Electrician Average Cost

Finding out what to expect to pay for electrical work can be tricky. There isn't really any set charge rate and prices can fluctuate drastically based on geographical location and the level of expertise. However, this isn't to say that you should just pay whatever the first guy you call says. In fact, quite the opposite electricians can charge anywhere from about $45 to $100 an hour so it is worthwhile to know some basics when it comes to prices. After spending sometime shopping about for electricians myself I went to my local library to find a DIY book and found the book "Estimating Electrical Construction" by Ed Tyler. Here is a quick list of some common electrical jobs and the electrician average cost for each of them according to what I found.

Outlet

A standard basic outlet with two three prong plugs (you know the kind you plug your vacuum into) will take an electrician less than 30 minutes to install. The entire installation, meaning the outlet plate, box, wire and labor should land your electrician average cost somewhere between $35 and $50 per install.

Light Switch

A standard Single-Pole Switch has only one switch (the kind of switch that is probably in your bedroom or closet) and can be installed in about the same amount of time as a standard outlet. The switch plate, switch, wire, box and labor will also cost you about the same as a standard outlet and run you about $35-$50.

220 - Volt Outlet

This type of outlet is the larger three (occasionally four) pronged outlet that you usually see for plugging your dryer in to. This type of outlet requires thicker wire than the standard outlet and light switch and the parts are larger as well. However install time is about the same. Your electrician average price per install will probably be about $45 - $60.

Electric Service Hookup to your Home

This is the install of your main electric panel (you know the grey or green panel cabinet in the garage with the little black switches in it) Most homes now days need service of at least 100 amps. If you have a larger home you will need up to 200 amps or more. Check with your electrician or call your power company if you aren't sure how many amps you will need. The electrician average cost for a 100 amp service install (including meter, piping, wire, panel, disconnect and weather head) is about $1500.

Wiring an Entire Home This one can be tricky. It depends entirely on how big your home is and how many electrical hook-ups you have. But a good way to gauge your electrician average cost is to figure on about $35 to $45 dollars a hook-up (a hook-up being anywhere you need electricity - outlets, switches, fans, lights etc.). So count up all your hook-up openings and then multiply that number by $40. However, the best thing to do if you are going to wire an entire house is to get estimates from at least three different electricians and then go with whichever you feel the most comfortable with (comfortable including more than just price...sometime guys will quote you low than actually bill you high).

Sources: Tyler, Ed "Estimating Electrical Construction" Published by Craftsman Book Co.