How much does an electrician cost? Electricians charge between $50 and $130 per hour, with most homeowners paying $150 to $600 for small to medium electrical tasks. A service call fee of $100 to $200 covers the first hour of work. Your total cost depends on the project type, electrician’s license level, location, and whether you need emergency service.
National Average Electrician Rates
Understanding how much does an electrician cost starts with hourly rates. The rate varies based on experience and certification level. Apprentice electricians charge $40 to $60 per hour, journeyman electricians charge $60 to $90 per hour, and master electricians charge $90 to $120 per hour.
Most electricians have a minimum service call fee that covers travel time and basic overhead. This fee applies even if your repair takes only 15 minutes. The structure protects the electrician’s time investment in reaching your property.
Service Call Minimums
Nearly all electricians enforce hourly minimums. Most require payment for one to two hours minimum, or add a separate service call fee. Some companies charge a flat $100 to $200 fee for the initial visit, then bill subsequent hours at their standard rate.
Self-employed electricians often charge less than larger companies. Independent contractors have lower overhead and operating expenses, which translates to savings for customers.
Common Electrical Project Costs
Here’s what you’ll pay for typical residential electrical work:
| Project Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Outlet repair or replacement | $150–$250 |
| Light switch installation | $85–$200 |
| GFCI outlet installation | $120–$200 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $100–$650 |
| Circuit breaker replacement | $150–$300 |
| Electrical panel upgrade | $1,300–$3,000 |
| Whole-house rewiring (2,000 sq ft) | $12,000–$20,000 |
New wiring costs $3 to $5 per square foot on average, while rewiring existing homes costs $6 to $10 per square foot due to added complexity. Existing walls, insulation, and finished spaces make rewiring more labor-intensive than new construction work.
Emergency Service Rates
Emergency electricians charge one to two times more for after-hours, weekend, or holiday service. Emergency calls add at least $100 to $200 to standard fees.
True emergencies include burning smells from outlets, sparking switches, hot electrical panels, or complete power loss. Many electricians charge 1.5 times their regular rate for after-hours work and double time for Sundays and holidays.
Before calling for emergency service, assess whether the problem can wait until morning. A single dead outlet rarely qualifies as an emergency. A smoking electrical panel does.
License Types and Qualifications
Electrician licensing varies by state, but three tiers exist across most jurisdictions.
Apprentice Electricians have completed classroom training and about 8,000 hours of field work. They charge the lowest rates at $40 to $60 per hour, but must work under supervision and handle only basic tasks.
Journeyman Electricians have finished apprenticeships and passed licensing exams. They charge $60 to $90 per hour and can perform most electrical work without supervision. Journeymen handle standard residential projects like outlet installation, circuit additions, and fixture replacements.
Master Electricians worked as journeymen for at least two years and passed additional exams. They must know the most recent National Electrical Code and can design complete electrical systems. Master electricians charge $90 to $120 per hour and tackle complex projects like rewiring historic buildings or designing commercial systems.
Cost Factors That Affect Your Bill
Several variables impact how much an electrician cost beyond the base hourly rate.
Geographic Location
Understanding how much does an electrician cost in your area requires considering location. Entry-level electricians in San Francisco earn a median of $71,900 annually, while those in West Virginia earn $55,000. Urban areas command premium rates due to higher business costs and demand.
Rural electricians often charge lower hourly rates but may add travel fees for distant properties. Urban electricians usually charge $100 or more per hour, while rural electricians charge around $50 per hour.
Project Complexity
Longer, more complicated jobs cost more due to specialized tools, additional safety measures, and greater expertise requirements. Replacing a standard outlet takes 30 minutes. Troubleshooting intermittent electrical faults can take several hours.
Accessibility matters. Jobs cost more when electrical wiring, panels, or fixtures are difficult to access. Attic work in August or crawlspace repairs increases labor time and difficulty.
