Electricians in
Reading, PA
Browse electricians near Reading
Certified electricians serving Reading provide safe, code-compliant electrical services including panel upgrades, wiring, lighting installation, and smart home automation.
Electricians in Reading at a glance
- Listings cover 10 ZIP codes in and around Reading, including 19601, 19602, 19604, 19605, 19606, 19607.
Electricians elsewhere in Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh (3)
Homes and electricians in Reading: the local numbers
Housing in Reading
- Reading has about 36,032 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1939 or earlier, at least 26 years older than the Pennsylvania median of 1965.
- 90% of homes were built before 1980 and 75% before 1960; 2% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $121,300.
- 41% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 59% are rented.
- 12% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (54% of homes), followed by electricity (28%).
- The median home has 5.6 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $1,067 a month.
- That makes Reading's housing among the older stock in the country: the typical U.S. home was built in 1980.
- Home values run 52% below the Pennsylvania median of $254,500.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (59%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
- Heating oil is far more common here than nationally: 14% of homes use it, against 4% across the U.S.
- Apartments, condos and attached homes make up most of the housing: only 12% of homes are detached houses, so many jobs involve building rules, shared walls or a condo board.
75% of Reading's homes were built before 1960. Homes of that age may still have knob-and-tube or ungrounded two-prong wiring and service panels too small for modern loads such as EV chargers and heat pumps, so a panel and wiring check is worth doing before adding circuits.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (Reading, PA).
Electricians workforce in the Reading, PA area
- Median hourly wage
- $36.09
- People employed
- 820
- In the Reading, PA metro area, electricians earned a median of $36.09 an hour ($75,070 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $22.08–$62.42.
- About 820 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- These are what workers earn, not what electricians charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Electricians).
Climate in Reading and what it means for electricians
- The average temperature in Reading is 53°F; summer afternoons average 83°F and winter nights 24°F.
- It gets about 43 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 110 nights a year at or below freezing and about 15 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 5,390 heating degree days a year against 895 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Reading Spaatz Field station USW00014712 (3.3 km from the city centre).
Top Electricians in Reading
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
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Other contractors listed in Readingare shown below. Check each business's trade before contacting them.
Licensing and consumer protection in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not license electricians at the state level. Check that any electrician you hire is insured and registered where your city requires it, before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
No state licence for electricians in Pennsylvania
Some cities license electricians; check with your municipality.
Insurance and workers' compensation
Registration required with the PA Attorney General under HICPA for contractors performing over $5,000 in home improvement work annually. Mandatory minimum of $50,000 in personal injury and property damage liability insurance.
Mechanic's lien protection
Pennsylvania mechanics liens for residential projects require a written notice of intent to file a lien sent to the homeowner at least 30 days before filing. The lien itself must be filed within 6 months of the last work performed. Residential property liens require a preliminary notice and cannot be filed on owner-occupied single-family residences unless the homeowner signed a contract specifically allowing it. Always review contracts carefully and collect lien waivers at each payment milestone.
What catches homeowners out in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA, 73 P.S. § 517.1 et seq.) requires any contractor performing home improvements exceeding $5,000 per year to register with the PA Attorney General and maintain at least $50,000 in liability insurance. The law strictly regulates contracts, requiring clear start and end dates, total cost, specifications, and a 3-day right of rescission. Unregistered contractors cannot legally enforce home improvement contracts in PA courts. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh enforce additional municipal trade certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How much do electricians earn in the Reading area?
In the Reading, PA metro area, electricians earned a median of $36.09 an hour ($75,070 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $22.08–$62.42. About 820 people work in this occupation in the metro area. These are what workers earn, not what electricians charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
How old are homes in Reading?
The typical home in Reading was built in 1939 or earlier, and 90% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $121,300. 75% of Reading's homes were built before 1960. Homes of that age may still have knob-and-tube or ungrounded two-prong wiring and service panels too small for modern loads such as EV chargers and heat pumps, so a panel and wiring check is worth doing before adding circuits. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
How much does an electrician cost in Reading?
Electricians in Reading typically charge $75–$150 per hour. Project costs vary widely — a simple outlet installation may cost $100–$200, while a full panel upgrade can exceed $2,000.
Do I need a permit for electrical work in Reading, PA?
Yes, most electrical work in Reading requires a permit, including panel upgrades, new circuits, rewiring, and service entrance changes. Contact the Reading building department for permit requirements. Even seemingly minor work like adding outlets or moving switches typically requires inspection in PA to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code.
How do I find a licensed electrician in Reading?
On Ratedeed, you can browse electricians serving Reading, view license details, and compare free quotes to compare pricing and availability. Look for electricians with experience in your specific type of project — residential, commercial, or industrial.
Can an electrician upgrade my electrical panel in Reading?
Yes, licensed electricians in Reading can upgrade your electrical panel. A panel upgrade typically costs $2,000–$5,000 depending on the amperage. Upgrading from an outdated fuse box or 100-amp panel to a modern 200-amp service improves safety and supports modern electrical demands. A permit and inspection are required in PA.
What electrical work requires a licensed professional in PA?
In Pennsylvania, a licensed electrician is required for any work involving circuit installations, panel upgrades, service entrance changes, wiring for new construction or additions, and any work that requires a permit. While homeowners can legally replace light fixtures and outlets in some jurisdictions, Reading's building codes are strict and it's always recommended to hire a licensed professional for safety and code compliance.
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