How much does electrical repair cost?
Most single-visit electrical repairs cost $150-$500, including the service call, diagnosis, labor, and common small parts. Larger electrical work moves quickly into $800-$4,000+ when the job needs a new circuit, panel work, long wire run, permit, or utility coordination.
The price depends less on the broken device and more on what the electrician has to touch: an existing outlet, a hidden wiring fault, the breaker panel, a finished-wall wire run, or a permitted service upgrade.
Electrical repair cost by problem
Service call and diagnosis
$100-$250How to tellYou need the electrician to trace a dead outlet, repeated breaker trip, buzzing device, or flickering light before quoting the fix
The fixOn-site diagnosis, circuit testing, panel check, and written repair scope
Outlet, switch, dimmer, or GFCI repair
$150-$350How to tellOne device is dead, loose, warm, sparking, buzzing, or will not reset
The fixReplace device, confirm line/load wiring, check downstream outlets, and test the circuit
Breaker replacement or circuit troubleshooting
$150-$500How to tellBreaker keeps tripping, feels warm, will not reset, or trips under normal load
The fixTest for overload, short, ground fault, nuisance AFCI trip, or failed breaker before replacing parts
Light fixture or ceiling fan repair/install
$150-$650How to tellFixture failed, fan wobbles, box is not fan-rated, or you want a fixture swapped
The fixReplace fixture, secure rated box if needed, verify switch leg and grounding
New circuit, panel, or wiring repair
$800-$4,000+How to tellYou need an EV charger, generator inlet, dedicated appliance circuit, panel upgrade, or wiring opened behind walls
The fixPermit, new wire run, panel work, inspection, and sometimes utility scheduling
Before you pay for a repair visit
- Check the breaker panel. A tripped breaker usually sits between ON and OFF; flip it fully OFF, then ON. If it trips again right away, stop resetting it and call an electrician.
- Look for a tripped GFCI outlet. Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and outdoor outlets may be protected by a GFCI in another room. Press TEST, then RESET.
- Unplug recent devices on the circuit. Space heaters, hair dryers, microwaves, portable AC units, and treadmills often overload a shared circuit.
- Write down every small electrical task before scheduling. Bundling outlets, switches, fixtures, and doorbell work into one visit lowers the cost per item.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call an electrician, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- You smell burning plastic, see scorch marks, or hear buzzing from an outlet, switch, or panel
- A breaker trips immediately with nothing plugged into the circuit
- An outlet or switch plate is warm to the touch
- The repair involves the breaker panel, a new circuit, aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube wiring, or any permit-required work
Repair or replace?
Replace small devices when they fail. Outlets, switches, dimmers, GFCIs, and individual breakers are usually cheaper to replace than to repair. Replace the whole panel only when the issue is capacity, age, unsafe equipment, repeated main-breaker trips, or a known hazardous panel brand. One bad outlet does not justify a whole-house rewire.
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Related questions
Why is a small electrical repair so expensive?
Because the service call minimum covers the trip, licensed labor, tools, insurance, and diagnosis. A single outlet replacement may take 30 minutes, but the electrician still has to reserve a truck visit. Bundling several small jobs into one appointment is the best way to lower the per-task cost.
How much does an electrician charge per hour?
Many residential electricians quote by the task, but common hourly ranges are roughly $50-$130 per hour plus a service call or first-hour minimum. Emergency, licensed master electrician, and high-cost metro rates can be higher.
Is electrical troubleshooting worth paying for?
Yes when the problem repeats, involves the panel, or has heat, smell, buzzing, or scorch marks. A recurring trip or warm outlet is not just an inconvenience; it is a sign the circuit needs diagnosis.
Can a handyman do electrical repairs?
For hired work, use a licensed electrician whenever wiring, panels, permits, or safety devices are involved. Some small cosmetic fixture swaps may be allowed in some places, but unlicensed electrical work can create insurance and resale problems.