How Much Does an Electrician Charge Per Hour in the USA?
US electrician rates in 2026 typically range from $100 to $200 per hour, with the national average around $130-$150/hr for a licensed journeyman or master electrician running their own business. Here is the full breakdown.
US Electrician Hourly Rates by State (2026)
| State/Region | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| California (Bay Area, LA) | $150-$220/hr |
| New York, New Jersey | $140-$200/hr |
| Washington, Oregon | $120-$180/hr |
| Texas, Florida | $90-$150/hr |
| Midwest (Ohio, Indiana, Michigan) | $85-$140/hr |
| Southeast (Georgia, Tennessee) | $80-$130/hr |
| Rural areas nationally | $75-$120/hr |
Source: HomeAdvisor, Angi, BLS Occupational Employment data, 2026.
Rates by Job Type
| Job | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $75-$200 flat |
| Outlet or switch replacement | $100-$200 |
| Panel upgrade (200A) | $1,500-$4,000 |
| EV charger installation | $400-$1,200 |
| Whole-home rewire | $8,000-$20,000+ |
| Generator installation | $3,000-$10,000 |
Why Electricians Should Stop Undercharging
The most common mistake self-employed US electricians make is pricing based on what they earned as an employee. As a self-employed electrician you must cover: self-employment tax (15.3%), health insurance, vehicle, tools, insurance, slow periods, and still make a profit. When all of that is factored in, an electrician charging $80/hr is often making less net income than they did as a $45/hr employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair price for an electrician in 2026?
$100-$180/hr is fair market rate in most US cities. If you’re being quoted significantly less, ask whether the contractor is licensed, insured, and will pull the required permits – all three are non-negotiable on electrical work.
Do electricians charge more for weekend or emergency callouts?
Yes – 1.5x to 2x the standard rate for emergency callouts is standard and widely accepted.
CoreQuote is a quoting app for US electricians. Download free on Android — get CoreQuote free.
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