Electrical Work Pricing Guide
$141 – $419 (Small Jobs)
$2,000 – $6,000+ (Large Jobs)
$2,000 – $6,000+ (Large Jobs)
The average cost to hire an electrician to install or repair light fixtures, outlets, switches, or fans ranges from $141 to $419. Wiring costs $6 to $8 per foot and upgrading an electrical panel costs $1,100 to $2,500. Get free estimates from electrical services near you or check out our electrician prices list below.
Electrical Work & Repair Costs
The average cost to hire an electrician to install or repair light fixtures, outlets, switches, or fans ranges from $141 to $419 with homeowners spending $280 on average. For larger electrical jobs like installing wiring or replacing an electrical panel, expect to pay $2,000 to $6,000.
Get free estimates from electricians near you or check out our pricing guide below.
| National Average Cost | $280 |
| Minimum Cost | $90 |
| Maximum Cost | $812 |
| Average Range | $141 to $419 |
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Electrician Cost
The average cost of an electrician is $40 to $100 per hour, with a typical call-out fee or first-hour rate of $75 to $125. To hire a master electrician for specialty work, expect to spend $150 for the first hour, with an average hourly rate of $100 to $120.
Master Electrician vs. Journeyman vs. Apprentice
| Electrician Type | Call-Out Fee | Billed Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $75 | $40 – $50 |
| Journeyman | $75 | $50 – $70 |
| Master | $125 | $100 – $120 |
Most homeowners will call an electrician when too much or too little power is coming to outlets or lighting fixtures (tripping circuit breakers), they need more or safer outlets installed, or the wiring needs upgrading because the house is old and the old wiring isn’t up to par. Most electricians’ charge by the hour and costs are based on the electrician’s experience, what your electrical needs are, and the complexity of the job.
- Apprentice Electrician – Is usually in school and they are just starting their electrical career.
- Journeyman Electrician – Has completed the first phase of education and is allowed to work independently.
- Master Electrician – Has completed their education and has several years of work experience and is a master of the trade.
Electrician Prices List
While it can be a relatively quick job for an electrician to fit an outlet or wire your surround sound system, the bulk of your cost lies in the electrician’s service call fee of about $75, so it may cost about $125 to $150 for a small job like installing or replacing an outlet. Larger jobs such as wiring and circuit breaker installation run $2,000 or more.
Prices paid for electrical work are hard to nail down because it's dependent on many factors, such as labor and material costs. Below is a list of general pricing. For more accurate prices, request free cost estimates from local electricians here on HomeGuide for the service you need.
| Job | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Electrical Wiring | $6 – $8 per foot |
| Install Light Fixtures | $133 – $414 |
| Upgrade Electrical Panel | $1,100 – $2,500 |
| Install Home Generator | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Install Electrical Switch | $150 – $250 |
| Install Electrical Outlet | $120 – $150 |
| Fan Installation | $150 – $350 |
| Install Home Automation System | $600 – $1,800 |
| Install Hot Tub Wiring / Conduit | $800 – $1,500 |
| Install Electric Car Charging Station | $750 – $2,600 |
| Install Door Bell, Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Detector | $90 – $150 |
Electrical Wiring Cost
Electrical wiring costs $6 to $8 per linear foot. For structured wiring — which is designed to handle communication and entertainment devices — add $2 per foot. For low-voltage wiring installations, an electrician will charge $0.40 to $0.62 per linear foot.
A 1,200-square-foot home will have about 284 linear feet in its walls, costing $2,200 to rewire, or from $2,500 to $6,000 to rewire a basic 3-bedroom house.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Electrical Wiring | $6 – $8 per foot |
| Structured Wiring | +$2 per foot |
| Low-Voltage Wiring | $0.40 – $0.62 |
| Job | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Rewiring a Basic 3-Bedroom Home (Through attic, basement, or floor joists) |
$2,500 – $6,000 |
| Installing Wiring by Running it Through Main Walls (Opening walls, removing old wires, rewiring, and installing drywall) |
$6,000 – $10,000 |
| Knob & Tube Wiring Removal | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| Knob & Tube Wiring Removal Permit | $200 – $600 |
Add in permit costs for larger jobs and the likelihood of having to replace almost every part of an older wiring electrical system to bring it up to code, if you’re doing a service upgrade.
Cost To Install Light Fixtures
The average cost to install a basic light fixture is $133 to $414. For advanced fixtures like a chandelier, be sure to include the cost of the fixture itself which can add another $200 to $700 to your final price. For AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupt) protection, add $50.
If the electrician runs into accessibility issues, or electrical problems that require board or panel upgrades expect to pay more in labor costs. Most of the time, your electrician will be able to give you an accurate estimate up front.
| Fixture Type | Cost Per Fixture |
|---|---|
| Install Standard Fixture (Existing Wiring) | $50 – $150 |
| Install Exterior Light Fixture (Existing Wiring) | $150 – $320 |
| Install Fluorescent Light Fixture | $200 – $350 |
| Install Recessed Light Fixture | $125 – $300 |
| Install New Wiring For Overhead Light | $600 – $1,200 |
| Replace Broken Light Fixture | $75 – $200 |
Replace or Upgrade Electrical Panel
The cost to replace or upgrade an electrical panel is $850 to $2,500 on average depending on the cost of the wire and your electricity amp needs. Service replacement includes a new meter, electric service drop, disconnect, panel, wiring, piping, and a weather head.
