Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes and businesses.
This UK electrician career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £22,000 - £28,000 (apprentice)
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £80,000+ (self-employed)
- Work environment
- Sites, homes, businesses - some travel
- Time to entry
- 3 - 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Degree required
- Not required (Level 3 qualification)
- Category
- Skilled Trades
What a Electrician does
Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes and businesses.
- Domestic Electrician - Wire and maintain residential properties.
- Industrial Electrician - Work on factories and large-scale equipment.
How to become a Electrician
- Look up Electrician roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Electrician - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Practical skills
- Problem solving
- Maths
- Safety awareness