2026 Pricing Guide

Electrician Pricing Guide & Cost Calculator

Real pricing data to help you bid electrical jobs accurately. Includes labor rates, service call fees, and job costs for 2026.

2026 Electrician Hourly Rates

What to charge based on experience level and specialization.

Apprentice

$25-$45/hr

Helper work, basic pulls

Journeyman

$50-$80/hr

Standard residential work

Master Electrician

$75-$120/hr

Complex installs, code issues

Commercial

$75-$150/hr

Office, retail, industrial

Solar/EV Specialist

$100-$200/hr

Solar, EV chargers

Common Electrical Job Pricing

Flat-rate pricing for residential work (includes labor and basic materials).

⚡ Outlets & Switches

Service	Price Range
Standard Outlet	$150 – $300
GFCI Outlet	$200 – $400
240V Outlet (dryer/range)	$300 – $600
Light Switch	$100 – $200

Add $50-100 for each additional outlet in same location

💡 Lighting & Fixtures

Service	Price Range
Ceiling Fan Install	$150 – $350
Recessed Light (per can)	$150 – $250
Smoke Detector (hardwired)	$100 – $200
Dedicated Circuit	$200 – $500

Volume discounts typical for 6+ recessed lights

Electrical Panel Pricing

Panel upgrades are significant investments. Here's what to charge.

Service	Price Range	Time Estimate
100A to 200A Upgrade	$1,800 – $3,500	6-10 hours
200A to 400A Upgrade	$4,000 – $8,000	1-2 days
Subpanel Install (100A)	$1,200 – $2,500	4-8 hours
Breaker Replacement	$150 – $300	30-60 minutes
Whole House Surge Protector	$300 – $600	1-2 hours

💡

Pro tip: Always include permit costs ($100-500) and inspection fees in your quote. Panel work requires permits in virtually all jurisdictions.

Service Call & Diagnostic Fees

Cover your time for estimates and troubleshooting.

Standard Service Call

$75 – $150

Includes first 30-60 minutes

After-Hours Emergency

$150 – $300

1.5x to 2x standard rate

Weekend/Holiday

$200 – $400

2x to 3x standard rate

💰

Pro tip: Many electricians apply the service call fee toward the job if the customer proceeds. This incentivizes conversions while covering your time for tire-kickers.

EV Chargers & Specialty Work

High-demand specialty work commands premium pricing.

Service	Price Range	Notes
Level 2 EV Charger Install (High demand)	$500 – $2,000	Labor only; distance to panel matters
Generator Transfer Switch	$500 – $1,500	Manual; automatic costs more
Whole Home Generator Install	$3,000 – $6,000	Electrical work only, not generator
Hot Tub/Spa Wiring	$800 – $2,000	50-60 amp dedicated circuit
Solar Panel Integration	$1,500 – $4,000	Electrical work, not panel install

New Construction & Whole-House Rewiring

Larger projects are typically priced per square foot.

Project Type	Cost per Sq Ft	Typical Total (2,000 sf)
New Construction (rough-in)	$3 – $8	$6,000 – $16,000
New Construction (trim out)	$1 – $3	$2,000 – $6,000
Whole House Rewire	$8 – $15	$16,000 – $30,000
Finished Basement (800 sf)	$3 – $6	$2,400 – $4,800
Kitchen Remodel	Flat rate	$2,500 – $6,000

Quick Reference: Common Job Prices

6 Recessed Lights

$800 - $1,400

New install with switch

200A Panel Upgrade

$1,800 - $3,500

Plus permits ($100-500)

EV Charger Install

$500 - $2,000

Level 2, labor only

Whole House Rewire

$16,000 - $30,000

2,000 sq ft home

Hot Tub Wiring

$800 - $2,000

50-60A dedicated circuit

Generator + Transfer Switch

$3,500 - $7,500

Electrical work only

Skip the math. Get estimates in minutes.

SnapScope uses AI to turn your job site photos into accurate electrical estimates—with labor, materials, and your markup built in.

Download SnapScope for iOS

Free to try. No credit card required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average hourly rate for an electrician?

In 2026, residential electricians typically charge $50-100/hour, while commercial electricians charge $75-150/hour. Master electricians and specialists (solar, EV chargers) can charge $100-200/hour. Rates vary significantly by region, license level, and specialization.

How much does it cost to install an electrical outlet?

A standard outlet installation costs $150-300 including materials. GFCI outlets (required for kitchens, baths, outdoors) run $200-400, and 240V outlets for dryers or ranges cost $300-600. Price depends on distance from the panel and any drywall repair needed.

How much does a 200 amp panel upgrade cost?

A 100-amp to 200-amp panel upgrade typically costs $1,800-3,500 for materials and labor. This takes 6-10 hours and includes the new panel, breakers, and installation. Always add $100-500 for permit and inspection fees, which are required in virtually all jurisdictions.

What should electricians charge for a service call?

Most electricians charge $75-150 for a service call, covering the first 30-60 minutes. After-hours emergency calls run $150-300 (1.5-2x), and weekend/holiday calls can be $200-400 (2-3x). Many electricians apply this fee toward the job if the customer proceeds.