Electrical work in Los Angeles covers wiring, breaker panels, outlets, switches, lighting, ceiling fans and safety upgrades in a city of single-family homes and apartments. Older homes in established neighborhoods may have aging wiring or full panels, while newer homes often need new circuits for large appliances, EV chargers or home additions. Because electrical work must meet local code and faulty wiring is a fire risk, this is not a do-it-yourself job. Electricians usually charge by the hour, with a higher rate for the first hour that includes the trip.
What does electrician cost in Los Angeles?
Nationally electricians charge $50-$100 per hour, with the first hour often around $150 because it includes the trip, a breaker replacement at $150-$250, a panel replacement averaging about $1,347 and a panel upgrade at $1,200-$2,500. In Los Angeles, expect rates above the national average for many jobs, since travel time across the sprawling city can affect a quote. Larger homes can also need more circuits than a small apartment.
| Job | Typical US range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $50-$100 (first hour often ~$150 with trip) | Typical hourly rate per Angi; first hour often higher with trip fee |
| Breaker replacement | $150-$250 | Replacing a single circuit breaker |
| Panel replacement | ~$1,347 avg | Average cost to replace an electrical panel |
| Panel upgrade | $1,200-$2,500 | Upgrading a panel to higher capacity |
Typical US ranges based on published HomeAdvisor / Angi / Thumbtack cost guides, checked November 2026. Your quote will vary by city, job complexity and scope -- always get 2-3 written quotes.
Good to know in Los Angeles
- Adding an EV charger or a large appliance is a common reason for a panel upgrade in LA — an electrician can inspect the panel first.
- Older homes may have wiring that does not meet modern needs, so ask whether the work will be inspected and meet local code.
- If a breaker keeps tripping, do not just reset it and ignore the cause — unplug the appliances on that circuit and call an electrician.
Booking a electrician company in Los Angeles
For sparking outlets, a burning smell or a panel problem, call the same day and do not keep using the affected circuit. For planned work such as new outlets, lighting or a ceiling fan, a few days to a week of lead time is usually enough. For a panel upgrade or an EV charger, allow extra time for a written quote, a permit and an inspection.
Top electrician companies in Los Angeles
Verified companies with real ratings from public listings. Ratings were checked November 7, 2026 — confirm on the source listing before you book.
Express Electrical Services
★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5 · 3335 reviews · via Google Business Profile
Electrical panel upgrades, outlet replacement, troubleshooting; residential and commercial
Areas: Los Angeles (East Los Angeles-based)
Win Electric Los Angeles
★★★★★ 5.0 / 5 · 136 reviews · via Google Business Profile
Panel upgrades and new electrical installations
Areas: Los Angeles
Zoom Electricians
★★★★★ 5.0 / 5 · 86 reviews · via Google Business Profile
EV charger installs and emergency electrical repairs
Areas: Los Angeles
EZ Pro Electrician Los Angeles
★★★★★ 5.0 / 5 · 76 reviews · via Google Business Profile
Residential electrical repairs, subpanel additions, breaker replacements
Areas: Los Angeles
Power Plus Electrical
★★★★☆ 4.9 / 5 · 78 reviews · via Google Business Profile
Panel repair, new construction electrical, breaker replacement, emergency callouts
Areas: Los Angeles
How to choose — quick checklist
- Confirm the electrician is licensed and insured in your state
- Ask for a written quote that lists labor, parts and any permit fees
- Check reviews for safety, cleanliness and clear communication
- Ask whether the work will be inspected and meet local code
- For larger jobs, compare at least two quotes and ask what is included
Red flags to watch for
- No license, or work offered without a permit where one is required
- A quote that does not list parts, labor or permit costs
- Advice to skip an inspection or to hide work from the city
- A price far below other quotes for panel or rewiring work
Frequently asked questions about electrician in Los Angeles
Nationally electricians charge $50-$100 per hour, with the first hour often around $150 because it includes the trip. In Los Angeles, expect rates above the national average because of travel time. Ask whether the quote is hourly or flat before work begins.
Nationally a panel replacement averages around $1,347, while a panel upgrade to higher capacity costs $1,200-$2,500. Los Angeles prices often run above those ranges. The final price depends on panel size, home wiring and whether a permit and inspection are needed.
You may need one if the panel is full and cannot take new circuits, if you are adding a large appliance or an EV charger, or if the panel is old, damaged or uses a recalled brand. An electrician can inspect the panel and tell you whether an upgrade is needed.
More in Los Angeles
- Garage Door Repair in Los Angeles
- Pest Control in Los Angeles
- Landscaping & Lawn Care in Los Angeles
- Tree Service & Removal in Los Angeles
- Appliance Repair in Los Angeles
- House Cleaning in Los Angeles
- Fence Installation in Los Angeles
- House Painting in Los Angeles
- Junk Removal in Los Angeles
- Water Damage Restoration in Los Angeles
- Plumber in Los Angeles
- HVAC — Heating & Air Conditioning in Los Angeles
- Locksmith in Los Angeles
- Roofer in Los Angeles
- Movers in Los Angeles