Electrical pricing depends heavily on whether your home needs a panel upgrade to support new circuits, whether the work is finished or open-wall, and which permits and inspections your jurisdiction requires. Prices below are aggregated FixNearMe quote data from licensed electricians and reflect typical residential work in 2026 dollars.
Electrician pricing — line by line
| Job | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlet or switch replacement | $120 | $250 | GFCI or AFCI outlets add $20–$50 in materials. |
| Ceiling fan install (existing wiring) | $180 | $420 | New circuit and switch adds $200–$500. |
| Recessed lighting (per fixture) | $200 | $450 | Six-can dining-room install runs $1,200–$2,400. |
| EV charger circuit (Level 2, 240V) | $600 | $1,800 | Long runs and panel work push the high end. |
| Whole-home surge protector | $300 | $600 | Installed at the main panel, includes labor and inspection. |
| Service panel upgrade to 200A | $2,200 | $4,500 | Includes meter base, grounding, and permit. |
| Sub-panel install | $900 | $2,200 | Includes new feeder, breaker, and inspection. |
| Knob-and-tube remediation (per room) | $1,500 | $4,000 | Insurance carriers increasingly require this. |
| Whole-home rewire (1,500 sqft) | $9,000 | $18,000 | Includes new panel, all branch circuits, and finish work. |
| Generator transfer switch | $700 | $1,800 | Manual switch; automatic ATS for whole-home runs $2,500–$5,000. |
What moves a electrician quote up or down
The single biggest variable in any home service quote is access. A water heater in an unfinished basement is a fast swap; a water heater in a finished attic with a 22-inch access door is a six-hour ordeal. Same for electrical panels — an exterior-mounted panel with a clear yard is a half-day upgrade; an interior panel behind drywall in a finished basement adds patching, painting, and a second visit. Always have your contractor walk the job in person before they price it.
The second biggest variable is permitting and inspection. Most jurisdictions require permits for water heaters, panel upgrades, sewer line work, gas line work, and any new circuit. A pro who quotes "without permits" is taking on the liability you should be transferring to them — never sign that quote. Permit fees are usually $80–$350 and inspection turnaround is 1–5 business days.
Finally, parts availability has become a real factor since 2021. A common Lennox or Carrier blower motor on the shelf is a 2-hour fix; the same motor on backorder is a 2-week fix with a $400 expedite fee. Always ask for a parts-availability statement in writing before agreeing to a same-day repair.
How to get an accurate price
Use the free FixNearMe quote form on this page to send your job to up to three pre-screened electricians in your area. Each will respond with a written, line-itemed quote — usually within an hour during business hours — so you can compare apples to apples. Homeowners using three quotes save 20–35% on average compared with single-quote bookings. For after-hours work, see our emergency electricians guide; before signing, run through our electrician hiring checklist.