Electricians charge $50 to $130 an hour in 2026
Most electricians bill $75 to $110 an hour, with apprentices at the low end and master electricians at the top. The first hour is often bundled into a $100 to $200 service call fee, and many electricians bill a one or two hour minimum.
Rates by who you hire
| Apprentice electrician | $50 to $75 |
|---|---|
| Journeyman electrician | $75 to $110 |
| Master electrician | $90 to $130 |
| Emergency or after hours (per hour) | $100 to $260 |
What to know before you book
| First hour | Usually included in a $100 to $200 service call fee. Small jobs like a dead outlet are often done for that fee alone. |
|---|---|
| Minimum charge | One to two hours is common, even for a twenty minute job. |
| Permits | Panel work and rewiring need a permit, $200 to $900 on older homes. Not included in the hourly rate. |
| After hours | $100 to $260 an hour, or 1.5 to 2 times the standard rate. |
| Inspections | A safety inspection is priced like a service call, $100 to $200. |
| What is included | Labor. Parts and permits are extra. Small parts like a switch or outlet are sometimes included. |
Why it costs what it costs
Electrical work carries licensing, insurance and code liability that most trades do not, and a mistake can burn a house down. The hourly rate reflects that risk as much as the skill. The one to two hour minimum exists because the drive and the setup take as long as many small jobs.
What will the labor cost me?
Pick the job, your state's cost level and when you need it. The estimate updates as you change them.
Estimates from published 2026 cost guides. Get a written quote before work starts.
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How much does an electrician charge per hour?
$50 to $130 an hour in 2026, with $75 to $110 typical for a licensed journeyman.
Why does the electrician charge a two hour minimum?
To cover travel, setup and insurance on short jobs. Ask about it when booking.
Does the hourly rate include the service call fee?
Usually the fee covers the first hour. Extra hours are billed at the hourly rate.
How much is an electrician after hours?
$100 to $260 an hour, roughly 1.5 to 2 times the daytime rate.