Guide to Electrician Costs & Estimates in Canada

Electricians charge an hourly rate which usually falls between $65 to $130 per hour. When it comes to an entire project, you can expect to spend an average of $400, or within the range of $205 to $646 or more depending on the project. Both hourly and project rates will vary depending on the type of project you need done, as well as the license and experience of the electrician.

A fully licensed electrician can charge between $65 to $130 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job and their license type. Keep in mind this hourly cost does not include additional costs for parts or for trip fees.

It’s important to note that there is a difference between the rate the electrician gets paid and the rate the electrician will bill. There are two hourly rates that most electricians charge. Sometimes travel, supplies and overhead are included in the hourly rate. Other electricians will provide a detailed line item bill with hourly rates separate from the other costs.

There are a few minor cost factors to consider when hiring a local electrician:
Certain items that are heavy and bulky that take up extra space in the moving truck will also cost more. These items include:

When you need electrician services and reach out to professionals, they will each bid a total cost for the project. Make sure each bid is detailed with the price of parts and labour for each job in your home. Make sure all expectations of the project are in writing and that you completely understand the terms and conditions of the work. Take the time to understand the warranties and everything included in the estimate. Also make sure that your electrician is licensed and bonded.

Service Call, Consultation, No-Show, and Inspection Rates

Typically any job that needs a diagnosis, such as service calls or consultations, will cost somewhere between $65 to $130 per hour. The first hour usually costs more, sometimes up to $195. This increased first hour price helps cover gas, travel time and small parts. Electricians will usually bill larger parts separately. Consultations and inspections are usually considered service calls and will fall into the same price range.

The cost of an inspection will vary depending on the type of inspection it is. A service call is an inspection to diagnose a problem. Inspections for code compliance are typically free and are performed by a local electrical inspector.

Emergencies and Off-Hour Services

If you need an electrician during evenings, weekends or holidays, you can expect to pay anywhere from time and a half to double the hourly rate plus a trip charge of $130 to $260 or more. On these days, some electricians will charge hourly minimums of 2-4 hours. This means that even if your job only takes 30 minutes, you will still be charged for the hourly minimum.

Electricians will charge different prices for emergencies, night work, weekends, holidays and the first hour. To find the best rate, be sure to consult multiple electricians in your area for the best quote.

Licensed Master vs. Journeyman vs. Apprentice

Average Hourly Rates by License Type

It is common that an electrician will charge a minimum trip fee for a job, usually around $30. This fee is sometimes part of the first hour of labour, which tends to be 1.5 times the hourly rate. To help cut costs, have an electrician work on various jobs at once, as opposed to having them come out multiple times. Since you will be paying a minimum fee for just the visit, you can save a bit of money by grouping your projects together.

Average Electrician Project Rates

Having a generator installed will cost on average about $4500, or anywhere between $1300 and $7800. If your generator needs repairs, this will cost you about $325. Generators have been increasing in popularity for backup power, recreational vehicles, and off-grid living. If you rely on a generator for power, ensuring they are in working order is important.

These two repairs are relatively simple and low cost. To update a single outlet will only cost a few dollars, while installing an outlet will cost about $250. Keep in mind that electricians charge a minimum service call fee, so for small jobs like this, it’s best to combine them so you get the most out of your electrician’s visit.

The average price for wiring a house is $1580. Materials will cost you anywhere from $7 to $10.

The cost of wiring a house has a lot to do with how accessible the wiring routes are. If you are having the wiring done during a remodel when the walls are open, the job will take significantly less time and cost less. However, if your walls need to be demolished to access the wiring, you will need to budget an additional $2240 for new drywall.

This is another simple job where the cost will vary by type. Excluding the cost of the trip free, installing a light fixture can cost you anywhere from $92 to $988 or more, depending on whether it’s a simple replacement or you are installing in a new location that needs new wiring.

The cost for replacing an electrical breaker is $39 to $79 per breaker plus about an hour of time for a total charge of $130 to $210. If you are upgrading the entire electrical panel, this will cost between $659 and $2100, depending on the size and complexity.

The average price to install an attic fan is $725. An attic fan will remove hot and humid air from the attic by drawing in cooler air from the home below, which will help with cooling costs. A ceiling fan inside the home costs $330 on average to be installed.

If you want to include smart home automation in your home, plan to budget an average of $1580. Ask your electrician if a licensed pro is needed to install certain devices.

While the cost of hiring an electrician can be high, electrical work should never be a DIY job. Being an electrician requires years of practice, special knowledge, skills and safety precautions. If you need help with any electrical problem, be sure to hire a professional to take on the job.