You’ve got a breaker that won’t stop tripping. Or maybe you’re upgrading your panel before summer hits and the AC kicks in full blast. Whatever the reason, you’re probably wondering:
“How much is this going to cost me?”
Here’s the honest answer, it depends. But this guide will give you a clear idea of what electricians charge in Sacramento, what affects the price, and how to avoid getting ripped off.
Typical Hourly Rates in Sacramento
Let’s start with the basics. Most electricians charge by the hour, unless it’s a flat-fee job like installing a ceiling fan or replacing an outlet.
In Sacramento, you’ll usually see:
- Licensed Electrician: $125–$175+ per hour
- Apprentice (under supervision): $75–$100+ per hour
- Emergency call or weekends: $200–$300+ per hour
If it’s midnight and your panel just started sparking, yeah, you’re gonna pay more. That’s true with any tradesperson.
But here at Old Town Electric, we’re upfront. No surprise fees. No guessing games. We let you know what to expect before we touch a single wire.
Common Jobs & What They Cost
Some jobs are simple. Some aren’t. Here’s what Sacramento homeowners usually pay for the most requested electrical work:
Electrical Panel Upgrades
- Average: $2,000–$4,000
- Why: Depends on amperage, age of your home, permit needs, and if rewiring is involved.
Outlet or Switch Installation
- Standard Outlet: $150–$300+
- GFCI Outlet (like for a bathroom): $175–$350+
- Smart Dimmer Switch: $250–$400+
EV Charger Installation
- Level 2 Home Charger: $950–$2,500+
Includes wiring, 240V breaker, and permit.
We’ve done dozens of EV installs across Natomas, Rocklin, and Elk Grove. Every garage’s a little different, which is why we always recommend a quick walk-through first.
Ceiling Fan Installation
- Existing Wiring: $200–$400+
- No Existing Wiring: $350–$800+
That second one? It gets pricey because we’re crawling through the attic or fishing wires behind drywall.
Rewiring a Whole House
- Old homes (pre-1970): $10,000–$25,000+
- Partial rewires: $3,000–$7,000+
We recently rewired a craftsman in East Sacramento, no insulation, knob-and-tube wiring everywhere. Took us six days. Worth every penny for peace of mind.
What Changes the Price?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pricing. Here’s what really drives up the cost, or keeps it manageable.
1. Complexity
Running a wire six feet to a new outlet? Easy.
Upgrading a 100-amp panel in a 1950s ranch with buried lines and no attic access? That’s a whole different story.
2. Permits & City Rules
Sacramento County’s strict about inspections. If your job needs a permit, it’ll add to your cost, but skipping it isn’t worth the risk.
3. Time of Day
Need us out there on a Sunday? Or after hours? Expect to pay a little more. We’ve got families too, and sometimes those calls come with premium pricing.
4. Materials
Copper isn’t cheap. Breakers, smart switches, surge protectors, it all adds up. Ask if your quote includes parts.
5. Location
If you’re out in Loomis or Placerville, you might see a small travel fee. Most Sacramento-area electricians factor in mileage if it’s outside their regular service zone.
South Land Park Upgrade
One of our customers, Sarah, had just bought a 1970s home in South Land Park. The lights were flickering and the breakers were warm to the touch (not a good sign).
We did:
- A panel upgrade to 200 amps
- Swapped 15 old outlets to tamper-resistant ones
- Added a dedicated line for her kitchen appliances
Total cost: $6,900
Timeline: 3 days
Permit & inspection: Passed first go
Sarah emailed us a week later and said, “I can run the oven, microwave, AND hair dryer without anything tripping, finally!”
Want to Save Money?
Here’s how smart homeowners keep their bills in check:
- Bundle jobs. Need a fan, a few outlets, and a charger? Do them in one visit.
- Plan ahead. Don’t wait until something sparks, schedule before peak season (like summer).
- Skip the handyman. Unlicensed work can fail inspection, or worse, start a fire.
- Ask for warranties. We back up our work with solid guarantees. No added fees. Just peace of mind.
Sacramento-Specific Factors
If you’ve lived here long, you know Sacramento summers are brutal. The power grid gets stretched, and outdated panels struggle to keep up. That’s why panel upgrades and surge protection jobs spike around June.
Then there’s the older neighborhoods, think Curtis Park, Oak Park, and parts of Midtown. Beautiful homes, but man, the wiring can be a mess.
If your home was built before 1975, chances are you’ve got aluminum wiring, old breaker boxes, or limited grounding. Don’t ignore it, those issues get expensive fast if they lead to damage.
Choosing the Right Electrician Near You
Google “electrician near me” and you’ll get pages of results.
But not all electricians are created equal.
Here’s what to look for in Sacramento:
- Licensed & insured in CA
- Local references (not just generic reviews)
- Transparent pricing
- No-pressure quotes
- Knowledge of local code
At Old Town Electric, we’re proud to serve Sacramento, Folsom, Citrus Heights, and surrounding cities with real integrity.
You don’t just want the cheapest. You want it done right—the first time.
What Should You Budget?
Alright, here’s your cheat sheet.
| Job Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Outlet/Switch | $150–$300+ |
| Ceiling Fan | $200–$800+ |
| Panel Upgrade | $2,000–$4,000+ |
| EV Charger | $850–$2,500+ |
| Rewiring | $3,000–$25,000+ |
If you’re still wondering, “How much does an electrician cost in Sacramento?”, let’s talk. We’ll walk your space, look at your needs, and give you an honest quote.
Let’s Fix It Right
Whether it’s a quick outlet repair or a full-home upgrade, Old Town Electric is here to help.
Locally owned and operated
Free estimates, no pressure
Call or text us today to schedule!
