Electrical work requires licensed professionals and proper permits. That expertise comes at a premium — but it shouldn't come at a rip-off price.
Common Electrical Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|
| Service call / minimum charge | $100–$200 |
| Outlet installation (120V) | $100–$300 |
| Outlet installation (240V) | $250–$700 |
| Light fixture installation | $100–$400 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $150–$500 |
| Circuit breaker replacement | $150–$350 |
| Panel upgrade (200 amp) | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Whole-house rewire | $8,000–$25,000 |
| EV charger installation (Level 2) | $500–$2,000 |
| Generator installation | $3,000–$15,000 |
Permits Matter
Most electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps requires a permit. If an electrician says "we don't need a permit," that's a red flag. Unpermitted work can void your homeowner's insurance, create safety hazards, and cause problems when you sell your home. The permit itself is typically $50-$250.
Check Your Estimate
Upload your electrical estimate to QuoteScore for AI-powered analysis against regional benchmarks.
How we calculated these numbers
Every price range, median, and benchmark in this guide is computed from real contractor quotes that QuoteScore users have submitted for analysis, combined with our regional pricing benchmark database.
- Sample size: 90 electrical service quotes analyzed by QuoteScore.
- Benchmark data: 14,000+ regional pricing benchmarks updated quarterly, covering parts retail (RockAuto, AutoZone, Advance Auto, Home Depot, Lowe's, Ferguson) and labor rates by metro.
- Pricing date range: Quotes from late 2024 through February 2026; benchmark data refreshed within the last 90 days.
- Methodology: Outliers (top/bottom 5%) trimmed before computing medians. Region-specific labor rates separated from parts pricing. We disclose sample size when fewer than 50 quotes back a specific number.
Live database stats: /api/stats/public · Data corrections: quotescoreai@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an electrician charge per hour?
Electricians charge $75-$250/hour depending on your region, the complexity of the work, and whether a master electrician is required. Most also charge a minimum service call of $100-$200.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?
Upgrading from a 100-amp to a 200-amp panel costs $1,500-$4,000. If the meter base and service entrance cable also need upgrading, add $500-$2,000. Some utilities charge fees for the service upgrade as well.
How much does it cost to add an outlet?
Adding a standard 120V outlet costs $100-$300. A 240V outlet (for EV charger, dryer, etc.) costs $250-$700. Costs increase if new wiring must be run through walls or if the panel needs a new breaker.