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Charge-Out Rate Calculator

Work out your ideal hourly or daily charge-out rate based on your target income, working hours, and business costs.

How to Use

1

Enter your target annual income — the amount you want to earn before personal tax.

2

Add your annual business costs — van, insurance, tools, training, and accountancy fees.

3

Set your billable hours per week. Be realistic — not all your time is chargeable (quoting, travel, admin).

4

Adjust working weeks per year to account for holidays and downtime.

5

Your hourly and daily rates are calculated automatically. Add VAT on top if you are registered.

About This Calculator

This charge-out rate calculator helps electricians set the right hourly and daily rates. Enter your target annual income, expected billable hours, and business costs to calculate the minimum rate you need to charge. Compare your rate against UK averages to ensure you are competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical electrician charge-out rate in the UK?
In 2024, most electricians charge between £40 and £60 per hour (ex-VAT). In London and the South East, rates of £55-£75 are common. Specialist work like EV charger installation or commercial fit-outs can command £60-£80+.
How many hours should I assume are billable?
Most electricians bill 25-35 hours per week. The rest is spent quoting, travelling, buying materials, doing admin, and marketing. Be conservative — overestimating billable hours leads to undercharging.
Should I charge hourly or daily?
For small jobs (under 4 hours), hourly is standard. For larger projects, a day rate is often better — it simplifies quoting and avoids disputes about breaks and non-productive time. Many electricians offer both.

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