Written by

Tara Farmer

April 24, 2024

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Electrician hourly rates

Electrician hourly rates are $50 to $130, with a $100 to $200 service call fee covering the first hour. The average cost to hire an electrician is $150 to $600 for small jobs or $2,000 to $10,000 for larger projects. The electrician's cost per hour depends on location and experience.

Corporate vs. self-employed electrician hourly rate

Self-employed electricians often charge less than corporate prices due to their lower overhead and operating expenses. However, scheduling service with a self-employed electrician may be more challenging as larger companies typically have several electricians available during business hours.

Electrician service call cost

An electrician service call costs $100 to $200 on average when it includes the first hour of labor. Some electricians charge a separate $40 to $100 call-out or trip fee that is not applied to the first hour.

Service call fees cover the electrician's travel time and expenses and remain the same even if the job takes under an hour.

How much do electricians charge per project?

Electrical work costs $150 to $600 on average for small jobs or $2,000 to $10,000+ for large projects.

Outlets and switches installation

• The cost to install a light switch or dimmer is $100 to $300 for a new switch, including labor. Replacing a light switch costs $50 to $250.

• The average cost to install an electrical outlet is $150 to $350 for the labor and materials for a new outlet.

• The cost to replace an outlet is $80 to $200 for one outlet or $1,200 to $2,600 for all the outlets in an average home.

• GFCI outlet installation costs $90 to $200 total to replace existing outlet or $150 to $350 to install a new outlet. Labor makes up 70% to 80% of the project cost.

• The average cost to install 220V or 240V outlet is $250 to $800 per outlet, including labor and materials.

• An outdoor outlet costs $180 to $350 installed when adding a new outlet or $100 to $175 when replacing and existing outlet. The installation labor alone for a new outdoor outlet is $160 to $300.

• Electrical outlet repair costs $80 to $200. Most broken outlets require replacement instead of repair.

• The cost to replace outlet covers is $5.50 to $30.00 per indoor outlet cover, including labor and materials. In comparison, replacing an outdoor outlet cover costs $10 to $30.

• The cost to ground an outlet is $100 to $300 for labor and materials for one outlet or $2,000 to $10,000 to ground all outlets in a home by rewiring.

• Junction box installation costs $100 to $300, including parts and labor. Electricians charge $90 to $170 for the labor alone to install an indoor junction box and $380 to $450 to install an outdoor box.

Lighting installation

• Lighting fixture installation costs $100 to $650, depending on the size and type.

• The cost to install recessed lighting is $125 to $300 per can or $700 to $1,650 to install 6 can lights.

• Chandelier installation cost $220 to $3,400 for labor and materials. Electricians charge $100 to $350 for the labor to replace an existing chandelier or $200 to $2,000 to install new chandelier.

• Light fixture repair costs $50 to $200. Replacing a light fixture costs $80 to $350.

Attic and ceiling fan installation

• Attic fan installation costs $300 to $900 on average for labor and materials.

• The cost to install a bathroom exhaust fan is $150 to $550 when replacing an existing fan or $250 to $950 for labor and materials to install a new bathroom fan.

• Ceiling fan installation costs $50 to $200 for the labor alone or $250 to $700 for the fan and labor.

• Whole house fan installation costs $600 to $2,300, including materials and labor.

Wiring or rewiring a house

• Electrical wiring costs $4 to $9 per square foot for new construction or $6,000 to $22,500 for a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home.

• The cost to rewire a house is $5 to $17 per square foot, depending on the home size, age, layout, and number of rooms.

• Replacing knob and tube wiring costs $8 to $17 per square foot and often involves adding outlets and updating the service panel to bring the home up to code.

Electrical panel upgrades

• The cost to replace an electrical panel is $1,400 to $2,800 including labor for a 200-amp panel.

• The cost to replace a circuit breaker switch is $100 to $260 for an individual circuit breaker or $200 to $600 to replace the main breaker switch.

• The cost to install a dedicated circuit is $250 to $900. Most major appliances require a dedicated 20-amp or 30-amp circuit.

• The average cost to install a subpanel is $500 to $1,700 for labor and materials.

• The average cost to install a transfer switch is $600 to $2,500 for automatic or $400 to $1,300 for a manual switch.

• The cost to install a whole-house surge protector is $200 to $800 for the unit and installation labor.

• Electric meter box replacement costs $500 to $2,100, depending on the size, location, and installation complexity.

• Electrical mast replacement costs $500 to $1,700 installed.

Run new electrical service line

• The cost to get utilities on land is $9,000 to $34,500 for electricity, gas, water well, and a septic system.

• The average cost to run electricity to land is $5 to $15 per foot for above ground power lines or $10 to $25 per foot installed for underground lines.

• The cost to run electric to a shed or garage is $1,000 to $7,500 for 100' to 300' of underground wiring.

• A utility pole costs $1,200 to $5,600 installed. Power companies require a utility pole every 125 to 300 feet, depending on the location. A smaller meter pole connecting the service line to the home's breaker box costs $500 to $2,200 installed.

