How Much Do Residential Electricians Make

A residential or domestic electrician job is a lucrative job. An increasing number of tradespeople in the UK are becoming residential electricians. But this is not a surprise as electricians are among the top earners in the construction industry. 

According to a 2020 UK Trades Salary Survey, electricians are the top earners for four consecutive years. The median salary of an electrician in the UK was an impressive £33,495 in 2020.

But the survey does not specify the exact figure for residential electricians, so you must be curious about how much money you can make as a domestic electrician. 

So, ready to find out how much money you can make as a residential electrician?

Let’s begin. 

Contents

Who is a residential electrician?

Before we dive into the details of zeros and figures, let us understand who exactly is a residential electrician. 

Residential electricians in the UK are among the most common. Those who have completed the domestic installer course come under residential electrician in Great Britain.

They have the skills and experience to work on residential properties. Unlike other electricians who may be self-employed, most residential electricians work with an agency or contractors. But of course, residential electricians can also be self-employed. 

Some of the works residential electricians undertake include:

  • Fixing electrical wiring and appliances 
  • Rewiring 
  • Installation of light fixtures as well as appliances 
  • Repair and install switches, fuse boxes, charging points, and sockets
  • Portable Appliance Testing is also known as PAT 

Average wage a residential electrician earns

Note: The amount mentioned in this post is by no means absolute. There are many variables to consider before the final wage. Unless otherwise mentioned, the figures are inclusive of the materials costs as well as labour charges. However, VAT is not included in the amount quoted below.

Light fixtures – Interiors and exteriors 

  • Replacing standard light fixtures with no new wires – £40 to £60
  • Supply and replace a double socket – £80 to £130
  • Replacing switches such as dimmers – £35 to £65
  • Repairing a faulty power cable – £40 to £60
  • Installing loft light with external switch – £75 to £150
  • Supply and install security light outdoors – £90 to £140
  • Replacing old fluorescent lights with downlighter – £250 to £400
  • Installing a single downlighter/ pendant light with no new wiring – £80 to £100
  • Replacing or relocating a regular light switch – £75 to £145

Appliances 

  • Supply, fit, and install electric shower – £250 to £500. It also includes plumbing in most cases.
  • Installing an electric cooker – £50 to £80
  • PAT testing – £1 to £2 per appliance
  • Installing AC and connecting to the mains – £1,000 to £6,000
  • Supply and fit a smoke alarm – £80 to £130 
  • Replacing an old extractor fan – £125 to £225
  • Installing a new extractor fan and connecting it to the mains with new wiring – £250 and £475
  • Replacing a ceiling fan with no new wires – £50 to £75
  • Supplying and installing a ceiling fan with new wires – £150
  • Fitting a new high-end fan – £250 to £500
  • Installing a new carbon monoxide detector – £80 to £130
  • Earth bonding to gas and water pipes – £150 to £250
  • Fitting a new aerial/satellite dish – £120 to £200
  • Replacing a fuse box or consumer unit – £400 to £500

Rewiring 

The amount you can expect to make from rewiring largely depends on the size of the property. Other variables that also affect the cost of rewiring homes include:

  • Whether the house is vacant or occupied – Empty properties allow the electricians to rewire a lot quicker. 
  • Location of the property – Apart from the national minimum wage, some areas pay higher per hour or day rates than others. 
  • Size of the property – Understandably, larger properties with multiple rooms will cost more to rewire. 
  • The type of fitting – Stainless steel fixtures and fittings naturally take longer to work with than PVC fittings. 
  • The number of outlets and sockets – Higher the number of sockets and power outlets, the longer it will finish the job. Also, installing security systems and lightings can take longer. Furthermore, the installation of security systems and exterior power points can even delay the work. 

A rough estimate of how much you can earn from rewiring according to the property’s type and size

Note: Unless were mentioned, the expected wage below is inclusive of the material and labour costs. It also includes the cost of circuit testing after the rewiring and issuing a safety certificate to the homeowners. VAT, however, is not included. 

One bedroom flat

Rewiring a one-bedroom flat including the kitchen and bathroom costs about £1,900-£3,000. The average time to wire this size of a property can be anywhere from four to seven days.  

Two bedroom flat

Complete rewiring of a two-bedroom flat can cost about £2,300 to £3,500, and take about five to eight days. This includes the kitchen and bathroom. 

Two-bedroom terraced house

These types of houses typically come with six rooms, which include the bathroom and a kitchen. Rewiring such properties can cost about £2,400 and £3,500, lasting between five to eight days. However, depending on your location, the average quote for such jobs is £2,750.

Three-bedroom semi-detached house

Complete rewiring of these residential properties can take six to 10 days. And you can expect your wage to be anywhere from £3,000 and £4,500. Three bedroom semi-detached houses typically come with eight rooms, which include the kitchen and bathroom.

Four-bedroom detached house

Such properties come with about ten rooms, which include a large kitchen and two bathrooms. Complete rewiring a property of this size can take up to 15 days. So, the expected paycheque can be between £3,700 and £5,500.

Complete rewiring means removing old wires, fittings, and light fixtures and replacing them with new ones. 

Final thoughts

Residential electricians are highly sought after in the UK. The job prospects are endless, and the pay, of course, is advantageous. Some areas in the country pay more than others. The average amount that a residential electrician takes home is much higher than any other tradesman in the construction industry. 

The 30k figure for an electrician’s pay seems impressive. But realistically, you can bring home an even higher paycheque, which is the icing on the cake.

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