Electrical Cost Calculator 2026 — Free Estimate by City

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Electrical work cost by service (2026)

National average ranges. Electricians charge $50–$130 per hour plus parts. Permits and inspection required for most service work.

Service	Typical cost	Notes	Time
Service call (diagnostic)	$75–$200	Often credited toward repair	30–60 min
Outlet installation	$120–$300	Per outlet, includes basic wiring	1–2 hrs
Light fixture install	$100–$400	Per fixture, more for chandeliers	1–3 hrs
Ceiling fan install	$200–$500	Per fan, includes box if needed	2–4 hrs
EV charger (Level 2) install	$800–$2,500	240V outlet + dedicated circuit	3–6 hrs
Panel upgrade (100→200A)	$1,300–$3,500	Most common upgrade	6–10 hrs
Panel upgrade (200→400A)	$3,500–$8,000	Required for large homes/heavy load	1–2 days
Sub-panel install	$1,000–$3,000	For garages, additions, workshops	4–8 hrs
Whole-home rewire	$8,000–$30,000	Old/dangerous wiring replacement	1–3 weeks
Generator install (standby)	$5,000–$15,000	Includes transfer switch + gas line	1–3 days

Electrical panel upgrade cost

Upgrading from a 100A to 200A electrical panel is the most common service upgrade and runs $1,300–$3,500 installed. Required if you're adding: EV charger, electric range/dryer, large HVAC, hot tub, workshop, or whole-home solar.

Old fuse-box panels (typically pre-1965) almost always need replacement during home renovations. Knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch wiring may also require replacement, adding $5,000–$25,000 to whole-home rewiring jobs.

EV charger installation cost

Installing a Level 2 EV charger (240V outlet + dedicated 40–60 amp circuit) runs $800–$2,500. Cost varies based on distance from electrical panel, garage vs outdoor install, and whether your panel needs upgrading.

Many states/utilities offer rebates of $300–$2,000 toward EV charger installation. Federal tax credit covers 30% of installation cost up to $1,000 (residential).

Electrician hourly rates

Electricians charge $50–$130 per hour nationally, with master electricians and metro markets at the higher end. Many companies have flat-rate service call minimums ($100–$200) that credit toward the repair.

Emergency/after-hours calls add 50–100% premium. For larger projects (panel upgrade, rewire), contractors typically bid the project rather than charge hourly.

Electrical cost factors

Permits + inspection

Required for: panel upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers, generator installs, any wiring inside walls. Permit costs $50–$400 + inspection fee.

Panel capacity

Many older homes have 60A or 100A panels insufficient for modern loads. Upgrading to 200A typically required for major additions.

Wiring distance + access

Long runs from panel to fixture, finished walls/ceilings, and basement/attic access all impact labor cost.

Aluminum / knob-and-tube

Houses built 1965–1972 often have aluminum branch wiring (fire risk). Pre-1950: knob-and-tube. Both usually need replacement.

Code compliance updates

Old work often requires bringing nearby outlets to current code (GFCI in wet areas, AFCI in living areas). Adds $50–$150 per outlet.

Generator backup

Whole-home standby generator: $5,000–$15,000 installed. Portable generator (manual switch): $1,500–$4,500. Always include automatic transfer switch.

Electrical cost by city

Local pricing benchmarks across major US metros.

New York, NY Los Angeles, CA Chicago, IL Houston, TX Phoenix, AZ Philadelphia, PA San Antonio, TX Dallas, TX Austin, TX Jacksonville, FL Columbus, OH Charlotte, NC Indianapolis, IN Seattle, WA Denver, CO Atlanta, GA Miami, FL Nashville, TN Portland, OR Minneapolis, MN Sacramento, CA Cincinnati, OH Baltimore, MD

Frequently asked questions about electrical cost

How much does an electrician charge per hour?

US electricians charge $50–$130 per hour. Master electricians and metro markets are at the higher end. Many companies have flat-rate service minimums ($100–$200) that credit toward the repair. After-hours: add 50–100%.

How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost?

100A to 200A panel upgrade: $1,300–$3,500 installed. 200A to 400A: $3,500–$8,000. Required if adding EV charger, electric range/dryer, large HVAC, or solar.

How much does it cost to install an EV charger?

Level 2 EV charger installation: $800–$2,500. Cost depends on distance from panel and whether panel needs upgrading. Federal tax credit covers 30% up to $1,000.

Do I need a permit for electrical work?

Yes, for: panel work, new circuits, EV chargers, generators, any wiring inside walls. No permit needed for: replacing same-type outlets/switches/fixtures. Permits cost $50–$400 + inspection.

How much does whole-home rewiring cost?

Whole-home rewiring runs $8,000–$30,000 depending on home size and wiring type. Most expensive when finished walls require opening + drywall repair. Aluminum branch wiring or knob-and-tube replacement is common in pre-1972 homes.