercial officer at Capital On Tap, wrote.
“At the same time, pricing should reflect demand: if you’re struggling to win work, it may be worth adjusting your rates or offering packages, whereas if demand is high and capacity is limited, raising prices can help protect margins while managing your workload.”
This analysis is a little less optimistic for the electrical sector than that of a study from Tradefix Direct earlier this month. That study argued electricians were the most in-demand trade and could ‘name their price in some regions’ – partly because of a well-noted skills shortage.
