Electrician Costs, Panel Upgrades, and Warning Signs to Watch For

Most residential electricians charge $75 to $150 per hour, plus a service or trip fee of $75 to $150 for the visit itself, based on current national pricing.

Simple jobs are priced accordingly. Replacing an outlet or switch typically runs $100 to $300; installing a ceiling fan or light fixture usually falls between $150 and $450.

A 100-to-200-amp panel upgrade is one of the more common bigger jobs, and typically costs $1,500 to $4,000 including labor and permits, depending on your home's existing wiring and local requirements.

Watch for these warning signs: breakers that trip frequently, lights that flicker or dim when an appliance turns on, warm or discolored outlets, or a persistent burning smell. Any of these are worth a professional inspection soon rather than later.

Older homes are more likely to need updates. If your home still has a fuse box, aluminum wiring, or hasn't had an electrical inspection in over a decade, it's worth having a licensed electrician take a look even without an obvious problem.

Electrical work is not a place to shop on price alone. Always confirm the electrician is licensed and insured, and get a written estimate before work begins.

Use our marketplace to compare licensed electricians near you.