How Much Does an Electrician Cost in 2026?

Transparent pricing data for every type of electrical work — from outlet installs to full rewiring.

Average cost: $150 – $500 (national average $325).

Cost breakdown

• Outlet Installation: $100–$250 — Per outlet; GFCI costs more
• Panel Upgrade: $1,500–$4,000 — 100A to 200A upgrade
• Ceiling Fan Install: $150–$400 — Existing wiring vs. new
• EV Charger Install: $500–$2,000 — Level 2; may need panel upgrade
• Lighting Installation: $100–$500 — Per fixture; recessed costs more
• Whole-Home Rewiring: $8,000–$20,000+ — Depends on home size
• Circuit Breaker Replace: $150–$400 — Standard breaker
• Smoke Detector Install: $50–$150 — Per unit, hardwired

What changes the price

• Permit Requirements (High impact) — Many electrical jobs require permits ($50–$500), which adds to total cost.
• Panel Capacity (High impact) — Upgrading your electrical panel (100A to 200A) is a major cost driver.
• Home Age (Medium impact) — Older homes may need rewiring or code updates, increasing costs significantly.
• Emergency vs. Scheduled (Medium impact) — Emergency electrical calls cost 1.5x–2x the standard rate.

Regional pricing

• Northeast (NYC, Boston): $90–$200/hr
• West Coast (LA, SF, Seattle): $85–$180/hr
• Midwest (Chicago, Minneapolis): $70–$140/hr
• South (Dallas, Atlanta, Miami): $65–$130/hr
• Mountain West (Denver, Phoenix): $70–$145/hr

How to pay less

• Always hire a licensed electrician — DIY electrical work is dangerous and often illegal
• Ask if permits are included in the estimate
• Get an energy audit before upgrading your panel
• Bundle multiple electrical tasks for cost savings
• Ask about LED upgrade packages

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