How much does electrical work cost in California?
Electrical prices in California depend on the job and where you are. Below are the rates real FinerNest pros across California actually charge — by the unit, up front, no quotes to chase.
Quick answer
Based on 15 electrical pros on FinerNest in California, ceiling fan install (existing fixture) runs $100–$200 per unit, and light fixture install (replace) runs $69–$120 per fixture. Rates trend higher in metros like Los Angeles, Santa Paula, San Bernardino.
Electrical prices across California
The rates California pros publish on FinerNest (from 15 pros statewide). Labor only; materials are quoted separately. Where pros differ, you’ll see a range.
| Service | What it includes | Rate (real pros) |
|---|---|---|
Ceiling fan install (existing fixture) Existing box | Mount, wire, balance | $100–$200 per unit |
Ceiling fan install (new location) New wiring | Run wire, box, mount | $206–$300 per unit |
Recessed light install (new) New cans | Cut, wire, install can, trim | $100–$150 per can |
Recessed light replace (retrofit) Replace existing | Swap to LED retrofit | $50–$80 per can |
Outlet / switch replace Replace | Replace device with same type | $25–$100 per outlet |
Outlet / switch new install New wiring | Run wire, box, terminate, trim | $100–$200 per outlet |
USB / smart outlet install | Replace existing with USB or smart device | $34–$100 per outlet |
Light fixture install (replace) Replace | Disconnect, install, test | $69–$120 per fixture |
Light fixture install (new location) New wiring | Wire, box, hang, finish | $172–$220 per fixture |
Smoke / CO detector — battery (replace existing) Battery | Remove old, mount new, test | $20–$100 per unit |
Smoke / CO detector — hardwired Hardwired | Replace or install hardwired with battery backup | $50–$100 per unit |
EV charger install — Level 2 Level 2 | Mount charger, run dedicated 240V circuit | $344–$800 per project |
Electrical panel upgrade Panel upgrade | 100A → 200A or panel replacement | $687–$2,700 per panel |
See electrical prices and pros by city: Palmdale, Los Angeles.
Electrical pros in California
Electrical cost FAQ — California
How much does electrical work cost in California?
Electrical work in California is priced by the unit rather than as one lump bid — each service has its own rate. The table above shows what 15 real California pros charge on FinerNest, and your price is locked before work starts.
Why are California electrical prices shown as ranges?
Pros set their own rates, so where they differ you see a low-to-high range across California. Bigger metros usually trend toward the higher end. Pick a city for local rates and the specific pros near you.
Are these real prices or estimates?
Real. They come from rates 15 California pros published on FinerNest — not generic estimates. Open a pro to see their full rate card.