Electrical work is regulated, safety-critical and often invisible once it's done — so your quote has to explain the value clearly. This guide shows how to set your rate, price common jobs consistently and find more local work.
1. Your hourly cost
2. Price per device and per circuit
For common residential work, a unit price per device (outlet, switch, light fixture, smoke alarm) and per new circuit is faster to quote and easier for customers to compare than hourly guesses. Build each unit price from your average install time × your rate, plus materials and margin, and add adjustments for difficult access — finished ceilings, plaster walls, long fishing runs.
3. Quote bigger jobs line by line
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site visit & load check of existing panel | 1 visit | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Level 2 charger circuit — 40 A breaker, wire & conduit (up to 30 ft) | 1 circuit | $780.00 | $780.00 |
| Extra run beyond 30 ft | 15 ft | $18.00 | $270.00 |
| Mount & connect customer-supplied charger | 1 unit | $220.00 | $220.00 |
| Electrical permit & inspection | 1 job | $180.00 | $180.00 |
| Subtotal | $1,575.00 | ||
| Tax (13% — use your own local rate) | $204.75 | ||
| Total | $1,779.75 | ||
If the load check shows the panel can’t take the new circuit, quote a load-management device or panel upgrade as a separate option.
Example numbers only — prices vary a lot by area, season and job. Use your own costs.
For panel upgrades and new circuits, always check the existing service and do a load calculation before you promise anything — then give the customer clear options (for example a load-management device vs. a full service upgrade).
Permits and inspections are part of the job
Include the permit and inspection in the price and explain why it matters: it protects the customer's home, insurance and resale. Customers who see "permit included" trust the quote more — and an unpermitted job is a risk you don't want.
4. Where local electrical work comes from
- EV chargers, heat pumps and solar. These all need new circuits or panel capacity — a growing source of planned (not emergency) work.
- Home sales. Inspection reports often flag old panels, ungrounded outlets or missing GFCI protection. Agents need electricians who can quote fast.
- Renovation partners. Kitchen and basement contractors need a reliable electrician. Be the one who shows up on time.
- Smoke & CO alarms. A simple, affordable service that gets you into homes and builds relationships.
- Genie. Claim the local projects you want and send itemized quotes clients sign on their phone.
5. Electrical quote checklist
- ✅ Existing panel and service checked; load calculated
- ✅ Each device and circuit listed with a unit price
- ✅ Access difficulty and patching responsibility stated
- ✅ Permit and inspection included
- ✅ Options for panel capacity explained
- ✅ Warranty on workmanship stated
- ✅ Client signs online before you start
Electrical work must be done by appropriately licensed people and follow your local electrical code and permit rules.