Table of Contents
- Average Cost to Hire an Electrician
- Average Electrician Cost Per Hour
- How Much Do Electricians Charge Per Project?
- Electrician Costs by Professional Level
- Electrician Costs by Home Size
- Emergency Electrician Call-Out Cost
- Additional Electrician Cost Factors to Consider
- How to Know When Might You Need an Electrician
- Tips to Save on Electrician Costs
- DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You take pride in being very handy around the house. Broken screen door? You replaced it. Ugly outdated faucets? You installed modern ones. Beat up antique furniture? You refurbished it like a pro. But one area it’s best not to press your luck with is with electrical repairs and wiring. If handled by unskilled hands, it can cause electric shock, fires and all kinds of damage. For those kinds of jobs and projects, stick with a local electrician.
Electricians are trained to handle everything from electrical repairs and installation to electrical panel upgrades. Electricians typically have at least four to five years of training and are licensed by their state.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of hiring an electrician is influenced by location, home size, project complexity and the electrician’s skill level.
- Typically, hiring an electrician costs around $250 to $300, with hourly rates ranging from $50 to $150.
- To make informed decisions, obtaining quotes from reputable electricians and coordinating multiple tasks together can help optimize costs.
Average Cost to Hire an Electrician
Many factors determine how much it costs to hire an electrician, such as the location, your home’s size, the project’s complexity and the skill of the electrician being hired for the job. While hourly rates may differ from electrician to electrician, they generally encompass the diverse skills and technical know-how required for safe and efficient electrical installations, repairs and maintenance.
In the event of an unexpected electrical emergency that occurs during the night or over the weekend, it’s important to be aware that the standard fees for hiring an electrician might incur an additional cost ranging from $75 to $200. Many electricians charge a premium since they often require an urgent and specialized response, which can be hard to provide at times other than business hours.
- Location: The location of your home can directly affect the cost of an electrician in many ways. If you live in an area with few electricians available, the cost of hiring one will be higher than in a location with more options.
- Home size: If you live in a large house, it may be more difficult for one electrician to cover the entire space alone. However, if your home is smaller, you can often get away with hiring one electrician to do a few rooms at a time.
- Project’s complexity: The complexity of your project will impact the type and amount of work that needs to be done, as well as the qualifications needed by the person doing it.
- Skill level: Electricians are some of the most skilled tradespeople around. The skill required to do electrical work means that hiring an electrician can be expensive, but it’s also an excellent investment for your home or business.
| Average Cost to Hire an Electrician | |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $250 - $300 |
| Highest Cost | $500 - $1000 |
| Lowest Cost | $75 - $100 |
Average Electrician Cost Per Hour
The average hourly cost for electrician services can range from $50 to $150. However, in order to obtain an accurate estimate, it is crucial to obtain multiple quotes from local electricians, considering the specific requirements of the project and any potential additional expenses. Whether it’s routine maintenance, emergency repairs or complex installations, understanding the unique aspects of the job is vital for obtaining a reliable assessment of the expenses involved. Additionally, it is important to note that rates may vary based on factors such as location, home size and the skill level of the electrician.
How Much Do Electricians Charge Per Project?
While prices can vary depending on location, most electricians will charge by the hour for projects. Here is a breakdown of prices per project:
Home Inspection
An electrical home inspection will require an electrician to check your home’s electrical connections, wiring and installations. An electrical home inspection costs between $150 and $350.
Install a Generator
A generator provides backup power to your home when there are long term power outages. The cost to install a generator can be as low as $300 and as high as $6,000.
Upgrade an Electrical Panel
Overheating or weird sounds coming from your electrical panel may point to a potential fire hazard and time for an upgrade, which can cost you $600 to $3,500.
Repair, Change or Install Outlets
Consider having multiple outlets installed at the same time to save money. To repair, change or install outlets will cost you $50 to $300.
Wiring a House
You’ll want to rewire a house if you have outdated or worn out wires, which could be a fire hazard. The cost to rewire a house ranges between $3,000 to $18,000.
Installing Ceiling Fans
Well-functioning ceiling fans can save you on energy bills by lowering energy usage. The cost to install a ceiling fan will run you between $70 to $400.
Smart Home Installation
If you are looking to upgrade the technology in your home then you’ll need an electrician for smart installation. It can start at $200 to over $2,000.
Replacing a Circuit Breaker Switch
The circuit breaker box runs your home’s whole electrical system so if a circuit breaker switch fails, an electrician can replace it for $100 to $300.
Installing a Light Switch
Cost can vary depending on the kind of light switch, such as a timer or dimmer switch, but is generally in the range of $50 to $250.
| Charge Per Project | |
|---|---|
| Home Inspection | $150 - $350 |
| Generator Installation | $300 - $6,000 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $600 - $3,500 |
| Repairing or Replacing Outlets | $50 - $300 |
| Wiring a House | $3,000 - $18,000 |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | $70 - $400 |
| Smart Home Installation | $200 - $2,000+ |
| Replacing a Circuit Breaker Switch | $100 - $300 |
| Installing a Light Switch | $50 - $250 |
Electrician Costs by Professional Level
Electricians can cost more based on their level of experience. There are many exams to pass and codes electricians need to know as well as licensing to be obtained that determine their skill level and as a result impact what they charge.
| Electrician Costs by Professional Level | |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | $40 - $55 |
| Journeyperson | $55 - $85 |
| Master Electrician | $90 - $150 |
Apprentice Electrician
A person that’s training to be an electrician and does not have a license is called an apprentice. They train for about four years and work alongside a licensed electrician. To hire an apprentice, you can expect a cost of $40 to $55 an hour.
