What electricians should charge in District of Columbia.
Fair billed labor here runs about $59–$147/hour, about 22% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what electricians actually earn in District of Columbia; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should electricians charge in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, electricians earn $29.44–$58.68 per hour (median $37.97, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 22% above the median US state for this trade. A legitimate business bills 2–2.5× wages to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment, overhead and profit, so fair billed labor in District of Columbia runs about $59–$147 per hour. For example, ceiling fan or fixture install is about $60–$450 in fair labor, before materials.
Fair price by job
Ceiling fan or fixture install
That assumes an existing, properly-rated box; new wiring or a new switch leg adds time.
Typical labor: 1–3 hours at $59–$147/hr billed.
Add a new outlet or switch
That assumes one new device fed from a nearby circuit with accessible framing or attic/crawl access.
Typical labor: 1–3 hours at $59–$147/hr billed.
Panel upgrade to 200A
That assumes a straightforward service upgrade; utility coordination and permit fees are added at cost.
Plus materials: panel, breakers and permit typically add several hundred dollars up, and the permit should appear on the bid.
Typical labor: 8–16 hours at $59–$147/hr billed.
Before you hire in District of Columbia
Home improvement contractors and specialty trades are licensed by the District.
How to verify a District of Columbia license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
Find electricians near you in District of Columbia
Other fair price checks in District of Columbia
Compare electricians rates across all states · all fair price checks