ServiCover📌 Key Takeaway: Most electricians charge $50-$150 per hour, with master electricians and emergency calls at the top of that range or above. Expect a $75-$150 service call fee or a one-hour minimum on small jobs.
Rates by License Level
| Level | Typical Role | Relative Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | Works under supervision | Lowest — often bundled into a crew rate |
| Journeyman | Most installs and repairs | Mid-range of $50-$150/hr |
| Master electrician | Design, permits, complex jobs | Top of the range |
| After-hours / emergency | Nights, weekends, holidays | Often 1.5-2× standard rates |
Typical Job Prices
| Job | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Outlet or switch install | $120-$300 |
| GFCI outlet in kitchen or bath | Within the outlet range, depending on access |
| Ceiling fan install | $150-$400 |
| Light fixture install | $150-$450 |
| New dedicated circuit | Varies with distance from the panel |
| EV charger (Level 2) | $500-$2,000 |
| Panel upgrade | $1,500-$4,000 |
What Makes Electrical Work Cost More
- Access — finished walls, plaster, and tight attics mean more time fishing wire.
- Distance from the panel — longer runs use more wire and labor.
- Code upgrades — older homes may need grounding, GFCI or AFCI protection brought up to current code.
- Permits — required for most new circuits and panel work.
- Drywall repair — often not included; electricians cut access holes but don't always patch and paint.
How to Save
- Group small tasks into one visit to spread the service fee.
- Buy fixtures yourself if the electrician allows it — but confirm they'll warranty the install.
- Ask whether patching is included, or plan to patch and paint yourself.
- Get two or three written quotes for anything over a few hundred dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a minimum charge for a small job?
Travel, setup and permit-related time cost the electrician the same whether the job takes ten minutes or an hour, so most set a minimum.
Should I pay hourly or flat rate?
Flat rates give certainty for well-defined jobs. Hourly can be cheaper for quick fixes but riskier if the problem turns out to be complex.
🔎 How we research: The ServiCover Editorial Team compiles prices and guidance from published 2026 cost guides, manufacturer information and industry sources. Prices are national ranges and vary by location, home and provider, so always compare written quotes. We don't perform the work ourselves, and we may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners — see our Advertiser Disclosure.