How to Price Electrical Work
A Real Electrician's Guide

Know Your Real Hourly Cost First

Before you price a single job, you need to know what it actually costs you to run your truck for one hour. This isn't just your labor rate — it's everything:

• Your hourly wage goal: $40-65/hr (varies by market)
• Payroll taxes and insurance: Add 25-30%
• Truck payment, fuel, insurance: $15-25/hr
• Tools and equipment depreciation: $5-10/hr
• Office costs, software, phone: $5-8/hr
• Liability and workers comp insurance: $8-15/hr

For most solo electricians, the true cost of being on a job site is $85-130/hr before any profit. If you're charging customers $75/hr, you're losing money. Full stop.

Common Electrical Job Pricing (2026 Averages)

These are ballpark ranges. Your market, experience level, and job complexity will shift these numbers. But if you're way outside these ranges, something's off.

Panel Work

• 200-amp panel upgrade (existing location): $1,800-2,800
• 200-amp panel upgrade (relocate): $2,500-4,000
• Sub-panel install (60-100 amp): $1,200-2,000
• Panel cover replacement / labeling: $150-300

Outlets and Switches

• New outlet (existing circuit, open wall): $150-250
• New outlet (new circuit, finished wall): $300-500
• GFCI outlet install: $120-200
• Dedicated 240V outlet (dryer, range, EV): $400-800
• Smart switch install (customer-provided): $80-150

Lighting

• Recessed light (new construction): $150-200 each
• Recessed light (retrofit, existing ceiling): $200-350 each
• Ceiling fan install (existing box): $150-250
• Ceiling fan install (new box + wiring): $300-500
• Under-cabinet LED lighting (kitchen): $500-1,200

Whole-House and Specialty

• Whole-house rewire (1,500 sq ft): $8,000-15,000
• EV charger install (Level 2, 50-amp): $800-1,500
• Generator hookup (manual transfer switch): $800-1,500
• Whole-house surge protector: $300-500
• Smoke detector hardwired (each): $100-180

How to Build the Estimate

For each line item, calculate:

1. Materials: What you'll buy from the supply house. Check current prices — don't use last year's numbers.
2. Labor hours: How long it actually takes, not your best-case scenario. Add 15% for surprises.
3. Labor cost: Hours x your burdened hourly rate.
4. Material markup: 15-30% on materials is standard. This covers your time picking up, loading, and managing materials.
5. Overhead and profit: 20-35% on top of direct costs.

The "Per Point" Method

Many experienced electricians use per-point pricing for residential work. A "point" is any device — outlet, switch, light fixture. In most markets, a point runs $150-350 depending on complexity.

Example: Kitchen remodel with 12 points (6 outlets, 4 recessed lights, 1 under-cabinet run, 1 disposal switch) at $225/point average = $2,700. Add the panel work and you've got a solid estimate in minutes.

Pricing Mistakes That Cost Electricians Money

• Not charging for the service call: Your time driving to the job, assessing it, and writing the estimate has value. Charge a trip fee ($75-150) or fold it into the job price.
• Using flat rates for everything: Flat rates work for simple tasks. For anything involving drywall fishing, crawl spaces, or old wiring, price by the hour or add a complexity surcharge.
• Forgetting permit costs: In most jurisdictions, panel upgrades and new circuits require permits ($75-300+). Include this in your estimate or you're eating it.
• Under-estimating old-house work: A "simple" outlet add in a 1960s house with plaster walls and no access from above is never simple. Add 30-50% for old construction.

The Bottom Line

Good pricing comes from knowing your costs, being honest about labor time, and presenting a professional estimate that justifies your price. Customers don't always go with the cheapest bid — they go with the one that makes them feel confident they're getting quality work at a fair price.