When you're looking to hire an electrician, expect to pay from $154 - $488 per service call, on average.

Why such a range? The cost to hire an electrician varies according to the type and extent of the job(s) you have on hand. The electrician's fee will be calculated as:

• Hourly rate, usually with a minimum charge per service call OR
• Flat fee for service call + hourly rate OR
• Flat fee per job

Travel mileage may be added to the electrician's charge.

Contact electricians in your area for jobs such as home electrical safety inspection, electrical repair, lighting installation, electrical panel upgrade, or wiring for new construction.

Cost Breakdown

The cost to hire an electrician includes:

• Labor -- Confirm with your electrician how labor costs will be calculated, by the hour or at a flat rate.

Other costs may or may not be included:

• Supplies -- appliances, fixtures, and supplies are not a part of the hourly rate for an electrician, although the flat fee for an installation or replacement may include them. Expect the cost to vary according to the quality of materials used.
• The initial estimate for an electrical installation, which may include an onsite inspection, is often free.

Choose the Best Electrician for the Job

Hire only a licensed electrician, and make sure that they and their employees are covered by liability insurance and workmen's compensation. Check with your state licensing board and the BBB to check out an electrician's professional status and any unresolved complaints against him. Request a bond for a job worth over $500.

Never delay calling an electrician. Faulty electrical wiring, outlets, and appliances are serious hazards, which can cause fires that destroy property and even human lives. Electrocution can be another life-threatening outcome of electrical problems.

Get the Most for Your Money

Hire an electrician for small electrical upgrades that will cut your electricity bills. For example, install timers for your water heater and bathroom fans, as well as motion sensors that will automatically turn off lights in an unoccupied room. 

Prepare a to-do list for your electrical contractor. Take care of several electrical repairs or upgrades during the same service call to save time and money.