Need an electrician in Houston but don’t know what to budget? Great, this quick, practical 2026 price guide breaks down common costs, what affects the final bill, and how to hire the right pro without getting ripped off. I’ll also highlight when to call a residential pro vs. a specialist for larger jobs.
Quick summary (TL; DR)
- Service call / diagnostic: roughly $75–$150 (sometimes higher for nights/weekends or emergencies).
- Hourly labor (typical residential): about $75–$150 per hour.
- Basic jobs (outlet, switch, light fixture): $75–$300 depending on complexity.
- Panel upgrade: $1,200–$4,000+ depending on amperage and permitting.
- Whole-house rewiring: $4,000–$20,000+ depending on size & finish.
- Commercial jobs: typically, higher hourly rates and project-based pricing; expect $100–$250+/hour and multi-thousand-dollar projects.
If you want local options in Houston, try searching for a Licensed electrician near me or for bigger projects look up commercial electrician near me.
Typical residential prices (what you’ll most often see)
- Service call / diagnosis: $75–$150. Many electricians apply the service fee toward the job if you hire them.
- Outlet or switch replacement: $75–$200 — simple swap vs. replacement in a hard-to-reach wall will change price.
- Light fixture install (existing wiring): $100–$300 — dimmers, ceiling fans, or vaulted ceilings add complexity.
- GFCI / AFCI installs: $100–$300 per device (materials + labor).
- Small circuit runs (short length): $150–$500 depending on boxes and drywall work.
- Breaker replacement: $100–$300 per breaker (plus panel access issues).
- Panel upgrade (e.g., 100A→200A): $1,200–$4,000+ — depends on permit costs, meter work, and if service mast/conduit needs changing.
- Partial / whole-house rewiring: $4,000–$20,000+ — depends on home size, number of circuits, wall types, and code upgrades.
Commercial Pricing — What’s Different?
Commercial electrical work often involves:
- Higher hourly rates due to prevailing-wage requirements, union labor, or specialty training.
- Project pricing rather than per-hour for larger installs.
- Additional costs for coordination with other trades, safety plans, and business-hours scheduling.
Estimate ranges: $100–$250+ per hour for onsite labor, while larger projects (new retail tenant, restaurant kitchen, industrial machinery) commonly run into tens of thousands depending on scope. For commercial project bids In Houston, contact commercial electrician near me to get multiple quotes.
What Affects the Price? (So, You Know What to Watch)
- Scope & complexity: More circuits, meters, and specialty systems = more labor and materials.
- Accessibility: Attic, crawl space, or finished walls increase labor time and cost.
- Permits & inspections: Houston/Harris County permit fees and inspection corrections add cost — factor them in.
- Materials & fixtures: Branded panels, AFCI/GFCI devices, surge protection, or smart panels cost more.
- Time & urgency: Nights, weekends, and emergency calls usually carry a premium.
- Licensing & insurance: Licensed pros cost more than handymen — but you get safety, code compliance, and liability protection.
- Commercial vs. residential: Commercial codes, plans, and coordination push prices up.
How to Get a Fair Price? (Step-by-Step)
- Get at least 3 written estimates. Ask for itemized quotes (labor, materials, permit).
- Confirm licensing & insurance. Always hire a licensed electrician and ask for proof of insurance. Use searches like Licensed electrician near me to start.
- Ask about permits. A proper pro will pull permits and schedule inspections — that protects you and resale value.
- Check references & reviews. Look on Google, Yelp, BBB, and local community pages. Ask for recent examples of similar work.
- Clarify payment terms. Avoid large upfront cash payments. Use milestones for big jobs.
- Get a written warranty. Many electricians offer 1–5-year workmanship warranties.
Money-Saving Tips (Without Cutting Corners)
- Bundle jobs. Doing several things in one visit reduces repeat service call charges.
- Buy fixtures yourself (if you’re confident) and ask the electrician to install — sometimes cheaper than buying markup fixtures through the contractor.
- Schedule during regular hours. Avoid emergency or weekend pricing.
- Ask about financing for big items like panel upgrades — many contractors partner with lenders.
Red Flags — What to Avoid
- No license or insurance proof.
- Demands for full cash up front.
- Vague, verbal-only estimates.
- Pressure to skip permits or inspections.
- No contract or refusal to provide references.
Final Checklist Before you Hire
- Verify license and insurance.
- Get an itemized written estimate.
- Confirm who pulls permits.
- Request a timeline and warranty in writing.
- Ask for a final walk-through and explanation of the work performed.
Closing & Next Steps
Budget wisely, small jobs can be under a few hundred dollars, while safety-critical work (panels, rewiring) can reach thousands. If you’re ready to compare local pros, search for a Licensed electrician near me for residential needs or a commercial electrician near me for business and large projects. Get multiple quotes, verify licenses, and don’t skip permits — it saves money and headaches down the road.