How Much Does an Electrician Cost? Hourly Rates Explained

Planning electrical work often kicks off with one simple question: how much will it cost? The answer isn’t always just one number. If you want to get a better idea of how much an electrician costs, let’s first check out how electrician hourly rates work and what goes into the price.

If you need a precise estimate, the best way to find out is to call our specialists at Fuse Service. Their figures will be the most accurate and fair; check for yourself!

Average Electrician Hourly Rate in the U.S.

So, what is the usual rate for the US market? We’ll answer without beating around the bush. The average cost of an electrician in the US is $100–$150 per hour. But don’t forget that the experience of the specialist and the complexity of the work are also important factors. And they can greatly affect the final cost of electrician work.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly income of electricians is higher than that of many other construction trades. Why? The reason here is the high level of responsibility and risk involved. In California, electrician rates per hour are normally 15–25% higher than the national average.

Don’t live in California? Here are some typical ranges by region:

• Midwest: $70–$100 hourly
• Southern United States: $65–$95 per hour
• West Coast (CA): $100–$150 per hour

So, as you can see, electricians charge per hour differently. Anyway, safety and quality justify the price.

How Much Does an Electrician Cost Per Hour?

Imagine quite a simple situation. San Jose homeowner called a tech to replace a GFCI outlet. The severity of the problem is unclear because it’s unknown whether the entire system is broken. But in the end, it turns out that the problem is local so they pay for only 1 hour of work — the standard rate. So, the final cost of the electrician was lower than expected. 

Sometimes it’s the other way around: the tech goes to troubleshoot, but ends up having to replace the wiring. As you can see, how much does an electrician cost in practice is not just a rate. In reality, electrician rates per hour are often combined with service calls and materials.

What Affects Electrician Hourly Rates

Location and labor rates

In CA, labor rates are higher than in most states, so the electrician cost per hour here is above average.

Licensing and experience

Working with a licensed electrician is more expensive, that’s true. But you’re paying for safety and code compliance, and ultimately, your peace of mind.

Type of work (residential vs commercial)

Residential work is almost always cheaper than commercial electrical services.

Emergency or after-hours service

Urgent tasks can increase an electrician hourly rate per hour by 1.5–2 times.

Electrician Cost Breakdown — Labor, Service Calls, Materials

Of course, most often you pay not only for hours. Time is just a part of any complex job.

The bill usually includes electric repair service labor, which is the main part of the cost, a service call fee, and materials — if they are needed, they are most likely paid for separately from the cost to hire an electrician. Why most likely? Because it’s not a rule for every case. 

Electrician Hourly Rate vs Flat Fees

Small jobs like troubleshooting usually take a short time. That’s why they’re usually charged at a flat fee. But sometimes techs deal with complex jobs where the outcome is unpredictable. It’s the perfect case when electricians charge per hour.

Electrician cost per hour is beneficial for diagnostics, while fixed prices are convenient for typical tasks. At Fuse Service, we always explain how electricians charge before starting work — so, no surprises here.

“Accurate diagnostics save customers money. At Fuse Service, we always explain exactly what you are paying for and how electricians charge.” — Will, certified electrician at Fuse Service

Common Electrical Jobs and Their Typical Costs

These figures help to understand the actual electrician cost per hour calculated for a specific task.

Get an Accurate Electrician Cost for Your Home

Every home is unique, and so are the issues. Want to know the exact cost of an electrician? Call us to request an estimate and to find out.

How do you do this? Contact our local residential electricians at Fuse Service, and they will explain each step in detail and tell you the electrician cost per hour in advance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does an electrician cost per hour for residential work?

We would say hourly rate for electrician can be $100–$150 on average. But residential projects are super different. Their price depends totally on the complexity and region.

Do electricians charge by the hour or per job?

It can be either way. Diagnostics are most often charged at an hourly electrician rate, and there is a set price for standard work. But it can vary depending on the equipment and complexity of the project.

What is a typical electrician service call cost?

If it’s a basic problem like a broken outlet or minor network malfunctions, the cost is unlikely to exceed $200. But again, electricians charge differently and it all depends on the complexity.

How much do emergency electricians charge per hour?

Well, emergency work always comes with a higher rate, like $200–$250 per hour on average. Night and emergency calls increase the hourly rate.

Does electrician cost include materials?

It depends on the company and their terms. Let’s be honest: not always. Materials are often paid for separately — check in advance.

How can I get an accurate electrician cost estimate?

The surest way is to order an on-site inspection. This is probably the only way to accurately calculate the cost to hire an electrician.