What electricians should charge in Washington.
Fair billed labor here runs about $64–$146/hour, about 47% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what electricians actually earn in Washington; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should electricians charge in Washington?
In Washington, electricians earn $32.04–$58.43 per hour (median $45.78, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 47% 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 Washington runs about $64–$146 per hour. For example, ceiling fan or fixture install is about $65–$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 $64–$146/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 $64–$146/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 $64–$146/hr billed.
Before you hire in Washington
Contractors register with L&I; the "Verify" tool shows bond, insurance and lawsuits against the bond. One of the best lookup tools in the country — use it.
How to verify a Washington license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
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Other fair price checks in Washington
Compare electricians rates across all states · all fair price checks