“Is being an electrician a good job?”
If you’ve asked yourself this question lately – whether you are doing your GCSEs or have been in the workplace for 30 years – then this is the guide for you.
If you’re stuck in a job that leaves you feeling unfulfilled, unrewarded, or drained – or you’re at the start of your career and want to make the right decision about your long-term future – becoming an electrician might be exactly what you’re looking for.
This skilled trade combines practical problem-solving with long-term career growth prospects and good money, delivering tangible rewards such as financial stability, flexible work patterns, and a strong sense of achievement and self-worth.
In this guide, we’ll explain why becoming an electrician in the UK is a logical and fulfilling decision and how, at PTT, our training programmes can help you to embark upon your new career with confidence.
Why choose a career as an electrician?
Changing careers is, undoubtedly, a big decision, so it’s important to weigh up the risks and rewards before committing your time, energy, and focus. Fortunately, for those considering a long-term future in the electrical trade, there are compelling reasons to take the next step:
1) Qualified electricians are in high demand across the UK and internationally.
A national shortage of skilled workers in the trades sector means qualified electricians are urgently needed in both domestic and industrial settings. It is estimated that approximately 104,000 more electricians will be needed by 2032 to fulfil industry demand. Luckily for aspiring electricians, this isn’t a short-term issue, but reflects a growing, long-term demand driven by the transition to net zero, the rise of electric vehicles, and a nationwide surge in infrastructure and construction projects.
2) Without enough qualified electricians, Net Zero may fail.
The UK Government’s push towards carbon neutrality by 2050 is driving a new wave of sustainable technologies, much of which requires skilled electricians. Solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, smart home systems, and commercial energy-efficient retrofits are becoming increasingly common. Each installation is underpinned by an electrician with the knowledge and qualifications to bring the project to life. Whether it’s installing new systems or upgrading existing electrical networks, electricians are central to modernising the UK’s energy infrastructure.
3) Electricians are hard to replace.
The drive for sustainable solutions means strong job security for those entering the trade. While some industries may face automation or offshoring, electrical work – particularly involving on-site diagnostics, installations, and safety inspections – is difficult to replace or outsource. For career changers seeking stable employment, this is a reassuring factor.
4) No two jobs are alike.
One of the most appealing aspects of becoming an electrician is the flexibility it offers. Electricians can work in a variety of environments, from domestic homes or offices to schools or industrial facilities. Often, they will gain industry experience while working for a local contractor before transitioning to self-employment. Experienced electricians can specialise in emerging fields, such as sustainable energy, or move into supervisory, inspection, or teaching roles.
5) Electricians enjoy flexible career paths.
Unlike careers in which progression requires years of university education, the electrical trade offers a more direct route to success. As a scalable profession with clear routes for advancement, your earnings and responsibilities will naturally increase as you gain experience and qualifications. Also, many electricians choose self-employment after a few years, giving them complete control over their working hours, rates, and type of work. Others remain employed, enjoying the stability of a regular income while gaining access to large commercial or industrial contracts. Either way, the electrical trade lets you choose your own career path rather than committing you to following a single route.
Earning potential: What do electricians really make?
Electricians in the UK earn a competitive salary that increases with experience, location, and employment type. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the median salary for electricians in the UK in 2024 was £38,760. So, how do electricians’ salaries vary according to their level of experience and expertise?
After qualification, the potential to earn significantly increases. Whereas an apprentice typically earns £11,000 per year, a newly trained electrician can expect to earn between £28,000 and £33,000. As skills and experience grow, so does earning power. Mid-career electricians regularly earn between £35,000 and £45,000, and those who specialise in high-demand areas or commercial work may command even higher salaries.
However, the real earning potential lies in self-employment. A 2024 survey from Checkatrade found that many self-employed electricians in the UK earn £200 a day, or over £50,000 a year, with some reporting significantly higher incomes depending on location, work volume, and specialism. Those who establish a strong reputation and offer excellent customer service can create a consistent stream of high-paying work.
In short, becoming an electrician offers not just a healthy income, but a path to financial independence and security.
What makes electrical work so satisfying?
While pay is an important factor, it’s not the only measure of job satisfaction.
For many electricians, the real value lies in the work itself: solving practical problems, working independently, and seeing tangible results each day. It’s a role that offers purpose as well as a pay cheque, which is why becoming an electrician is a career decision that appeals to many ambitious people.
Electrical work is hands-on, practical, and varied. No two days are the same. One day you might be installing sockets and lighting in a new kitchen; the next, you could be fault-finding in a commercial fuse box or installing a smart meter. Each task requires focus, problem-solving, and technical knowledge. For people who like being active, thinking on their feet, and delivering positive results, the role of an electrician can be immensely rewarding.
