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Simple tasks like installing a ceiling fan or replacing a light switch can cost $70 to $400, while larger projects like rewiring a house can range from $3,000 to $18,000.
Electrical services are vital for maintaining your home safe, operational, and code-compliant. You can seek the expertise of a professional electrician safely and easily, whether you need to install a brand-new light, repair a hole in an outlet, rewire an old house, or replace your panel. Of course, most homeowners then want to know, "How much does an electrician cost?"
The typical price for the services of an electrician in the USA is $348. The majority of individuals pay between $163 and $536. It depends on several matters: where you are, the experience level of the electrician, the service type, and how complex the job is.
Hourly rates can fall between $50 and $130, while for the first hour of work, there is usually a service call of between $100 and $200. That is, even a straightforward job will cost you a minimum of $150. Night or weekend emergency work doubles this fee to $100–$200 an hour.
In this electrical services cost guide, you will discover the cost of hiring an electrician in the USA. From service call charges and hourly labor costs to rewiring a house and upgrading to smart home technology, we will discuss all the nitty-gritty details so that you can budget with ease. This comprehensive guide dissects electrician rates, service types, job difficulty, and cost-cutting advice so that you can make the right choices.
Electricians work at varied hourly rates, varying with experience and training. Electricians of three types operate, namely the apprentice, the journeyperson, and the master.
An apprentice is in training and charges $40 to $60 an hour. A journeyperson is qualified to work on their own and charges $60 to $90 an hour. A master electrician is the most highly certified and charges $90 to $120 an hour. The more experienced the electrician, the more he or she charges, but also the more complicated jobs can be done easily.
Little fix-it work, such as putting in outlets, switches, fans, or light bulbs, typically ranges between $141 to $419. The national mean is around $280 for the electrician cost. Smaller jobs like rewiring and replacing panels might range from $2,000 to $6,000.
Typically, most of the small work will come with a call-out charge ranging from $75 to $125. Changing an outlet is one of the easier jobs and can cost anything between $125 to $150 in total. The rate of a master electrician would settle on an initial charge of $150 for the first hour, then $100 to $120 for each subsequent hour.
Apprentices typically make $75 per service call and $40 to $50 per hour. Journeypersons also charge $75 for the call-out and $50 to $70 per hour. Masters will charge $125 for the service fee and $100 to $120 per hour for the work.
| Electrical Service | Average Cost (USD) | Typical Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate (Standard) | $100 | $50 – $150/hour |
| Service Call Fee | $75 | $50 – $150 |
| Install Light Fixture | $200 | $150 – $800 |
| Install a Ceiling Fan | $300 | $200 – $600 |
| Install Outlet/Switch | $150 | $100 – $300 |
| Upgrade Electrical Panel | $1,500 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Whole-Home Rewiring | $10,000 | $4,000 – $20,000+ |
| Install EV Charging Station (Level 2) | $1,200 | $800 – $2,000 |
| Home Electrical Inspection | $150 | $100 – $300 |
| Install Smoke/Carbon Detector | $120 | $75 – $250 |
| Electrical Troubleshooting/Repair | $250 | $100 – $500+ |
| Install Recessed Lighting | $800 | $400 – $1,600 (for 4-6 lights) |
| Install Generator Transfer Switch | $500 | $300 – $1,000 |
| Emergency Electrical Services | $350/hour | $200 – $500/hour |
Wiring a home will run $6 to $8 per linear foot. Add $2 extra per foot with structured wiring. Low-voltage wiring costs from $0.40 to $0.62 per foot.
Rewiring a simple three-bedroom home via attics or floors ranges from $2,500 to $6,000. If you must cut walls and install new wires, the cost rises to $6,000 to $10,000. To remove old knob-and-tube wiring takes $4,000 to $6,500, plus a permit that is $200 to $600.
A 1,200-square-foot home can take about 284 feet of wire. That's about $2,200 just for the wiring alone.
Installing a basic light fixture ranges from $133 to $414. A chandelier may cost $200 to $700 extra, depending on complexity. Arc fault protection costs an extra $50.
If the electrician needs to upgrade your electrical panel or repair old wiring, it will cost more. Accessibility issues also drive up electrical services costs.
Installation of standard fixtures using current wiring ranges from $50 to $150. Outdoor lighting fixtures range from $150 to $320. Fluorescent lights range from $200 to $350. Recessed lighting ranges from $125 to $300. Installation of new wiring for an overhead fixture ranges from $600 to $1,200. Replacing a damaged light fixture ranges from $75 to $200.
Replacing or upgrading electrical panels costs anywhere from $850 to $2,500. This will consist of a new weather head, piping, panel, disconnect, electric drop, and new meter.
