For more accurate prices, request free cost estimates from local electricians here on HomeGuide for the service you need. Prices paid for electrical work are hard to nail down because it's dependent on many factors, such as labor and material costs. Larger jobs such as wiring and circuit breaker installation run $2,000 or more. While it can be a relatively quick job for an electrician to fit an outlet or wire your surround sound system, the bulk of your cost lies in the electrician’s service call fee of about $75, so it may cost about $125 to $150 for a small job like installing or replacing an outlet.

Master Electrician – Has completed their education and has several years of work experience and is a master of the trade.

Journeyman Electrician – Has completed the first phase of education and is allowed to work independently.

Apprentice Electrician – Is usually in school and they are just starting their electrical career.

Most electricians’ charge by the hour and costs are based on the electrician’s experience, what your electrical needs are, and the complexity of the job. Most homeowners will call an electrician when too much or too little power is coming to outlets or lighting fixtures (tripping circuit breakers), they need more or safer outlets installed, or the wiring needs upgrading because the house is old and the old wiring isn’t up to par. To hire a master electrician for specialty work, expect to spend $150 for the first hour, with an average hourly rate of $100 to $120. The average cost of an electrician is $40 to $100 per hour, with a typical call-out fee or first-hour rate of $75 to $125.

Electrician handbook for homeowners