Electrician Hourly Rate by State (2026 Guide)
The average electrician hourly rate in the U.S. ranges from $50 to $120 per hour, with most homeowners paying around $75–$100 per hour depending on location, experience level, and job complexity.
Licensed electricians in high-cost states and major metro areas typically charge more.
Average Electrician Hourly Rate (U.S.)
| Electrician Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Apprentice electrician | $40 – $60 |
| Journeyman electrician | $60 – $90 |
| Master electrician | $80 – $120+ |
| Emergency / after-hours | $100 – $200+ |
Rates may include or exclude service call fees.
Electrician Hourly Rate by State
| State | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| California | $90 – $140 |
| New York | $85 – $130 |
| Texas | $65 – $100 |
| Florida | $60 – $95 |
| Illinois | $70 – $110 |
| Pennsylvania | $65 – $100 |
| Ohio | $60 – $90 |
| Georgia | $60 – $95 |
| North Carolina | $55 – $90 |
| Michigan | $65 – $100 |
| Arizona | $65 – $105 |
| Washington | $80 – $125 |
| Colorado | $75 – $115 |
| Massachusetts | $85 – $135 |
| New Jersey | $80 – $130 |
Urban areas typically fall at the higher end of the range.
What Affects Electrician Hourly Rates?
1. Location
Labor rates are higher in:
- Large metro areas
- States with higher cost of living
- Regions with strong licensing requirements
Rural areas generally cost less.
2. Experience & Licensing
- Master electricians charge more due to advanced licensing
- Specialized electricians (EV chargers, generators, solar) often bill at premium rates
3. Type of Work
Some jobs cost more per hour due to complexity or risk:
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Service entrance replacements
- Commercial electrical work
- Emergency troubleshooting
4. Service Call & Minimum Fees
Many electricians charge:
- A service call fee: $75–$150
- A minimum billable time: 1–2 hours
This can impact small jobs significantly.
Common Electrical Job Costs (Labor Only)
| Job | Typical Labor Cost |
|---|---|
| Outlet replacement | $75 – $200 |
| Light fixture installation | $100 – $300 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $150 – $350 |
| Electrical panel upgrade | $800 – $2,000 |
| EV charger installation | $300 – $1,200 |
| Troubleshooting | $75 – $150/hr |
Material costs are typically additional.
Flat-Rate vs Hourly Electrician Pricing
Some electricians offer flat-rate pricing instead of hourly billing.
Hourly pricing
- Better for small or unknown-scope jobs
- More transparent time tracking
Flat-rate pricing
- Predictable total cost
- Often higher for simple jobs
- Common for panel upgrades and installs
How to Save Money on Electrician Costs
- Get multiple quotes
- Bundle multiple jobs into one visit
- Avoid emergency or after-hours calls
- Ask for flat-rate pricing on larger projects
- Confirm licensing and insurance upfront
Do Electrician Rates Include Materials?
Usually no.
Materials such as:
- Breakers
- Wiring
- Outlets
- Panels
- Conduit
are billed separately or included as a line item.
Electrician Hourly Rate FAQs
How much does an electrician charge for a service call?
Most service call fees range from $75 to $150, often applied toward the first hour.
Are electricians more expensive on weekends?
Yes. Weekend and emergency calls can increase rates by 25%–100%.
Is it cheaper to hire a handyman instead?
For minor tasks, yes — but licensed electricians are required for panel work, new circuits, and permit-related jobs.
Do electricians charge by the hour or job?
Both. Smaller or diagnostic jobs are hourly, while larger installs often use flat pricing.
Bottom Line
Electrician hourly rates typically range from $50 to $120 per hour, depending on location and experience. High-cost states and specialized work command higher prices, while standard residential work falls near the national average.
Understanding local labor rates helps you budget accurately and avoid overpaying.