Electrical Work & Repair Costs

Electrical prices average from $150 to install a switch, $200 to install an outlet, $465 to install a lighting fixture. Electrical panels cost about $1,100 to upgrade or replace and $1,300 to install. Generators cost about $4,000 to install and $250 to repair. Find detailed electrical work prices in the Cost Guides below.

Find out how much your project will cost.

Updated March 3, 2021

Reviewed by Salvatore Cutrona, Angi Expert Review Board member and founder of Cutrona Electric, LLC, in Sherman, CT

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Select your Electrical project

electrician installing wiring in attic of home
Hire an Electrician
(96,497 projects)
$347 Average National Cost
new home circuit breaker electrical panel on garage wall
Upgrade or Replace an Electrical Panel
(22,532 projects)
$1,274 Average National Cost
new wood ceiling fan with light
Install a Ceiling Fan
(9,137 projects)
$248 Average National Cost
Electrician wiring house
Install Electrical Wiring or Panel
(9,082 projects)
$1,542 Average National Cost
modern black metal lighting fixtures hanging in dining room
Install a Lighting Fixture
(5,096 projects)
$549 Average National Cost
Electrical outlet with three slot receptacles installed on the kitchen island
Install an Outlet
(4,591 projects)
$227 Average National Cost
A residential home generator in a house backyard
Install a Generator
(4,071 projects)
$5,090 Average National Cost
electrician repairing lighting fixture on the ceiling of home
Repair a Lighting Fixture
(3,281 projects)
$197 Average National Cost
exterior attic fan vent on home near roof line
Install an Attic Fan
(2,778 projects)
$624 Average National Cost
A modern bathroom with a large window and an exhaust fan
Install a Bath Fan
(2,378 projects)
$385 Average National Cost
light switch on wall of home
Install a Switch
(1,481 projects)
$150 Average National Cost
An attic fan as seen from the exterior of the house
Repair an Attic Fan
(1,466 projects)
$298 Average National Cost
handyman repairing a home ceiling fan
Repair a Ceiling Fan
(1,443 projects)
$140 Average National Cost
home generator in backyard being repaired by technician
Repair a Generator
(1,387 projects)
$273 Average National Cost
bath fan being repaired in home bathroom
Repair a Bath Fan
(611 projects)
$259 Average National Cost
digital smart home automation system
Install a Home Automation System
(286 projects)
$916 Average National Cost
construction permit application being filled out
Get a Building Permit
(158 projects)
$1,602 Average National Cost

The electrical power that courses through your home is like your house's life blood. Ceiling fans, computer networks, lights, and perhaps even your heating and cooling rely on electricity to function. Whether you're having electrical problems, adding outlets, upgrading a panel to accommodate a new appliance, wiring a new home, or installing Smart Home Automation, you'll need to hire a reliable licensed electrician.

Important note: Because of the dangers and complexities involved, most electrical work falls far outside the DIY zone. Even if it's a seemingly easy job, such as installing a light dimmer, you should consider bringing in a pro. Contact electricians near you for a quote.

Electrician Rates

average csot of electrical work is $50 to $100 per hour

When hiring an electrician, be aware that most electricians charge a minimum fee for their visit. This even includes visits for small projects such as installing a plug or light switch. But that fee will roll into the cost of the job. In other words, although an electrician may charge $70 just to walk in the door, that money might cover their first hour of work. Hiring an electrician can be an expensive task if you're not aware of possible hidden cost factors. Be prepared before making the call.

Most electricians charge by the hour, and an experienced professional should be able to give you a reasonably accurate hours-needed estimate from the start. But there are other factors that can affect the cost of your electrical job, depending on the type of job you need accomplished. The average electrician charges from $50 to $100 an hour, plus additional costs for parts depending on the complexity of the project. This brings the national average cost to hire an electrician to just over $300.

