How much does an electrician cost?
Electricians charge $85–$210 per hour, with most service calls landing between $200 and $600. Major projects like panel upgrades run $1,500–$4,500.
Updated May 15, 20265 min read
Quick price reference
- Diagnostic / service call
- $75 – $200
- Replace outlet or switch
- $150 – $300
- Install ceiling fan
- $200 – $450
- 200-amp panel upgrade
- $1,800 – $4,500
- EV charger (Level 2)
- $750 – $2,500
Ranges are national averages — your local pro's quote is the source of truth.
Hourly rates and service-call minimums
Licensed electricians typically charge $85–$210 per hour, plus a minimum service call fee of $75–$150.
Apprentice work, when supervised, may be billed at a lower rate but the master electrician's rate still applies for the diagnostic.
Common job prices
- • Install or replace an outlet: $150–$300
- • Install a ceiling fan: $200–$450 (more if no existing wiring)
- • Whole-home surge protector: $300–$700
- • Panel upgrade to 200 amps: $1,800–$4,500
- • EV charger install: $750–$2,500
Emergency vs. scheduled work
Same-day or after-hours calls (sparking outlet, full outage on one circuit, smell of burning) can run 1.5–2x normal rates.
If the issue isn't dangerous, scheduling within a few days almost always saves money.
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