How Much Does an Electrician Cost? Service Call, Hourly, and Project Rates#

Electrical work is one of the few home improvement categories where cutting corners can be genuinely dangerous. The national average for an electrician's service call in 2026 is $75 to $200, with hourly rates running $50 to $150 depending on location and complexity.

We analyzed pricing data from over 68,000 licensed electricians across our directory network to show what homeowners are actually paying. Here is the complete breakdown.

National Average Electrician Costs#

| Service Type | Low Estimate | Average | High Estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Service call / diagnostic | $75 | $125 | $200 | | Outlet installation | $100 | $175 | $300 | | Light fixture install | $100 | $200 | $400 | | Ceiling fan install | $150 | $250 | $400 | | GFCI outlet install | $120 | $200 | $325 | | Circuit breaker replacement | $150 | $250 | $400 | | Panel upgrade (100 to 200 amp) | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,000 | | EV charger install (Level 2) | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | | Whole-house surge protector | $200 | $400 | $700 | | Full rewire (1,500 sq ft) | $8,000 | $12,000 | $20,000 |

Most small jobs like outlet and fixture installs cost $100 to $400. Panel upgrades and rewiring are the big-ticket items that push into the thousands.

Service Call Fees and Hourly Rates#

Electricians typically charge using one of three models:

| Pricing Model | Typical Range | Best For | |---|---|---| | Service call + hourly | $75-$200 trip fee + $50-$150/hr | Diagnostic visits, troubleshooting | | Flat rate per project | Varies by job | Defined tasks (outlet, fixture, panel) | | Time and materials | $75-$150/hr + parts at markup | Complex or open-ended work |

Service call fees cover the electrician's travel time and initial diagnostic. Most electricians apply this fee toward the final bill if you hire them for the repair. Always ask before scheduling.

Hourly rates vary by experience and certification:

| Electrician Level | Hourly Rate | |---|---| | Apprentice | $40-$70 | | Journeyman | $60-$100 | | Master electrician | $80-$150 | | After-hours / emergency | $125-$250 |

Master electricians charge more but can pull permits, handle complex panel work, and take responsibility for code compliance. For anything beyond a basic outlet swap, the premium is usually worth it.

Cost by City#

Electrical work pricing varies significantly by metro area due to licensing requirements, labor markets, and cost of living.

| City | Avg. Service Call | Avg. Project Cost | vs. National Avg. | |---|---|---|---| | Houston, TX | $90 | $275 | -12% | | Phoenix, AZ | $95 | $290 | -7% | | Atlanta, GA | $100 | $300 | -4% | | Chicago, IL | $130 | $380 | +22% | | Denver, CO | $115 | $340 | +9% | | New York, NY | $160 | $450 | +44% | | Los Angeles, CA | $145 | $420 | +35% | | Miami, FL | $105 | $310 | -1% | | Seattle, WA | $135 | $390 | +25% | | Dallas, TX | $95 | $280 | -10% |

Cities with strong union presence (New York, Chicago, Seattle) tend to run 20-45% above the national average. Right-to-work states in the South and Southwest are consistently cheaper.

Panel Upgrade Costs#

Upgrading your electrical panel is one of the most common and consequential electrical projects. Older homes with 60-amp or 100-amp panels often need an upgrade to handle modern loads -- especially with EV chargers, heat pumps, and home offices drawing more power.

| Upgrade Type | Low Estimate | Average | High Estimate | |---|---|---|---| | 100 amp to 200 amp | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,000 | | 200 amp to 400 amp | $2,500 | $4,500 | $7,000 | | Subpanel addition | $500 | $1,200 | $2,000 | | Fuse box to breaker panel | $1,500 | $2,800 | $4,500 | | Meter base replacement | $400 | $800 | $1,500 |

A 200-amp panel is now standard for most single-family homes. If you are planning an EV charger, hot tub, or workshop with heavy equipment, a 400-amp service may be necessary.

Permit note: Panel upgrades require a permit in virtually every jurisdiction. Your electrician should handle the permit application ($50-$300) and schedule the required inspection. If they suggest skipping the permit, find a different electrician.

