Electricians in
Sacramento, CA

In the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro area, electricians earned a median of $35.98 an hour ($74,830 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $22.23–$62.51. About 6,340 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a higher share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 1.21). 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.

The typical home in Sacramento was built in 1977, and 54% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $506,300. 30% of Sacramento'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.

With about 74 days a year at 90°F or more, air conditioning drives peak electrical load, so the panel and the AC circuit should be sized for it. The average temperature in Sacramento is 63°F; summer afternoons average 91°F and winter nights 42°F. It gets about 20 inches of precipitation a year. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Electrician rates in Sacramento typically range from $1,100–$10,000 per project, with an average cost of $5,000 for common jobs like panel upgrades or rewiring. Hourly rates generally fall between $75–$150/hr in Sacramento, with master electricians charging at the higher end. Emergency service calls typically add $100–$200 in after-hours fees.

Yes, most electrical work in Sacramento requires a permit, including panel upgrades, new circuits, rewiring, and service entrance changes. Permits in Sacramento are handled by the City of Sacramento Community Development, 300 Richards Blvd, 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 and typically take 7–20 business days to process. Even seemingly minor work like adding outlets or moving switches typically requires inspection in CA to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code.

On Ratedeed, you can browse electricians serving Sacramento, 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.

Yes, licensed electricians in Sacramento can upgrade your electrical panel. A panel upgrade in Sacramento typically costs $1,100–$10,000, averaging $5,000 depending on the amperage (100A to 200A or more). 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 CA.

In California, 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, Sacramento's building codes are strict and it's always recommended to hire a licensed professional for safety and code compliance.