Permits and Inspections
Electrical permits cost $50 to $35,0 depending on project scope. Permits range from $75 for simple work to $900 for major rewiring on older homes.
Simple outlet additions may cost $50 for permits, while full panel upgrades can run $200 or more. Most cities require permits when adding or altering electrical wiring or fixtures. One-to-one replacements like swapping a broken outlet typically don’t need permits.
Simple safety inspections might cost $100 to $150, but comprehensive home inspections total $200 to $500.
Materials Markup
Electricians typically mark up materials between 10% and 30%. Some charge retail prices. Buying your own fixtures and hiring an electrician for installation only can reduce costs, though you lose the convenience of having your electrician handle procurement.
When to Call an Electrician
Call an electrician if circuit breakers trip repeatedly, fuses keep blowing, appliances spark when plugged in, lights flicker, or buzzing or crackling noises come from outlets.
Other warning signs include hot outlets or switches, burning smells, discolored wall plates, and outlets that don’t hold plugs securely. Older homes unable to provide adequate power or lacking three-pronged outlets need electrical upgrades.
Never ignore these symptoms. Electrical problems create fire hazards and can damage expensive appliances or electronics.
Money-Saving Strategies
Bundle multiple small jobs into one visit to save on hourly minimums and trip fees. Make a list before your electrician arrives. Combining outlet repairs, switch replacements, and fixture installations into a single appointment maximizes the minimum service fee.
Purchase your own fixtures, then hire a licensed electrician to install them. This approach works well for light fixtures, ceiling fans, and decorative switches where you want specific styles.
Clear out work areas so your electrician doesn’t waste billable time moving furniture or boxes. Update your circuit breaker labels so technicians don’t spend 20 minutes identifying the correct breaker.
Unless your project involves complex system design or historic building work, hire a journeyman rather than a master electrician. Journeymen handle most residential tasks competently at lower rates.
Schedule work during regular business hours. Avoid weekends and holidays when premium rates apply. For non-emergencies, waiting until Monday can cut your bill in half.
DIY vs Professional Work
Small jobs like replacing light switches are possible for homeowners aware of risks and shut off power before working. However, electricians must be licensed because poor electrical work risks your safety during installation and endangers anyone using the system afterward.
Unlicensed electrical work that’s not up to code will likely cause problems when selling your home. Buyers’ home inspections catch code violations. You’ll either need to hire an electrician to fix your DIY work or reduce your asking price.
Most insurance policies won’t cover fire damage from unlicensed electrical work. The financial risk far exceeds any short-term savings.
Getting Accurate Quotes
When determining how much does an electrician cost for your specific project, contact three to five electricians for estimates. Provide detailed information about your project so they can quote accurately. Ask whether quotes include materials, permits, and cleanup.
Verify each electrician’s license status through your state licensing board. Check online reviews and request references for major projects. Ask about warranties on parts and labor.
Be wary of quotes significantly lower than competitors’. Unrealistically low prices often indicate hidden fees, substandard materials, or unlicensed work. The cheapest option rarely delivers the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians charge for estimates?
Many electricians offer free estimates for planned work, but some charge $50 to $150 for detailed estimates on complex projects, often credited toward the final bill if you hire them.
Do electricians charge more for commercial work?
Commercial electrician hourly rates are $100 to $150 on average, with many charging 10% to 20% more because commercial work involves higher voltage systems, complex wiring, and stricter building codes.
When should I hire a master electrician instead of a journeyman?
Hire master electricians for complex system design, historic building rewiring, or when local codes require master-level oversight. Most standard residential repairs and installations need only journeyman-level expertise.
Can I negotiate electrician rates?
Rates are often negotiable for large projects. Bundling multiple jobs, providing flexibility on scheduling, or paying cash may secure discounts. Emergency rates are typically non-negotiable.
How can I verify an electrician’s credentials?
Check license status through your state contractor licensing board website. Verify insurance coverage and bonding. Request proof of workers’ compensation insurance if they employ others.