Journeyperson Electrician
A journeyman has completed their apprenticeship and is on the second step of becoming a licensed electrician and can work on their own under the guidance of a master electrician. The cost per hour for a journeyman is around $55 to $85 an hour.
Master Electrician
A master electrician has a higher level of training and is fully licensed. They can become an electrical contractor, run their own business and obtain necessary permits for projects. Hiring a master electrician can cost $90 to $150 an hour.
Electrician Costs by Home Size
Costs can vary depending on the project but also home size. For example, wiring a bigger home can be more expensive.
| Square Footage | New Wiring | Cost to Rewire |
|---|---|---|
| 750 - 1,000 | $2,800 - $7,000 | $4,000 - $11,000 |
| 1,250 - 1,500 | $4,500 - $9,000 | $7,000 - $15,000 |
| 1,700 - 2,200 | $7,000 - $13,000 | $11,000 - $26,000 |
| 2,500 - 4,000 | $9,500 - $26,000 | $15,000 - $46,000 |
Emergency Electrician Call-Out Cost
Hiring an electrician in the event of an unexpected electrical emergency that occurs during the night or over the weekend may result in additional costs. These extra charges can vary, ranging anywhere from $75 to $200. Since emergencies often require an immediate and specialized response, many electricians charge a premium for their services outside regular business hours, especially since it can be challenging and may require the electrician to rearrange their schedule or be on-call. So, it is essential to factor in these potential additional costs when seeking emergency electrical services.
Additional Electrician Cost Factors to Consider
There’s some other costs that need to be factored into total costs when hiring an electrician to complete a project. These include:
- Most electricians charge by hour, have a minimum price structure for smaller projects, and may require a minimum of at least an hour or two of work.
- If the job turns out to be more complex and, for example, is harder to access, then the cost can increase as well.
- The state you live in may dictate a higher or lower charge, such as a travel fee to get to your place.
- Electricians will need to obtain a permit for particular projects in your home, which could range from $50 to 900 depending on the job.
- While you may just want a basic inspection, a lot of times inspections of the entire house will include that cost, which could range from $50 and $350.
How to Know When Might You Need an Electrician
There are many instances where you will need the services and expertise of an electrician. Here are a few:
- A tripped circuit breaker that can’t be reset
- Lights flickering
- Outlets making sizzling or popping sounds
- Fuses blowing out
- Sparking appliances or ones that ignite when plugged
- Aging home with weak electrical power
Tips to Save on Electrician Costs
The cost of an electrician can be daunting, especially when it comes to the unexpected. But there are ways to save on your electrician costs and make sure you get the best possible service for your money. Here are some tips:
- Receive multiple quotes: As you consider your options, be sure to obtain quotes from several reputable electricians to compare prices and services, ensuring you get the best value for your specific needs.
- Regular maintenance and inspections: Regular electrical maintenance and inspections will help you catch and address potential issues before they escalate into costly problems.
- Multiple tasks: Have electricians perform several jobs at once, as this can be more cost-effective than scheduling separate appointments.
- DIY preparations: Before the electrician arrives, perform basic tasks like clearing the work area and ensuring easy access to electrical panels, outlets and fixtures
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
When it comes to your home’s electrical issues, it’s best to sit this one out. While you may be able to do smaller jobs, any time you are dealing with electrical devices you are putting yourself and family at risk.
Electrical mishaps can happen and cause electrical shock and fire. Also, there’s a matter of permits and making sure your work is up to code, both of which can impact selling your home in the future. Let the professionals handle this one.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I save money on an electrician?
You can save money on an electrician by getting multiple quotes and it’s important to express your expectations concerning your budget and what you need done before signing a contract. Other ways to save money include buying materials needed ahead of time and preparing workspaces so that your electrician has easy and safe access to fix the electrical problem.
What constitutes an electrical emergency?
Anything ranging from a power outage to wires that start a small fire or a smoking outlet that has a burning odor can constitute an electrical emergency. Trust your gut and call an electrician immediately when something doesn’t seem right.
How long does a full electrical job take?
It really depends on the project’s size and complexity. A smaller job can take up to six hours but a full rewiring of a home could take a few days to a week.
How do I find a reputable electrician?
If you’re looking for a reputable electrician in your area, the best place to start is with referrals. Ask friends and family members who have had positive experiences with a local electrician if they would be willing to give you their recommendation.
Another great way to find a reputable electrician is to conduct online research to read reviews and check ratings. These reviews can help you learn more about the company’s past work and what people think of their customer service.
