How Much Does an Electrician Cost? — United States

Electrician costs depend on the scope of work, your location, and the complexity of your electrical system. Expect $50–$130 per hour in the US, PLN 80–250 per hour in Poland, and €55–€100 per hour in the Netherlands. A simple outlet installation runs $150–$300, while a full panel upgrade can cost $1,500–$4,000+.

Average electrician costs by job type

Job type	Typical cost (USD)
Outlet or switch installation	$150–$300
Light fixture installation	$100–$250
Ceiling fan installation	$150–$400
Circuit breaker replacement	$150–$350
Panel upgrade (100A to 200A)	$1,500–$4,000
Whole-house rewiring	$8,000–$20,000+
EV charger installation	$500–$2,500
Smoke/CO detector installation	$100–$200 per unit

Sources: HomeAdvisor 2025 cost data, Angi service pricing reports.

What affects the cost?

• Permit requirements — electrical work almost always requires a permit, adding $50–$500+
• Panel capacity — upgrades needed if your panel can't handle additional circuits
• Wall access — running new wire through finished walls costs more than open-stud work
• Emergency service — after-hours electrical emergencies run 1.5x–2x standard rates
• Code compliance — older homes may need upgrades to meet current NEC or local code
• License tier — master electricians charge more than journeymen

Electrician costs in the United States

US electricians charge $50–$130 per hour, with a service call fee of $50–$100 typical. Licensed electricians in high-cost metros (NYC, SF, LA, Boston) charge $100–$150+/hour. In smaller markets, $50–$75/hour is common. Most states require electrical work permits — your electrician should pull these as part of the job.

For larger projects, electricians typically provide a flat-rate quote based on a site inspection. Always verify the electrician is licensed and insured. The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits for certain electrical upgrades (EV chargers, heat pump wiring, panel upgrades), which can offset costs.

Electrician costs in Poland

Polish electricians charge PLN 80–250 per hour depending on the city and specialization. Warsaw and major cities command the highest rates. Simple jobs like adding an outlet may cost PLN 100–300 total. A full apartment electrical installation runs PLN 5,000–15,000+ depending on size and complexity.

Verify your electrician holds a valid SEP G1 certificate for electrical work. For larger projects, get a written quote and agree on scope before work begins.

Electrician costs in the Netherlands

Dutch electricians charge €55–€100 per hour inclusive of BTW, with voorrijkosten of €30–€50. An erkend installateur (recognized installer) through Techniek Nederland guarantees quality standards. Simple installations (outlets, switches) cost €100–€250; a full meterkast (panel) upgrade runs €1,000–€3,000.

Dutch regulations require electrical installations to comply with NEN 1010. After major work, an inspection certificate (keuringsrapport) from an accredited body may be required, particularly for new construction or significant renovations.

How to save on electrical work

• Bundle multiple jobs — have the electrician handle several tasks in one visit
• Schedule non-emergency work during business hours
• Get 3+ quotes for any job over $500
• Check for rebates and tax credits — many energy-efficient upgrades qualify
• Know your panel's capacity — this speeds up quoting and avoids surprises