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What should your day rate be?
Start from the income you actually want, subtract nothing, hide nothing: overheads, tax pot and the days you really bill. Then check the answer against what your trade charges in your region.
Billable days are the days someone pays for — quoting, supplier runs and paperwork don't count. Most sole traders bill 3–4 days a week, not 5.
You need to charge
£370/day
£47
per hour
184
billable days
£68,000
turnover needed
Indicative guide, not financial advice
Check it against your trade
Typical electrician rate in South West: £280–£420/day
Within the typical range
Your required rate sits inside what electricians charge in South West. Quote it with confidence.
Full Electrician benchmarks for South West →Why 5 days a week is a trap
Quoting, supplier runs, snagging visits, paperwork and the odd no-show all eat days nobody pays for. Most sole traders genuinely bill 3–4 days a week. Set your rate on 5 and every admin day is a pay cut you gave yourself.
The tax pot
Income tax and National Insurance come out of profit, so the rate has to put them back. 25% is a sensible starting pot for most sole traders — raise it if you're into the higher band, and remember CIS deductions if you subcontract.
Benchmarks reviewed July 2026. Indicative guides, ex VAT — not advice. Browse all benchmarks