How Much Does an Electrician Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Knowing what you’ll pay an electrician up front helps you set a realistic project budget and avoid last-minute surprises. Most jobs cost an average of $348, with a range of $85 to $1,117. Planning for those numbers—and working with a licensed electrician—keeps your project safe and up to code.

Electrician Cost Factors

Several factors influence an electrician's hourly rate, including your location, whether it's an emergency, and the time of year you need their service.

Hourly Rates and Minimum Fees

A licensed electrician will charge $50 to $130 per hour, plus a service-call fee of $100 to $200 for the first hour. Consultations and inspections fall under the same service-call umbrella, while quotes for clearly defined fixes are often provided at no additional cost. Keep in mind that many professionals have a minimum of one to four hours, even if they complete their work more quickly.

Since most pros have a minimum visit fee, walk through your home first and jot down every outlet, switch, or fixture that needs attention. Bundling jobs into a single visit cuts repeat service-call charges and keeps more cash in your pocket.

State and Location

Where you live matters, pros in big-ticket cities—think New York, Los Angeles, or Denver—often charge closer to $100 an hour thanks to higher overhead. The quickest way to determine your actual cost is to obtain a few quotes from licensed electricians in your ZIP code.

Urgent or Emergency Repairs and Time of Service

If you need help after hours, expect to pay time-and-a-half to double the standard rate, plus a trip charge of $ 100 or more. When it’s not a true emergency, line up quotes and stick to regular business hours to keep costs down.

Experience Level

Electricians fall into three tiers—apprentice, journeyperson, and master. Rates rise with skill, and masters command the highest fees because they can tackle the trickiest jobs and pull permits without oversight. Exact license requirements vary by state, so please verify your local regulations.

Electrician Costs per Task

The type of electrical task you need completed will impact the cost of hiring your electrician. Here is the breakdown of common electrical services and their average cost ranges.

Electrical Panel Upgrades

Upgrading an electrical panel costs between $1,200 and $2,000. Prices vary depending on the extent of the upgrade (e.g., 200 amp to 400 amp) and the required wiring length.

Generator Services

Installing a whole-house generator costs $1,540 to $8,740. Generators offer numerous benefits, including providing power during extended power outages. They can also be an excellent investment if you’re living off the grid or operating a recreational vehicle.

Outlet and Switch/Socket Installation

While a single outlet or receptacle costs just a few dollars, the minimum service call fee can significantly increase the total cost. Installing outlets costs between $200 and $300, and light switches cost between $85 and $200. To get more value, it's wise to combine these simple repairs with other electrical work.

Wiring a House

Updating the electrical wiring in your house costs between $1,500 and $10,000 on average. The fees may be higher or lower, depending on the accessibility of the wiring routes.

If the area for new wiring is easily accessible, such as during a remodel when the walls are open, the costs of electrical wiring installation can be lower. This price includes all materials and labor, such as installing a new panel, wires, outlets, switches, drywall finishing, and other tasks.

Light Fixture Cost

The cost of installing a light fixture varies depending on the type of fixture. On average, expect to pay anywhere between $155 and $955. However, installation charges can be higher for complex fixtures, such as chandeliers.

Electrical Breaker

Hiring an electrician to replace an electrical breaker will cost between $520 and $2,120.

Attic and Ceiling Fans

The average cost of installing an attic fan ranges from $370 to $915. Attic fans reduce heat buildup by expelling hot air and replacing it with cool air from the outside. This can reduce the workload of your air conditioner, particularly during the summer, and lower your energy bill.

The cost of installing a ceiling fan is slightly lower, ranging from $140 to $350, which includes both labor and the unit. Ceiling fans help circulate air inside the home, creating a wind-chill effect that keeps you and your fellow occupants cooler.

Smart Home Device Installation

Installing a smart home system costs between $200 and $1,660, depending on the type and price of the device.

Low-voltage smart home devices often don't require a licensed electrician for installation, making them more cost-effective. To be safe, consult a professional to determine if your smart home fixtures require a licensed expert and, if so, which type is needed.

Electrical Inspection

An electrical inspection costs between $100 and $125. Inspections can be of various types. For example, an inspection where the electrician assesses your home's wiring, electrical panel, circuit breakers, and other components to diagnose a problem or ensure everything is functioning correctly is considered a service call.

If you have an inspection appointment, make sure not to miss it. If you fail to notify the electrician, you'll be unavailable at the scheduled time, and you'll likely be charged a no-show/no-call fee (often the first hour of work) to cover travel expenses.

Budgeting for Electrical Work

Electrical work can be costly, but these tips can help you save:

• Rule out quick fixes first: Check for easy-to-spot issues, such as a tripped breaker or a loose plug. If anything looks questionable—or you’re not 100 percent comfortable—bring in a pro.

• Get multiple quotes: Compare prices from several electricians to find the best deal. Use competing quotes to negotiate a lower rate with your preferred pro.

• Schedule during regular hours: Book appointments during normal business hours to avoid higher rates for holidays, weekends, or evenings.

• Request a fixed quote: Ask for a fixed price for the entire project instead of an hourly rate to prevent unexpected costs if the job takes longer than expected.

Hiring the Right Electrical Contractor

Electrical work rarely belongs on your DIY list. One wrong wire can spark a fire or cause a serious shock, so when in doubt, call a licensed professional.

When hiring a local electrician, don't base your decision solely on price. An unrealistically low quote may indicate hidden fees or subpar work that fails to meet code, ultimately resulting in higher costs in the long run. By taking these steps, you can confidently hire the right electrician for your project:

• Verify licensing and references: Ensure they are licensed and have solid references.

• Make sure you’re comfortable: Meet the electrician first so you’re confident inviting them into your home.

• Get it in writing: Make sure all expectations, terms, and conditions are clearly outlined in a written agreement.

• Confirm insurance coverage: Verify their insurance and understand their liability for potential property damage.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.