• Installing a telephone pole costs $1,200 to $5,600 for labor and materials.

• Hot tub installation costs $4,000 to $15,000, including the hot tub. The electrical wiring and install alone costs $800 to $1,600.

Generator / solar battery backup installation

• A whole house generator costs $6,000 to $11,000 with installation.

• A solar battery costs $8,000 to $16,000 installed before tax credits, or $5,600 to $11,200 on average after a 30% federal tax credit when installed by December 31, 2032.

• Solar panels cost $10,600 to $26,500 for a 6kW to 12kW system to power an average home.

Solar panel removal costs $400 to $600per panel.

Smart home installation

• Home automation costs $600 to $1,800 when integrating the system into the existing outlets or $4,000 to $12,000+ for a hardwired smart home system.

• Smart thermostat installation costs $270 to $450 for labor and materials, depending on the brand, model, and wiring requirements.

• An electric car charging station costs $750 to $2,600 installed.

• Security camera installation costs $125 to $450 per camera, including the camera, installation labor, and setup.

Electrician cost factors

Factors affecting electrician cost include:

• Job complexity – Complicated repairs or projects take longer and may require more materials than simple jobs.

• Experience – A master electrician costs more than a journeyman or apprentice electrician, but master-level expertise may be required for more complicated jobs.

• Travel – Rates are higher if the electrician must travel outside their normal work area. Costs also increase if the job requires the electrician to leave the site for additional parts.

• Minimums – Most electricians charge a 1-to-2-hour minimum or add a service call fee to the first hour.

• Emergency service – Electricians charge 1 to 2+ times more on weekends, holidays, or any time outside regular business hours.

• No-show or cancellation fees – Many electricians charge a non-refundable deposit or a trip fee if the job is cancelled after the electrician reaches the job site.

Journeyman vs. master electrician charges

Journeyman electricians perform standard electrical work, such as installing a light fixture or replacing an outlet.

Master electricians are more experienced and handle complex jobs, manage large projects, and coordinate with suppliers. Some states require a master electrician for work involving electrical permits.

Electrical inspections and permits

An electrical inspection costs $100 to $200 for a basic safety inspection of the electrical panel, circuit breakers, wiring, and outlets. Inspections required for code compliance after an installation or repair are typically included in the project estimate.

Electrical permits cost $50 to $350, depending on the project.

• Most cities require a permit when adding or altering existing electrical wiring or fixtures, such as adding a new subpanel or outlet.

• A one-to-one replacement like replacing a broken outlet or light switch typically does not require a permit.

Commercial electrician hourly rate

Commercial electrician hourly rates are $100 to $130 on average. Many electricians charge 10% to 20%+ more for commercial work because commercial electrical jobs often involve extra high voltage systems, more complex wiring, and stricter building codes.

Commercial electricians work in retail buildings, public facilities, offices, hotels, and other non-residential settings.

Electrician FAQs

Do electricians charge for estimates?

Most electricians offer free estimates over the phone for common installation or replacement projects as these jobs are typically straightforward and easy to quote.

Some pros charge a diagnostic fee or an hourly rate for troubleshooting and repairs because there are too many unknowns to provide an accurate estimate.

What are signs I need to hire an electrician?

Signs you need to hire an electrician include:

• The home lacks three-prong outlets.

• The home's lights are faint or flickering.

• You are constantly resetting the circuit breaker.

• The walls or outlets emit a buzzing or humming sound.

• The electrical outlets emit and odor.

• The electrical panel, outlets, or switches are hot to the touch.

How to save money on electrical services

To save money on electrical services:

• Combine several jobs when possible. Most electricians have a 1-to-2-hour minimum service call fee.

• Clearly define the work you need done before the service call.

• Hire a nearby electrician to save on travel charges.

• Purchase fixtures yourself and hire an electrician for the installation only.

• Prepare the work area—clear the floor space and remove anything from the walls—before the electrician arrives.

• Ensure each circuit breaker is clearly marked on the panel so the electrician can quickly locate the issue.

• Hire a journeyman instead of a master electrician for simple electrical projects.

Getting estimates from electrical contractors

When hiring an electrician near you, remember to:

• Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.

• Compare warranties to confirm if they cover labor, parts, or both.

• Inquire about the electrician's licensing as some projects require more experience and training than others.

• Review their customer feedback on HomeGuide and Google.

• Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured electrician who has been in business for 5+ years.

• Avoid hiring the electrician with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.

• Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.

• Never pay in full before the project is complete. Get receipts for each payment.

Questions to ask

• What do you charge for a consultation or diagnostic fee?

• How much do you charge per hour?

• How long have you been in business?

• Are you licensed and insured?

• Can you provide a list of references with contact information?

• What is and is not included in the estimate?

• How long will the project take?

• Does this project require a permit? If so, do you handle the permitting?

• Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it cover?