How much do self-employed electricians make?

People will always need electricians to fix and install business and household appliances. Electricians can also earn good money for their work. If you’re considering a career as a self-employed electrician, you may wonder, how much money do electricians make? 

This guide will cover how much electricians make and how to get started, including:

• The typical income of a self-employed electrician  
• Things to know about being a self-employed electrician
• How to find clients as a self-employed electrician

Self-employed electricians need to find clients for their practice, but they could earn more than electricians employed by companies.  

So, how much money do employed electricians make? Electricians typically earn between £18,000 and £42,000 annually. The average salary for electricians is one of the highest at around £32,000, but experienced electricians can make more. 

Electricians who work directly for electrician companies make a salary. Most employed electricians could earn around £20 per hour. They usually can’t set their own hours or earn more depending on the number of clients they work with. 

Self-employed electricians’ income depends on their client base, and they can make more than a salaried electrician if they can find a steady stream of clients. 

Self-employed electricians earn with each client they work with, and keep more of the money they make. Depending on the job, they can earn between £50 and £500 or more per day. The job offers more flexibility, but they are not guaranteed a job or a steady income. 

With a large, steady client base, experienced self-employed electricians can earn higher on the spectrum, as much as £42,000 or more annually. 

If you’re considering a transition into a self-employed electrician career, then you’ll need to know a few things to get started. 

To work as a self-employed electrician, you’ll first need a Level 3 Industry-recognised qualification. For example, you can get a level 3 degree in Electrotechnical Services or Electrical Installation. You’ll also need a Construction Skills Certificate Scheme card if you will train or work on a construction site. 

Once you’ve achieved your certification, you can work as an apprentice under a practised electrician. You can also work for an electrician’s company to gain experience in the trade before you go self-employed. 

To work as self-employed, you may need to first register as a sole trader or limited company. You will need to keep track of your income and expenses. You will also have to pay taxes based on your income. 

You will also need to cover any of the starting expenses for your business. To work as an electrician, you’ll need the tools to fix and install appliances. You’ll also need transportation. Consider a truck or a van to transport your equipment and travel to your jobs.  

Here are some things you may need to get started: 

• Standard tool kit
• Hammers
• Screwdrivers 
• Wire striper 
• Electric drill 
• Battery drill 
• Head torch
• Tape measure 
• Level

But, how much money do electricians make when they’re starting off? Because self-employed electricians earn based on the number of clients they work with, it may take some time to develop a successful career. So, first you’ll need to find some clients.

To succeed as a self-employed electrician, you’ll need to be able to market yourself. There are always jobs for electricians, but self-employed workers will need to find them. Your income depends on your ability to develop a steady client base. 

To market yourself, first consider your target audience. Electricians often work for households and businesses. You can help people and companies maintain their electrical appliances, so you want to present yourself as the easiest and best option in your area. 

To market yourself, you can develop a website and social media accounts. You can interact with local groups on Facebook to present yourself as an option. To make yourself more desirable, consider expanding your electrical knowledge into green and renewable energy. This will prepare you for the future of the industry.  

So, how much money do electricians make? The answer depends on how many clients you have.  

Most people will need an electrician’s help consistently. So you can begin to build a steady income if you build a loyal client base. This means you’ll need people skills to build relationships and develop your self-employed electrician career. 

Some great places to find clients are freelance websites like Rated People, Bark, or Local Electricians Direct. Develop these profiles with your credentials and a photo, and start seeking opportunities. These platforms are great places for clients to find you in your area. Any clients you do find on these platforms can leave you good reviews to help you grow credibility. 

If you’ve worked as an apprentice in the past, you can also use those relationships to grow your network and find potential clients. Also, try advertising in your area, such as in newspapers and on community boards. By engaging with these opportunities, you can begin to build a steady client base.

Once you’ve established a client base as an electrician, you’ll need to manage your finances. Financial management can be stressful and time-consuming when you’re self-employed. That’s why thousands of business owners use the Countingup app to make their financial admin easier. 

Countingup is the business current account with built-in accounting software that allows you to manage all your financial data in one place. With features like automatic expense categorisation, invoicing on the go, receipt capture tools, tax estimates, and cash flow insights, you can confidently keep on top of your business finances wherever you are. 

You can also share your bookkeeping with your accountant instantly without worrying about duplication errors, data lags or inaccuracies. Seamless, simple, and straightforward! 

Find out more here.