60-amp panels are typical for older homes that can't accommodate newer appliances. Most old homes require panels with an amperage rating of 100 or more. New homes generally require upgrades to 200 amps or more. The electrician will determine the number of amps you need.
You can look for the amperage rating on the data plate or circuit breaker. You also require a minimum of three wires for a 240-volt system.
Home generator installations cost $6,000 to $11,000. Generators themselves cost about $2,000; that is before an additional professional installation fee of $3,000 to $5,000 is added to the total cost, depending on size, wiring requirements, and building codes.
The generator rests on a cement pad, it is attached to the fuel supply, and connected to a transfer switch close to your main breaker.
Mounting a one-pole light switch ranges between $150 to $200. Mounting a three-way switch ranges between $100 to $250. Mounting a replacement switch ranges from $80 to $120.
If you are replacing your electrical board or require new wiring, the prices can be higher. Adding a switch in a new home is typically simpler and less expensive.
Replacing or installing indoor GFCI outlets costs between $120 and $150. Outdoor-covered outlets are from $200 to $275. Plain outlets would cost around $140-$165, while a split outlet ranges from $190-$275.
Install GFCI outlets in all wet areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Utilize dedicated circuits for major appliances.
Ceiling fan installation: $150-$350. Bathroom exhaust fans: $150-$550. Attic fan installations run the gamut from $300 to $900; power gable vent installations cost $180 to $250. Roof-mounted power ventilators run between $125 and $210.
Fans not only help move the air around the room but also reduce the utility bill from what it would be if the room maintained a more constant temperature. They drive hot air downward during winter and draw cool air upward during summer.
The cost to install smart automation systems runs between $600 to $1800. The hard-wired configuration runs anywhere from $4000 to $12000. Wired systems generally demand complete rewiring.
New doorbell systems can run from $100 to $140 at the time of installation. Such prices apply to hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: $90 - $150. Electric fireplaces can run anywhere between $200 in entry-level models to up to about $1000-$1500 in top models
Surveillance systems can usually be installed in a household for between $900 and $2000. Home-theater system installations fall between $1,300 and $2,600. Sprinkler installations cost between $1,900 and $3,800, respectively.
Independent handyman electricians tend to be more flexible with their pricing. Corporate electricians tend to have a fixed price range. Obtain several quotes to compare local rates.
Always employ someone with proper licenses and insurance. Extremely low rates may indicate poor work or a lack of qualifications.
Even if a job takes less than 30 minutes, you’ll pay the hourly minimum. This usually includes 1 to 4 hours to cover travel and overhead. Combine tasks into one visit to save money.
For emergency service on nights or weekends, expect an additional charge of $100-$200. Emergencies are burning odors, warm panels, sparking outlets, or frequent breaker trips.
Urban electricians are more expensive than those in rural areas. One gets charged an hourly rate for urban jobs of about $100 and above; rural jobs are $50. Travel fees might be higher in outlying areas
If your wiring or panel is located in a difficult-to-access area, the work takes longer. This adds to labor fees.
Installing a light switch is $85 to $200. Installing an outlet is $200 to $300. Transfer switches are $200 to $400. Breaker boxes are $500 to $1,800. Ceiling fans $140 to $350; light fixtures $150 to $6,000; rewiring of house $1,500 to $10,000; home inspections $280 to $400. Installing smart fixtures is $200 to $300.
Little jobs like switch replacement don't require licenses. Bigger jobs, such as rewiring or panel upgrades, do. Permits are $75 to $150. Inspections are $100 to $125. In older houses, rewiring permits can range from $200 to $900.
Be aware of dimming lights, tripped breakers, blown fuses, hot outlets, burning odors, and sparking appliances. All of these are indications you should hire a licensed electrician.
Use a journeyperson rather than a master for minor jobs. Sweep and mark the space around your panel prior to the arrival of the electrician. Purchase fixtures and materials yourself. Group small projects. Get three bids before hiring.
Always select a licensed and insured professional. Ask them how much experience they have. Get a personal referral. Check reviews online. Demand a written estimate. Never use the lowest price if it's at the expense of safety.
Electrical work done correctly keeps your home and family safe. It also saves money in the long run by avoiding huge problems. Make wise decisions and put your money into your home's electrical system.
Hiring a licensed electrician is a crucial investment in your home's safety, functionality, and long-term value. While costs vary based on project complexity, location, and the electrician's experience, understanding typical pricing helps you plan effectively.
From minor tasks like installing outlets or light fixtures to major projects such as full home rewiring or panel upgrades, being informed about the associated costs ensures you can budget appropriately.
Always prioritize hiring qualified professionals, obtain multiple electrical services cost quotes, and ensure all necessary permits are secured. This approach not only safeguards your home but also provides peace of mind.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.