Hiring an electrician in London for a few hours is pretty common. Small electrical jobs like changing sockets, installing light fixtures, or fixing tripped switches don’t take long. But before calling in an electrician, you might be wondering, what is the average electrician hourly rate London? Here’s what tradespeople typically charge.
In 2026, the average electrician hourly rate in London ranges from around £45 to £100. However, there’s no fixed rate that every electrician charges per hour. The cost varies depending on the electrician and several factors. For example, emergency or out-of-hours work can cost significantly more. Additional charges such as call-out fees, minimum charges, materials, and VAT can also add to the total.
In this guide, we’ll cover the typical electrician rates per hour, what factors influence these rates, and whether paying hourly is a cost-effective option for you. Let’s get started.
Average Electrician Hourly Rate London | Pricing 2026
Electrician rates can be different on weekends, holidays, or during out-of-standard hours. Some electricians may charge call-out fees as well. In general, electricians charge £45 to £100 per hour. Let’s have a look at typical London electrician hourly, half-day and full-day rates in 2026:
⏹ Typical Electrician Hourly Rates:
| Electrician rate type | Approximate Range |
| Standard Hourly Rate | £45-£100 |
| Half Day/4 hour Rate | £180-£320 |
| Full-Day/8 hour Rate | £280-£550 |
⏹ Emergency and Call-Out Electrician Rates:
| Cost Type | Approximate Range |
| Call-out Fee | £60-£120 |
| Emergency/Out-of-Hours Rate | £90-£180+ |
⏹ Electrician Rates Per Job:
| Electrical Job Type | Approximate Range |
| Single Socket/Switch Replacement | £55-£100 |
| Light Fitting/Chandelier Installation | £55-£140 |
| Electric Oven/Cooker Connection | £90-£180 |
| Extractor Fan Installation | £120-£280 |
| EV Home Charger Installation | £450-£1,000+ |
| EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) | £100-£320 |
| Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Upgrade | £340-£900 |
| Fault Finding Diagnostics | £90-£180 |
| Partial Property Rewire | £1,200-£3,500 |
| Full House Rewire | £3,500-£10,000+ |
⏹ Electrician Rates Per Hour In Greater London:
| Area Name | Approximate Range of Electrician Rate |
| Central London (Zone 1) | £75-£110+ |
| Inner London (Zone 2-3) | £60-£85 |
| Outer London (Zone 4-6) | £45-£70 |
What Affects Electrician Hourly Rates in London?
Electrician hourly rates often vary depending on several factors. Any condition or complexity can affect the final bill. The common cost-influencing factors include:
✔ Type of Electrical Work
The type of electrical work plays a major role in the final cost. A simple socket replacement usually takes less time than fault finding, consumer unit replacement, or full rewiring. More complex work often requires additional testing, planning, and more labour hours.
✔ Property Condition
The age of the property matters. Older properties may have outdated wiring or difficult access, which is more time-consuming. An electrician may need extra time to trace existing cables or identify electrical faults in older properties.
✔ Location of the Property
Electricians in London tend to charge extra compared to other regions. Rates can also vary across London. Travel time, parking costs and local operating expenses can all affect what an electrician charges.
✔ Emergency Work
Urgent electrical work usually costs more than planned daytime work. Emergency call-outs at night, weekends or bank holidays can attract higher rates. Electricians often charge a call-out fee for the first hour, and then hourly rates add up as time passes. Outside standard hours, electrician rates get higher.
Are Electrician Hourly Rates More Cost Efficient?
Not all electrician jobs take days or weeks. Some problems get solved within an hour or two. When a job takes 1 hour, it’s not worth it to pay for the full day or the price of a fixed quote. Usually, small jobs like a switch replacement or repair may take less time. Hourly rates can be suitable for these small jobs.
On the contrary, fixed quotes are often suitable for complex or large projects. However, you should always compare the hourly rate with any minimum charge or fixed-price option.
Besides comparing hourly rates, look at the expected total cost as well. Ask whether the quote includes labour, materials, VAT, parking, or other additional charges. Check the updated market prices first. Then hire certified professionals like My Local Electricians to ensure quality work.
Bottom Line
The average electrician hourly rate London can vary depending on the type of electrical work, location, and how complex the job is. Simple tasks may cost less, while fault finding, rewiring, consumer unit work, and emergency call-outs can come at a higher rate.
Check whether the quote includes detailed pricing. Some electricians may also offer a fixed price for specific jobs.
For larger or more complicated work, ask for a clear written quote before the job starts. This should explain the labour costs and any additional charges you may need to pay. Finally, choose a service that fits your requirements and budget and complies with the regulations.
Your Most Asked Questions About Electrician Hourly Charges
How much do electricians charge per hour in London?
In London, electricians typically charge between £45 and £100 per hour. The range differs from electrician to electrician.
Do electricians in London charge a call-out fee?
Some electricians charge a call-out fee while others don’t. Instead, they may charge a minimum first-hour charge.
Are electrician hourly rates higher for emergency work?
Emergency and out-of-hours electrician rates are generally higher than standard daytime rates. Some electricians also apply a higher call-out or minimum charge for urgent work.
Do London electrician rates include VAT?
Some quotes include VAT. Others may show the price before VAT. Always check whether VAT is included before comparing quotes.
How much do electricians charge per socket in the UK?
Electricians may charge between £40 and £250 per socket. The pricing varies depending on several factors.
What are the typical day rates for electricians in the UK?
The average day rate for electricians in the UK falls between £200 and £500. The rate is typically based on an 8-hour working day.
