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How Much Does an Electrician Cost? (2026 Guide)

Electricians charge $50–$130/hour in 2026, plus a service call fee of $75–$200. Most small jobs cost $150–$500 total. Panel upgrades and rewiring run significantly more.

Updated Mar 2026Home & Energy$150–$500
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Electrician Cost Breakdown

JobTypical CostTimeNotes
Outlet install / replace$150–$3001–2 hrsGFCI outlets cost slightly more
Light fixture install$100–$2501–2 hrsCeiling fan adds complexity
Panel upgrade (100→200A)$1,500–$3,0004–8 hrsRequired for EV chargers, additions
EV charger (Level 2)$500–$1,5002–4 hrsUp to $1,000 federal tax credit
New circuit addition$300–$7002–4 hrsAdds dedicated circuit to panel
Whole-home rewire$8,000–$15,0003–10 daysRequired for knob-and-tube homes
Electrical inspection$150–$3501–2 hrsRequired for home sales in many states
How Costs Compare
14%
69%
Outlet install / replace 3%
Light fixture install 3%
Panel upgrade (100→200A) 14%
EV charger (Level 2) 5%
New circuit addition 3%
Whole-home rewire 69%
Electrical inspection 3%

Pro Tips for Electrician

Get 3 quotes for jobs over $500 — Electrician rates vary 30–50% for the same job. Always get at least 3 quotes for panel upgrades or rewiring.
Check for permits — Panel upgrades, new circuits, and EV charger installs require permits in most areas. Unpermitted electrical work voids homeowner's insurance and causes problems at sale.
Bundle jobs to save on service calls — Most electricians charge $75–$200 just to show up. Combine multiple small jobs into one visit — add all outlets, switches, and fixtures at once.
Verify license and insurance — Always ask for state electrical license number and verify it online. Unlicensed work is illegal and dangerous. Insurance protects you if they cause damage.

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Electrician Rates by Region

RegionHourly RateService Call FeeNotes
Midwest$50–$80/hr$75–$125Lowest rates nationally
South$55–$85/hr$75–$150Varies by metro
Northeast$75–$130/hr$100–$200NYC/Boston highest
West Coast$80–$130/hr$100–$200CA/WA/OR top rates
Mountain West$60–$100/hr$75–$150Growing demand

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an electrician charge per hour?▼
Most electricians charge $50–$130/hour in 2026 depending on location. They also charge a service/trip fee of $75–$200 on top of hourly rate. Many small jobs are billed as flat rates.
Do I need a permit for electrical work?▼
Yes for most significant work: panel upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers, and adding outlets in new locations. Replacing a like-for-like outlet or switch typically doesn't need a permit, but rules vary by city.
How do I find a good electrician?▼
Check your state's contractor license lookup, ask for 3 references, verify they carry liability insurance ($1M+) and worker's comp. Avoid anyone who asks for full payment upfront.
What are signs of dangerous electrical problems?▼
Flickering lights, tripping breakers, burning smells, warm outlets, two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the home, or a Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand panel — these are all reasons to call an electrician immediately.
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📊 Data Sources & Methodology
Hourly rate data from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and electrician surveys across 50 states. Job cost data from contractor networks and permit records. Updated March 2026. Learn more about our methodology.