Electricians in
Santa Barbara, CA
1 electricians listed in Santa Barbara
Certified electricians serving Santa Barbara provide safe, code-compliant electrical services including panel upgrades, wiring, lighting installation, and smart home automation.
Electricians in Santa Barbara at a glance
- 1 electricians are listed in Santa Barbara, CA on Ratedeed.
- 1 of the 1 listings shown here include a phone number you can call directly.
- Listings cover 7 ZIP codes in and around Santa Barbara: 93101, 93103, 93105, 93108, 93109, 93110, 93111.
Electricians elsewhere in California: Los Angeles (18), San Jose (7), Huntington Beach (7), San Diego (5), Anaheim (5), Torrance (5)
Homes and electricians in Santa Barbara: the local numbers
Housing in Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara has about 39,204 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1965, 11 years older than the California median of 1976.
- 74% of homes were built before 1980 and 42% before 1960; 4% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $1,570,800.
- 40% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 60% are rented.
- 46% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (64% of homes), followed by electricity (29%).
- The median home has 4.4 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $2,413 a month.
- That makes Santa Barbara's housing among the older stock in the country: the typical U.S. home was built in 1980.
- Home values run 114% above the California median of $734,700.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (60%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
42% of Santa Barbara'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.
Gas heat is the norm in Santa Barbara (64% of homes), so switching to an electric heat pump usually starts with checking whether the panel has room for new 240-volt circuits.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (Santa Barbara, CA).
Electricians workforce in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area
- Median hourly wage
- $36.20
- People employed
- 630
- In the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area, electricians earned a median of $36.20 an hour ($75,290 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $23.16–$54.58.
- About 630 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.65).
- 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 Santa Barbara and what it means for electricians
- The average temperature in Santa Barbara is 59°F; summer afternoons average 73°F and winter nights 42°F.
- It gets about 18 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 4 nights a year at or below freezing and about 1 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 2,374 heating degree days a year against 187 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Santa Barbara Municipal Airport station USW00023190 (11.2 km from the city centre).
Top Electricians in Santa Barbara
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
More electricians elsewhere in California
Listed in other California cities, not in Santa Barbara.
Licensing and consumer protection in California
Check that any electrician you hire is licensed and insured before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Verify a licence on the official register →Insurance and workers' compensation
$1 million general liability minimum. Workers' compensation is mandatory for any contractor with employees. Bond of $25,000 required for licensure (increased under SB 607).
Mechanic's lien protection
California has one of the strictest lien regimes in the country. Preliminary 20-day notices must be sent within 20 days of starting work. Mechanics liens must be filed within 90 days after project completion (or 60 days after a notice of completion is recorded). Unpaid subcontractors and suppliers can place liens on your property even if you've paid your general contractor in full. Always collect lien waivers from all parties before making final payment.
What catches homeowners out in California
California's CSLB license verification is critical — always check a contractor's license number at cslb.ca.gov and confirm it is active and in good standing. California law requires a $25,000 contractor surety bond on every licensed contractor as a consumer protection backstop. For projects over $1,000 (labor and materials combined under Business & Professions Code § 7048), a valid CSLB license is legally required. Unlicensed contractors face criminal misdemeanor charges, and homeowners who hire them forfeit key statutory protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How much do electricians earn in the Santa Barbara area?
In the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area, electricians earned a median of $36.20 an hour ($75,290 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $23.16–$54.58. About 630 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.65). 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 Santa Barbara?
The typical home in Santa Barbara was built in 1965, and 74% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $1,570,800. 42% of Santa Barbara'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 Santa Barbara?
Electricians in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara, CA?
Yes, most electrical work in Santa Barbara requires a permit, including panel upgrades, new circuits, rewiring, and service entrance changes. Contact the Santa Barbara building department for permit requirements. Even seemingly minor work like adding outlets or moving switches typically requires inspection in CA to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code.
How do I find a licensed electrician in Santa Barbara?
On Ratedeed, you can browse electricians serving Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?
Yes, licensed electricians in Santa Barbara 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 CA.
What electrical work requires a licensed professional 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, Santa Barbara's building codes are strict and it's always recommended to hire a licensed professional for safety and code compliance.
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