How Much Does an Electrician Cost in Massachusetts?
A licensed Massachusetts electrician typically charges $85–$150 an hour, with small jobs like an outlet or fixture running $120–$500 and a full panel upgrade reaching several thousand. Use these 2026 ranges to plan; your electrician confirms the exact quote after assessing your wiring.
Electrical price ranges in Massachusetts
Honest 2026 estimates for the most common electrical jobs. These are typical ranges to help you budget — not quotes. Your pro confirms the exact price after seeing the work.
| Common job | Typical cost | Basis | What's typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic visit | $100–$250 | per job | Trip plus troubleshooting; sometimes credited toward the fix. |
| Standard labor rate | $85–$150 | per hour | Licensed electrician; master electricians bill higher. |
| Replace an outlet or switch | $120–$300 | per fixture | More for GFCI, USB, or hard-to-reach boxes. |
| Install a light fixture | $150–$500 | per fixture | Chandeliers and high ceilings push toward the top. |
| Install a ceiling fan | $200–$650 | per job | Higher if no existing box or wiring is present. |
| Install recessed lighting | $150–$350 | per light | Per can; new circuits or dimmers add cost. |
| Add a dedicated circuit | $250–$900 | per job | For a microwave, A/C, or appliance; depends on run length. |
| EV charger install (Level 2) | $600–$2,200 | per job | Depends on panel capacity and distance to the garage. |
| Panel upgrade (100A → 200A) | $1,800–$4,000 | per job | Includes permit and utility coordination in most towns. |
Estimates reflect typical 2026 Massachusetts pricing and are for planning only — they are not quotes or guarantees. Actual cost depends on your home, materials, and scope; your pro confirms the exact price before any work begins.
How pricing works on Handy Circle
Your pro sets and keeps 100% of their quote — better pay means better pros. Handy Circle adds a transparent 20% service fee on top at checkout, and you see the full price before you confirm. No hidden markups, and we never sell your details to a pile of contractors who spam-call you — you're matched with one vetted, background-checked Massachusetts pro.
Every price on this page is an honest estimate to help you budget. The real number comes from your pro once they understand the job.
What affects your electrical price
Why two homes get different quotes for the same job.
Licensing is mandatory
Massachusetts requires a licensed electrician for essentially all electrical work, so rates reflect regulated, insured, code-compliant labor.
Panel capacity
Adding an EV charger or dedicated circuit to a maxed-out 100-amp panel may trigger a panel upgrade — the single biggest cost swing.
Old wiring
Knob-and-tube and ungrounded two-prong wiring, common in older MA homes, often needs updating before new work can be added safely.
Permits and inspection
Panel upgrades, new circuits, and EV chargers require a town electrical permit and inspection, adding fees and a bit of schedule.
Fixture and finish
A basic fixture versus a heavy chandelier, or a surface box versus fishing wire through a finished wall, changes labor time significantly.
Electrical pricing in Massachusetts
Massachusetts strictly regulates electrical work — a licensed electrician and a town permit are required for the vast majority of jobs, which is a good thing for safety but keeps rates at or above the national average, particularly around Boston, Cambridge, and the MetroWest suburbs. Many older homes still carry knob-and-tube or ungrounded wiring, and EV-charger and heat-pump installs (both surging thanks to Mass Save incentives) frequently reveal that a 100-amp service needs to be upgraded to 200 amps first. Ask your electrician whether your project may qualify for any Mass Save or utility rebate.
Electrical cost questions, answered
Why do electricians charge a diagnostic fee?
Finding an intermittent fault or a tripping breaker is skilled troubleshooting. Massachusetts electricians typically charge $100–$250 for a service call, and many apply it toward the repair.
Do I need a permit to add an outlet or EV charger?
New circuits, EV chargers, and panel work require a town electrical permit and inspection in Massachusetts. Your licensed electrician pulls the permit and coordinates the inspection as part of the job.
Will an EV charger need a panel upgrade?
Sometimes. If your panel is already near capacity, a Level 2 charger may require upgrading from 100 to 200 amps, which is why the install range is wide. Your electrician confirms after checking your panel.
How does Handy Circle pricing work?
The electrician sets and keeps 100% of their quote; Handy Circle adds a clear 20% service fee on top at checkout. We never sell your details to a pile of contractors — you deal with one vetted pro.
Explore other Massachusetts prices
Plumbing
$95–$175/hr · most repairs $150–$650
Painting
interior $2–$6/sq ft · a room $350–$800
House Cleaning
standard clean $120–$220 · deep clean $200–$400
Furniture Assembly
per item $40–$150 · $50–$90/hr
Moving Help
two movers $90–$160/hr · 2-hr minimum
Carpentry
$60–$110/hr · built-ins $500–$3,000
HVAC
repair $150–$800 · central AC install $5k–$12k
Handyman
$60–$110/hr · half-day $250–$450
Get an exact electrical quote today
Skip the guesswork. Get matched with one vetted Massachusetts electrical pro who confirms the real price — and track them to your door in the free iOS app.