Hire a licensed electrician to calculate the service panel amperage required. An electrician runs circuits to your new fixtures, appliances, and outlets while ensuring it’s up to National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.
With older homes, the electrical service usually has 60-amp panels that are underrated. Most homes require at least 100 amps with newer homes needing 200 amps or more. Proper amps ensure you won’t be tripping circuit breakers or overloading outlets. You can find out the amperage in your home in the following ways:
- Count the number of wires that emerge from the underground conduit. You need three to get a 240-volt system.
- The manufacturer’s data plate and the main circuit breaker will give the max amps of the main electrical panel.
Install or Repair Home Generator
The average cost to install a home generator is $6,000 to $11,000, including the generator. A Generac home back-up generator starts at $2,000, and professional installation ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. Pricing varies by system size, electrician costs, and local building codes.
A generator costs is placed on a concrete pad and connected to an existing fuel line, and a transfer switch is installed by the main breaker box.
Cost to Install or Replace an Electrical Switch
The cost for an electrician to install a new light switch ranges from $150 to $200 for a single pole switch, to $100 to $250 for a new three-way switch. To replace an electrical switch, expect to spend about $80 to $120 on average.
| Switch Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Install New Single Pole Switch | $150 – $200 |
| Install New Three-Way Switch | $100 – $250 |
| Replace Electrical Switch | $80 – $120 |
In some cases, it can cost more to replace an existing light switch than it will to install light switches in new construction because you may need to update your electrical board, install new wiring, switch boxes, or box covers.
Cost To Install or Replace an Electrical Outlet
The cost to install or replace an interior electrical outlet with GFCI is $120 to $150 while replacing an exterior receptacle with cover costs $200 to $275 on average. If you have several outlets to replace, ask your electrician about package discounts.
| Type of Outlet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Replace Conventional Outlet with GFCI | $120 – $150 |
| Install New Conventional Outlet | $140 – $165 |
| Install New Split Outlet | $190 – $275 |
| Install Exterior Outlet with Cover | $200 – $275 |
For safety purposes, especially if you have children in the house, install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected outlets in the kitchen, bathrooms, and the laundry room. A GFCI outlet will help prevent electrical shock in wet areas of the home. Also, consider installing dedicated circuits for large appliances.
Fan Installation & Repair Cost
Ceiling fan installation costs around $200 on average, with most spending $150 to $350. Bathroom exhaust fan installation costs $150 to $550, while an attic exhaust fan runs $300 to $500.
Proper ventilation increases indoor air quality and improves the well being of all occupants. Ceiling fans are a great alternative to more expensive air conditioning and will distribute air more evenly in your rooms and create a more comfortable living environment.
| Type of Fan | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Ceiling Fan Installation | $150 – $350 |
| Bathroom Fan Installation | $150 – $550 |
| Attic Fan Installation Cost | $300 – $900 |
| Power Attic Gable Vent | $180 – $250 |
| Roof-Mount Power Ventilator | $125 – $210 |
Fans will also help you save money on your energy bills during the cold, winter months by pushing the warm air back down into the room. Alternatively, it can pull the cooler air up during the hot months.
Smart Home Automation Systems Cost
Smart home automation systems cost $600 to $1,800 that integrates into your existing outlets. For hard-wired systems, which requires extensive rewiring costs $5,600 on average with most homeowners spending between $4,000 and $12,000 based on the extent of automation desired.
| System | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Install Home Automation System | $600 to $1,800 |
| Install Hardwired Home Automation System | $4,000 and $12,000 |
| New Wired Door Bell System | $100 – $140 |
| Install Hardwired Smoke Detector | $90 – $150 |
| Install Carbon Monoxide Detector | $90 – $150 |
| Install Electric Fireplace | $200 – $1,500 |
| Install Video Surveillance System | $900 – $2,000 |
| Install Home Theater System | $1,300 – $2,600 |
| Install Sprinkler System | $1,900 – $3,800 |
The most common automation systems will turn automatic sprinklers on and off during the day, or lights in the house on and off while you’re out of town. Newer advances in smart devices and automation systems allow you to monitor what’s going on in your home when you’re not there, who is at the door, and what time the kids came home from school. Most smart home upgrades will require the services of a licensed electrician.
Tips for Hiring an Electrician
When it comes to your home and the safety of those living in it, this is not the time to go with a cheap electrician. Due to the risk of fire or life-threatening electric shocks if you end up with bad electrical work, you want to be sure to hire the best professional, licensed, and insured electrician you can find. Professional electricians are knowledgeable about current building codes and the proper way to safely upgrade or install the wiring in your home.
- Only hire a licensed and insured electrician.
- Ask how much experience the electrician has.
- Get at least three quotes when working on a large project.
- Ask your friends and coworkers for their recommendations.
- Check out their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
- Request an in-person estimate for your job. Some electricians' may offer this free.
Doing things on the cheap can only lead to more expensive repairs down the road. Whether it’s the materials that are subpar or the workmanship, it’s only a matter of time until it fails. That failure could be the loss of power to your home (and losing everything in your freezer), or it could be as bad as a fire in your home. In the long run, it’s more cost effective to get it done right the first time.
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