Electrician costs
Electrician costs 2026
An electrician costs on average between €65 and €150 per hour, depending on urgency and timing. Electricians carry out all kinds of electrical work, from replacing a consumer unit to resolving power outages. In this price guide, you can read about what an electrician costs and what to look out for when hiring a professional.
Table of Contents
- How much does an electrician cost?
- Electrician costs per type of job
- Price-determining factors for an electrician
- Additional costs and surcharges
- How does the electrician work?
- How can you save on electrician costs?
- Common electrical problems
- Find the best electrician for your job
- Frequently asked questions about electrician costs
- Book an electrician
- Useful links
How much does an electrician cost?
An electrician costs on average between €65 and €85 per hour for regular work during office hours. For emergencies, evenings, or weekend work, costs can rise to €120 to €150 per hour. The final price depends on the type of job, the urgency, and the time at which the work is performed.
Electrician hourly rates
| Situation | Price per hour |
|---|---|
| Regular work | €65 – €85 |
| Emergencies/evening/weekend | €120 – €150 |
These rates form the basis for most electrical tasks. The average hourly rate for standard work on weekdays is usually the most favourable.
Costs per electrical job
| Type of job | Average price |
|---|---|
| Replace consumer unit | €800 – €1,450 |
| Replace socket | €100 – €150 |
| Install Perilex connection | €150 – €200 |
| Connect lights | €100 – €150 |
| Resolve power outage | €100 – €200 |
| Install extra circuit | €150 – €300 |
These prices give you an indication of what to expect for various electrical tasks. A simple task such as replacing a socket costs significantly less than replacing an entire consumer unit.
Average call-out charges in the market are between €20 and €40, but at Zoofy you do not pay call-out charges. All mentioned prices include 21% VAT and labour, so you know exactly where you stand.
Electrician costs per type of job
The price for an electrician varies greatly per job. A simple task like connecting lights costs from €100, while a complete consumer unit replacement can go up to €1,450. Below you can see what different electrical jobs cost.
| Type of job | Average price |
|---|---|
| Replace consumer unit | €800 – €1,450 |
| Replace socket | €100 – €150 |
| Install Perilex connection | €150 – €200 |
| Connect lights | €100 – €150 |
| Resolve power outage | €100 – €200 |
| Install extra circuit | €150 – €300 |
Price-determining factors for an electrician
The price for an electrician depends on several factors. Some tasks take little time, others require more expertise or material. Below you can read which aspects determine the price and how you might save on costs.
Urgency and planning
Urgent jobs cost considerably more than planned work. In the event of an acute power failure or dangerous situation, you pay €120 to €150 per hour, while the same work by appointment during the day costs between €65 and €85 per hour. The higher price reflects immediate availability and flexibility.
Time of execution
Work in the evening or at the weekend is more expensive than during the day on weekdays. An electrician has to work outside regular hours, which increases the hourly rates. The difference can be up to €50 extra per hour.
Complexity of the job
Simple tasks such as replacing a socket cost less than replacing a consumer unit. For complex jobs, the electrician must spend more time on preparation, installation, and testing. Work that requires extra technical knowledge or precision increases the labour time and thus the total costs.
Required materials
The price of cables, switching materials, and distribution board components influences the total price. High-quality components or larger quantities of material make the job more expensive. When replacing a consumer unit, material costs are a substantial part of the total amount.
Region
In large cities, rates are generally higher than in smaller towns. The average price for an electrician in Amsterdam or Rotterdam can be €10 to €20 per hour more than in a rural area. This difference arises due to higher business costs and market demand.
Accessibility of the installation
A poorly accessible meter cupboard or electrical installations increase the required labour time. If the electrician has to move furniture or work through tight spaces, it costs extra time. Therefore, ensure the workspace is freely accessible.
Preparation and cleaning
For large jobs such as pulling new cables, the electrician must first perform preparatory work. Consider removing skirting boards, drilling holes, or tidying up afterwards. These actions prolong the work and increase total costs.
Age of the installation
Older electrical installations often require more work. Outdated wiring or unusual connections make replacement or extension more time-consuming. The electrician must sometimes take extra steps to connect everything safely and according to current standards.
Extra work
Sometimes extra problems arise during the job. A broken cable behind the socket or corrosion in the meter cupboard requires additional work. This unforeseen work increases the final costs.
Certification and inspection
An inspection report is mandatory for some jobs. The electrician must then spend extra time on administration and documentation, which is passed on in the price.
Number of parts to be replaced
The more sockets, switches, or light points that need replacing, the longer the job takes. Bulk work can be more efficient but still takes time.
Use of a fair platform
With Zoofy, you know what you pay in advance. There are no call-out charges and no surprises afterwards. By working with local electricians who can be on site quickly, you save on travel time and extra costs.
Additional costs and surcharges
Additional costs depend on the situation, but at Zoofy you do not pay call-out charges.
