Electricians in California
We list 5,614 electricians in 673 California cities and towns. Pick a city to compare them, or send one request and let local electricians come to you.
Cities in California
Smaller towns (262)
How to choose a electrician
Look up the electrical license
Most states license electricians, often at apprentice, journeyman and master levels, and many also require a contractor license to pull permits. Ask for the license number and look it up on your state or city licensing board's website. Make sure it is active and in the name of the business you are hiring.
Insist on a permit
Panel upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers and generator hookups usually need a permit and an inspection. The inspection is an independent check that the work meets code. If a contractor offers to skip it to save money, find someone else.
Compare itemized quotes
A good quote spells out the equipment by brand and amperage, the labor, permit fees, any utility coordination and drywall patching. For panels and EV chargers, ask whether the price includes a load calculation. Comparing line by line shows you where two quotes really differ.
Confirm insurance coverage
Ask for a certificate of liability insurance and proof of workers' compensation. Electrical mistakes can cause fires or injuries, and you want the contractor's insurance responsible, not yours. Check that the policy dates cover your project.
Watch for red flags
Be cautious of cash-only deals, no written contract, or pressure to sign the same day. Ask for a clear explanation if someone recommends replacing a panel you were told was fine. A normal payment schedule ties payments to finished stages of the job.
What it typically costs
These are typical US price ranges, and prices in your area may be higher or lower.
Moving to 200 amps, utility service changes and relocating the panel push the price higher.
Distance from the panel and whether the panel needs more capacity matter most.
Generator size, fuel line work and the type of transfer switch drive the cost.
Running wire through finished walls or a long way from the panel costs more.
Common questions
How much does an electrician charge per hour?
Many electricians charge roughly $50 to $150 an hour, and some add a service call fee. Master electricians, emergency calls and higher-cost cities tend toward the top of that range or above it. For defined jobs like a panel swap or an EV charger, ask for a flat price instead.
Do I need to upgrade my panel to install an EV charger?
Not always, because it depends on your panel's capacity and how much power your home already uses. An electrician can do a load calculation to see whether there is room. Some homes can use a load management device instead of a full panel upgrade.
How do I know if my home needs rewiring?
Warning signs include breakers that trip often, flickering lights, warm or discolored outlets, a burning smell, or very old wiring such as knob and tube. A burning smell or a hot outlet is a reason to call an electrician right away. A licensed electrician can inspect the system and tell you whether repairs or a full rewire make sense.
Can I do my own electrical work in your area?
It depends on where you live. Some places let homeowners do limited work on their own home with a permit, while others require a licensed electrician for nearly everything. Check with the building department in your area before you start, and leave panel and service work to a licensed professional.
What size generator do I need for my home?
It depends on what you want to run during an outage. Powering a few essentials like the refrigerator, furnace fan and some lights takes far less capacity than running the whole house, including central air. An electrician can add up your loads and recommend a generator and transfer switch that fit.
Is a commercial electrician different from a residential one?
Often yes, because commercial work involves different wiring methods, three-phase power, larger equipment and tighter schedules. Not every residential electrician takes on commercial jobs. Ask any contractor how much commercial work they do and for examples of similar projects.