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 9 electrical pros on FinerNest in California, ceiling fan install (existing fixture) runs $100–$200 per unit, and outlet / switch replace runs $25–$85 per outlet. Rates trend higher in metros like Los Angeles, Oxnard, Gardena.
Electrical prices across California
The rates California pros publish on FinerNest (from 9 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–$85 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–$80 per outlet |
Light fixture install (replace) Replace | Disconnect, install, test | $69–$85 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–$50 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–$800 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 9 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 9 California pros published on FinerNest — not generic estimates. Open a pro to see their full rate card.