Install and Repair a Home Generator

The basic cost to install a home generator varies based on the generator you choose. Home back-up generators, such as Generac brand generators, start at around $2,000 plus installation. Your electrician will be able to determine the type of generator appropriate for your household and needs. Different types of generators provide different services such as full power to your home in the event of an outage, or just partial power to keep major appliances running such as hot water and your refrigerator. The cost to install a home generator is about $3,500, again depending on the rate charged by your electrician and the cost of the generator you're installing. It is essential to hire a professional for most electrical projects, especially when installing a stationary generator which can be very dangerous if completed by anyone other than a trained pro. Electricians are highly trained and wear protective clothing that prevent injury such as electrocution, electrical arcs, and fire.

Lighting Fixtures Cost

Installing a new electrical fixture can be a great way to upgrade your home. You get the freedom and flexibility to choose the style, placement, and type of fixture while leaving the hard work to the pros. The average cost to install a light fixture is around $525, however, this will vary because it includes the price of the fixture. Here's one of the few electrical jobs that may end up costing you more in materials than labor. But, again, capacity issues that require board upgrades or access complications may raise labor costs. Your electrician should be able to give you an estimate before starting the job.

Replacing or Upgrading Your Electrical Panel

Older homes are known for having electrical panels that are outdated and often out of code. Whether you are flipping an old house or need an upgrade, finding the right professional is essential. The minimum requirement for an electric breaker panel is 100 amps. Panels come in 100, 150, 200, and 400-amp capacities. The cost to install or upgrade panels is around $1,200 for 200-amp panels.

Old panels, especially those with the glass fuses, are prone to tripping and can pose a fire hazard. Remember to choose a panel that exceeds your electricity needs so you won't tax your system, which can cause outages, or worse, a fire. Your electrician can advise you on whether your panel can be upgraded or needs to be replaced. Keep in mind that older fuse boxes cannot be upgraded and must be replaced. Labor is often the biggest cost when it comes to this upgrade, ranging from $500 to $800. Where the panel itself is on average $300 to $500 plus any extra wiring or fittings which can exceed $100.

Average Costs of Installing New Wiring and Switches

Installing new wiring and switches is often a complicated process. If you are building a new home or are replacing old wiring and switches, the duration, complexity, and cost of the job can vary. One factor that may delay progress is access. The average price for a project like this is around $1,300. A seemingly cheap and simple job can get expensive when you need to update or change your electrical board on top of adding new wiring.

Install or Replace an Electrical Outlet

Installing or replacing an electrical outlet is one of the simpler electrical tasks to complete. Many DIY-ers try this project on their own, but caution is advised when working with complex components. Improper installation can lead to injury and fire. Ensure the electricity is completely turned off at the breaker before doing any work. The safest option when replacing an outlet is to hire a professional. On average, a professional electrical outlet installation costs around $225 to . This installation is often bundled with multiple outlet replacements resulting in a lower cost.

Smart Home Automation Systems

Home automation systems are components added to your home to allow for the synchronization of household devices and systems to your home's electricity. These systems can allow you to automate a variety of features in your house. You can program the electricity or air-conditioning to run at specific times in the day or control you household appliances remotely. For example, you can set a timer on the lights in your home, or turn them off while out of the house using your smartphone. This may result in an overall decrease the cost on your electric bill. The average price for automation system installation is about $750.

Install and Repair Fans

There are many different types of fans in your home, some you may not even know you have. Each fan serves the purpose of moving air to cool you down, or to remove moisture from your home. These fans are all very important in your home and can prevent mold and other issues. The cost to install a ceiling fan, much like a light fixture, often seems rather high due to the inclusion of materials costs into the installation price. This project costs most homeowners around $250.

Another type of fan found in your home is the bathroom fan, which often functions as a fan and a light. The price of the fan you choose will influence the overall price of installation, much like a ceiling fan. The national average cost to install a bathroom fan is just over $375.

Attic fans are used to remove hot and moisture-rich air from your attic space. The installation of these fans is a process that involves cutting a hole in your roof and sealing it in a way that does not allow water to enter. The cost of installation does not fluctuate as much as a bathroom or ceiling fan because the parts are often very standard. The national average cost of installing an attic fan is around $300.