Outlet and Switch Installation#

Adding or replacing outlets is the most common reason homeowners call an electrician.

| Task | Average Cost | Notes | |---|---|---| | Standard outlet replacement | $100-$175 | Swap existing outlet for new one | | New outlet (existing circuit) | $150-$300 | Run wire from nearby outlet | | New outlet (new circuit) | $250-$500 | Run wire from panel | | GFCI outlet | $150-$325 | Required in kitchens, baths, garages | | USB outlet | $125-$250 | Built-in USB-A or USB-C ports | | 240V outlet (dryer, range) | $250-$500 | Dedicated circuit required | | Dimmer switch | $100-$200 | Smart dimmers cost $25-$75 more |

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets are required by code in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas. If your home was built before the 1980s and still has two-prong outlets, upgrading to grounded GFCI outlets is a smart safety investment.

Rewiring Costs#

Full rewiring is the most expensive electrical project most homeowners will face. It is typically needed in homes built before 1970 with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring.

| Home Size | Low Estimate | Average | High Estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Under 1,000 sq ft | $5,000 | $8,000 | $12,000 | | 1,000-1,500 sq ft | $8,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 | | 1,500-2,500 sq ft | $10,000 | $16,000 | $25,000 | | 2,500+ sq ft | $15,000 | $22,000 | $35,000 |

Rewiring usually includes drywall repair, but confirm this with your contractor. Some electricians leave walls open for a separate drywall crew, which adds $2,000-$5,000 to the total project cost.

Insurance note: Many insurers will not cover homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, or they charge significantly higher premiums. Rewiring often pays for itself through lower insurance costs over 10-15 years.

Factors That Affect Your Electrical Bill#

1. Permit and inspection fees. Most electrical work beyond simple replacements requires a permit ($50-$300). Your electrician should handle this, but the cost gets passed to you.

2. Wall access. Running new wire through finished walls costs more than working in unfinished basements or attics. Expect a 30-50% premium when drywall needs to be opened and patched.

3. Code upgrades. Older homes often need additional work to bring existing wiring up to current code when new circuits are added. This is not optional -- the inspector will flag it.

4. Material costs. Copper wire prices fluctuate. In 2026, copper is running about 15% higher than the 2024 average, which adds $500-$2,000 to rewiring projects.

5. Complexity. A straightforward outlet install takes 30-60 minutes. Troubleshooting an intermittent short circuit can take hours of diagnostic work at $75-$150 per hour.

How to Save Money on Electrical Work#

• Get three quotes. Our data shows a 30-35% spread between the lowest and highest quote in the same area. Find electricians near you to compare.
• Bundle multiple tasks. Need outlets, a fan, and a panel inspection? One visit with multiple tasks saves on service call fees.
• Supply your own fixtures. Buy light fixtures and fans yourself to avoid the electrician's markup. Just confirm compatibility before purchasing.
• Schedule during off-peak times. Late winter and early spring tend to be slower for electricians. You may find better availability and willingness to negotiate.
• Ask about apprentice rates. For simple tasks like outlet replacements, a journeyman-supervised apprentice can do the work at a lower hourly rate.

How to Find a Reliable Electrician#

Electrical work is heavily regulated for good reason. Before hiring, verify:

• State electrical license (journeyman or master, depending on the work scope)
• General liability insurance (minimum $500,000)
• Workers' compensation coverage
• Permits pulled for the job (your electrician should handle this, not you)
• At least 3 years in business with verifiable references

Our directory includes transparency scores for each electrician based on licensing verification, review history, and pricing data. Browse electricians in your area to compare ratings and costs.

FAQ#

How much does an electrician charge per hour?#

Journeyman electricians charge $60-$100 per hour. Master electricians charge $80-$150 per hour. Emergency and after-hours rates run $125-$250 per hour. Many electricians use flat-rate project pricing instead of hourly billing for defined tasks.

How much does a 200-amp panel upgrade cost?#

A 100-to-200-amp panel upgrade costs $1,500-$4,000 with a national average of $2,500. The price includes the new panel, breakers, labor, permit, and inspection. Homes that also need a new meter base add $400-$1,500.

Do I need a permit for electrical work?#

Most jurisdictions require permits for new circuits, panel upgrades, and rewiring. Simple replacements (swapping an outlet or light switch) typically do not need a permit. Your electrician should know local requirements and handle the permit process.

How long does it take to rewire a house?#

A full rewire of a 1,500 sq ft home typically takes 5-7 days of electrical work, plus 2-3 days for drywall repair. Larger homes or homes with difficult access can take 2-3 weeks. Plan to be displaced for at least part of the project.