Question 1

How long is the wait for electricians?

Accepted Answer

TradeMatch's 2026 Wait-Time Index put the median wait for electrician (rewire) at 4 weeks from accepting a quote to work starting, with the slowest 10% waiting 7 weeks (jobs from Q3 2025 to Q1 2026).

Question 2

Are electricians getting busier or quieter?

Accepted Answer

Steady. Rewire waits were flat year on year per TradeMatch (median 4 weeks), but ECA says electrical apprenticeship starts fell 5.5% while demand from electrification grows. Across construction as a whole, most indicators point quieter: the UK Construction PMI was 43.6 in October 2026.

Question 3

Is there a shortage of electricians?

Accepted Answer

CITB's Construction Workforce Outlook says the UK needs about 1,690 extra electrical installation trades a year from 2026 to 2030 to cover growth and people leaving, around 1.2% of the current workforce each year.

Question 4

How much do electricians earn?

Accepted Answer

The National Careers Service gives an average of £26,000 a year for starters, rising to £45,000 with experience. Self-employed earnings vary widely and aren't covered by this figure.

Question 5

How do I become a electrician?

Accepted Answer

Common routes are a college course, an apprenticeship (for example Installation and Maintenance Electrician or Domestic Electrician (Level 3)), or starting as an assistant and training on the job, according to the National Careers Service. Adult career-changers often take private courses; see our guide for published prices.

Question 6

How much does a electrician course cost?

Accepted Answer

Published prices we checked run from £160 (Able Skills, City & Guilds 2346-04 & 2347-04 Experienced Worker Entrance Test) to £8,510 (Able Skills, Gold Card Electrician). Prices change, so check with the provider.

Electrician: common questions