Electrician: career path and pay in the UK
Where a Electrician goes next, what each step typically pays in the United Kingdom, and how exposed the path is to AI replacement. 4 steps, from Apprentice Electrician to Electrical Contractor / Business Owner.
Also for the United States: Electrician in the US
The path
Step 1 · 0 to 2 years
Apprentice Electrician
£20K to £30K
Typical UK pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Apprenticeship Program (in progress) - US/UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification (required) - Global.
Step 2 · 2 to 5 years
Journeyman Electrician
£35K to £50K
Typical UK pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Journeyman Electrician License - US, NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation - UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification - Global.
Step 3 · 5 to 10 years
Master Electrician / Electrical Supervisor
£40K to £55K
Typical UK pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Master Electrician License - US, NVQ Level 4 Electrical Installation - UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification - Global, Business License (optional) - Global.
Step 4 · 10+ years
Electrical Contractor / Business Owner
£75K to £115K
Typical UK pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: Master Electrician License - US, NVQ Level 4 Electrical Installation - UK/EU, Health & Safety Certification - Global, Business License - Global.
Exposure and pay along the path
Exposure to AI, now to later
24% → 24%
Stays level across the path. Lower is better.
Typical pay, now to later
£20K to £30K → £75K to £115K
UK estimates by job title, Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale UK. Indeed publishes a daily average for Electrical Contractor (£363.00); this band converts it at 260 working days a year.
What the work involves
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
Knowledge areas
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Design
- Customer and Personal Service
Education people bring
- Post-Secondary Certificate: 62%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED): 31%
- Some College Courses: 2%
Job Zone 3, job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Other paths from here
- HVAC Technician
- Electrical Engineer
- General Contractor
- Construction Manager
More Skilled Trades paths in the UK
Related occupations in O*NET: Lighting Technicians, Helpers--Electricians, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers, Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers.
Your own role
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SourcesSalary bands: Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale UK, UK national averages by job title, retrieved September 2026Skills, knowledge and education: O*NET 31.0 Database
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CC BY 4.0
Salary estimates by job title from Glassdoor UK, Indeed UK and PayScale, retrieved September 2026. Each band runs from 20% below to 20% above the reported average, rounded to £5K. Exposure percentages and the skills listed under each step are this app's own editorial ratings, not published data.