- Call-out charges: At Zoofy you do not pay call-out charges, while other electricians charge an average of €20 to €40 in call-out fees
- Urgency surcharge: An urgency surcharge often applies to emergency jobs because the electrician has to adjust their schedule, which can cause costs to rise to €120 to €150 per hour
- Weekend and evening work: Work during the weekend or evening hours is more expensive than on weekdays during the day
- Optional warranty package: For €6.95, you can choose extra protection against errors or damage
How does the electrician work?
Every job follows a fixed procedure, from intake to final check.
- The professional discusses the job with you and assesses the situation on site. He determines which work is necessary and, if desired, gives a brief explanation of the approach.
- The electrician performs the work with professional tools. Depending on the job, this can range from replacing a socket to installing a new consumer unit. The price is directly related to the duration and complexity of this step.
- Afterwards, the professional checks if everything is working correctly and tidies up the workspace. He explains what has been done and tests whether the installation functions safely.
The duration of the job depends on the complexity. Replacing a socket takes about 30 to 60 minutes, while replacing a consumer unit can take several hours. The hourly rate remains transparent and clear in advance throughout the entire job.
Preparation helps: ensure the workspace is clear and accessible. If possible, make the meter cupboard accessible in advance so that costs remain limited to the necessary labour time.
How can you save on electrician costs?
There are several ways to save on electrician costs without compromising on quality.
- Combine jobs: Do you have several small electrical tasks? Make a list and schedule them in one appointment. This saves time and therefore money, as the electrician only has to visit once.
- Good preparation: Make the workspace freely accessible before the electrician arrives. Ensure the meter cupboard is accessible and communicate clearly in advance what needs to happen. This allows the professional to start immediately and keeps costs down.
- Choose the right time: Do not book at the weekend or as an emergency if it is not necessary. Plan during office hours on weekdays and provide multiple options to benefit from the lowest hourly rate.
- Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, with no call-out charges and no surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
Common electrical problems
Electrical problems can have various causes and always deserve immediate attention.
Power outages due to overload or short circuit
A power outage often occurs because too many appliances are connected to one circuit at the same time, causing the fuse to trip. Short circuits caused by damaged cables or contact between two wires also cause immediate failure. Repeated outages indicate a deeper underlying problem that can incur higher costs if left for too long.
Signals of electrical problems
Flickering lights, fuses that trip regularly, or a burning smell near sockets are warning signs. These signs indicate poor contacts, outdated wiring, or overloading. Timely intervention prevents small defects from growing into major repairs with higher costs.
Risks of delayed maintenance
Ignoring electrical problems can lead to fire hazards, damage to expensive equipment, or complete failure of your installation. What starts as a small defect can result in an expensive emergency job with increased rates.
Find the best electrician for your job
A reliable electrician is essential for safe and quality work on your electrical installation.
- No call-out charges: At Zoofy you never pay call-out charges, whereas you often have to pay these with other providers before the professional even begins
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs are before you book, without surprises afterwards or unclear hourly rates
- Quick booking without quote hassle: Choose a suitable time for your job immediately and leave the rest to Zoofy; no waiting weeks for quotes
- Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the work is finished and you are satisfied with the result
- Reliable, vetted professionals: All affiliated electricians are screened and reviewed by previous customers, so you are assured of quality
- Transparent pricing: The price you see includes labour and VAT, so you know exactly where you stand
Frequently asked questions about electrician costs
What is a normal price for an electrician?
A normal price is between €65 and €85 per hour for regular work during office hours. For emergencies or weekend work, the price can rise to €120 to €150 per hour.
Do I have to pay call-out charges?
At Zoofy you do not pay call-out charges. In the market, average call-out charges are between €20 and €40, but these are waived on our platform.
What does it cost to replace a consumer unit?
Replacing a consumer unit costs on average €800 to €1,450, depending on the complexity, the number of circuits, and the required materials.
How long does it take to replace a socket?
Replacing a socket usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs €100 to €150, including labour and material.
Are the prices inclusive of VAT?
Yes, all mentioned prices include 21% VAT and labour. You see the total amount in advance without surprises afterwards.
Why is an electrician so expensive?
The costs for an electrician reflect years of expertise, certifications, insurance, and professional tools. In case of urgency or outside office hours, rates rise because the professional has to adjust their schedule.
What does a freelance electrician cost per hour?
The hourly rate for freelance electricians is on average between €65 and €85 per hour. For evening or weekend work, they often charge €120 to €150 per hour.
Can I combine several jobs?
Yes, by combining multiple electrical tasks you save time and money. The professional only has to come once, which reduces the total costs.
What does it cost to install an extra circuit?
Installing an extra circuit in the meter cupboard costs on average €150 to €300, depending on the distance and required cables.
How do I know if an electrician is reliable?
Through Zoofy, you book screened and reviewed electricians. You can view reviews from previous customers and be sure that all affiliated professionals are qualified.
Book an electrician
Ready to hire an electrician? At Zoofy you can book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, vetted electrician. You only pay once the job is completed.