There’s also a deep sense of pride in the trade. Electricians work in customers’ homes and workplaces, improving safety, functionality, and efficiency. Unlike desk-based jobs where results can be abstract or take many days or months to emerge, electricians often see the immediate outcome of their efforts.
Furthermore, the electrical trade also offers a clear and achievable path for career progression.
Whether starting out as an apprentice or moving from site work to self-employment, the route to more responsibility and higher earnings is well-defined. Gaining industry-recognised qualifications like the City & Guilds NVQ Level 3, or becoming certified through professional bodies such as the NICEIC, can significantly enhance both your credibility and earning potential.
Domestic vs. industrial electricians: Choosing your path
Before choosing your ideal training programme with PTT, it’s important to understand the two main types of electricians: domestic and industrial/commercial.
Domestic electricians
Domestic electricians primarily work in residential properties. They carry out a variety of tasks, such as installing and repairing lighting systems, sockets, or consumer units, and often support other tradesmen with kitchen and bathroom refurbishments. They may also install smart home technology or carry out complete property rewires. Most domestic electricians work for small firms or are self-employed.
At PTT, our training for domestic electricians includes qualifications such as the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, Part P Building Regulations, and the City & Guilds Level 2 or 3.
Domestic work can be highly rewarding for those who enjoy face-to-face interaction with customers, quicker jobs, and the independence of working in varied locations throughout the week.
Industrial/commercial electricians
Commercial and industrial electricians work on larger projects in diverse locations, from shopping centres and factories to schools and hospitals. The work is usually more complex, involving three-phase power systems, control panels, and automation. Rigorous safety procedures are essential to protect workers and service users, and electricians may work in teams to complete large projects.
Training for these roles at PTT includes City & Guilds 2365, NVQ Level 3, and additional safety certifications. Typically, employment is with larger companies or through subcontracting arrangements.
While the work can be more physically demanding and schedule-driven, it also unveils the potential for high-value contracts and long-term career growth.
Is self-employment the right move?
Self-employment is a dream for workers in many industries and, for electricians, it’s easy to understand why.
When you’re self-employed, you can – within reason – dictate your working hours, set your rates, and select the projects that suit you best. Work can often be arranged around other responsibilities, such as medical appointments or school pick-ups, while the option to work at weekends for higher pay is also possible. This flexibility is one of the most attractive aspects of the self-employed electrical trade.
Financially, self-employment opens the door to much higher earnings. By cutting out the middlemen and allowing you to manage your own schedule, you can significantly increase your take-home pay. Many electricians start by carrying out small domestic jobs in the evenings or weekends while still employed, gradually building a customer base and reputation. Once confident, they make the leap to full-time self-employment.
That said, there are responsibilities to consider. As a self-employed electrician, you’ll need to manage your own bookkeeping, tax, and insurance, and ensure you comply with industry standards. You’ll also be responsible for marketing, maintaining a strong reputation, and responding promptly to customer enquiries. Expect that the administration side of your business may need to be completed during evenings and weekends, leaving the daytimes free to work on site.
With the right mindset and some basic business skills, many electricians find these challenges well worth the independence and earning potential that come with them.
How to start your career as an electrician
If you are interested in becoming an electrician, the good news is you that don’t need a university degree. You can start training through practical, accredited routes that lead directly to industry-recognised qualifications.
At Proactive Technical Training (PTT), we offer two excellent entry points:
- City & Guilds 2365 Level 2 Intensive Course: a full-time 3-week course designed to quickly get you up to speed. Ideal for those ready to commit and move fast into a new career. View course
- City & Guilds 2365 Level 2 Evening Course: a 15-week part-time option for those who need to balance training with an existing job or personal commitments. View course
Both routes will provide you the foundational knowledge and practical skills to start working in the field or embark on further qualifications, such as NVQ Level 3. At PTT, our instructors are highly experienced industry veterans, and our training facilities simulate real-world environments to give your career the best start.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, our friendly advisors can help you to plan the best route to achieve your career aspirations and ensure you get the best value from your investment and time.
Is it a good time to become an electrician?
If you like what you’ve read so far and the idea of a challenging, varied, and rewarding career appeals to you, then there is no time better than the present. With a national shortage of skilled workers, increasing demand for sustainable technology, and strong earning potential, there’s no better time to retrain as an electrician.
It’s not just a good job: it’s a great career. Electricians enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to design their own path. They solve problems, build lasting relationships with customers, and play a vital role in modern society. For those seeking a trade with purpose, satisfaction, and financial freedom, this is it.
Whether you’re just starting out on your career or considering trying something new, investing in electrical training is a decision that is sure to deliver long-term rewards and job satisfaction.
Your next step
Speak to one of our expert advisors today to explore your training options and find the path that’s right for you.
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