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Electrical in Washington, DC

Compare 8 local electrical pros. Typical service: $180–$541.

Top Electrical Companies in Washington

  1. 1.Precise Building Services

    5.0★ (161 reviews)

    5.0★ from 161 reviews

  2. 2.Johnson Electric Company, Inc.

    4.8★ (152 reviews)

    4.8★ from 152 reviews

  3. 3.Schmidt's Electrical Enterprise

    4.8★ (55 reviews)

    4.8★ from 55 reviews

  4. 4.Harris Electric Company

    4.6★ (47 reviews)

    4.6★ from 47 reviews

  5. 5.Electrician Pros

    5.0★ (7 reviews)

    5.0★ from 7 reviews

  6. 6.Holt Electrical Contractors Inc

    4.0★ (5 reviews)

    4.0★ from 5 reviews

  7. 7.District Electrical

    5.0★ (1 reviews)

    5.0★ from 1 reviews

  8. 8.JMS Installations LLC

    1.0★ (1 reviews)

    1.0★ from 1 reviews

Electrical Cost in Washington

Local ranges, adjusted for area wage and cost-of-living data.

ServiceTypical range in Washington
Electrical repair$180–$541/job
Outlet or switch install$144–$361/job
Light fixture install$180–$601/job
Panel upgrade$2,164–$5,409/job

Electrical prices in Washington run about 20% above the national average, based on what this trade earns in the metro area — so neighbouring cities in the same metro see similar rates.

Quotes on this page come from 8 companies serving Washington, rated 4.3★ on average across 429 customer reviews.

Washington Climate & Seasonal Timing

What Washington's weather means for scheduling electrical.

Last spring frost
April 1
First fall frost
November 2
Annual precipitation
43.53"
Heating degree days
4,178
Cooling degree days
1,533
MonthLowHighPrecip
Jan26.7°44.3°3.09"
Feb28.8°48°2.9"
Mar36°56.4°3.72"
Apr45.3°67.5°3.51"
May55.1°76.7°4.28"
Jun64.7°85.6°4.08"
Jul69.6°89.6°4.32"
Aug67.7°88.3°3.41"
Sep59.4°81.1°3.76"
Oct47°69.9°3.79"
Nov38.3°59.3°3.47"
Dec30.1°48.2°3.2"

NOAA station data 2.57 miles from Washington.

Permits & Regulations in DC

Permit typically required

  • Electrical work in the District requires a licensed master electrician through the Board of Industrial Trades
  • Electrical contractors also hold a Basic Business License with the appropriate endorsement
  • Permits are issued by the Department of Buildings

License required: DC master electrician license (Board of Industrial Trades) and business license

Sources: dlcp.dc.gov

Electrical FAQs for Washington

How much does an electrician cost in Washington?

Electrical repairs in Washington typically run $180-$541 per job, before any larger work like a panel upgrade.

How many electricians serve Washington?

We track 8 electricians serving Washington.

Do I need a licensed electrician in Washington, DC?

In DC, Electrical work in the District requires a licensed master electrician through the Board of Industrial Trades. Check with the Washington building department before work that adds circuits or touches the panel.

Are electricians in Washington more expensive than average?

Electrical work in Washington runs about +20.2% versus the national average, tracking local electrician wages.

Does Washington heat put extra load on a home's electrical system?

Washington averages 1,533 cooling degree days a year and summer highs near 90F, so air conditioning is often the largest load on the panel. Older 100-amp services are the usual reason a new AC or EV charger needs an upgrade.

Why do breakers trip more in Washington summers?

With highs near 90F in Washington, AC compressors start hard and run long, and a breaker that trips mainly in summer usually points to a shared or undersized circuit rather than a failing breaker.

When is the best time to schedule electrical work in Washington?

Outside peak cooling season is easiest: Washington sees highs near 90F, and summer is when AC-related calls fill electricians' schedules.

What does a panel upgrade involve in Washington, DC?

A panel upgrade in Washington generally needs a permit and a utility disconnect. In DC, Electrical work in the District requires a licensed master electrician through the Board of Industrial Trades.