How Much Do Electricians Cost in Boston?
A data-driven guide to electrical costs in the Boston metro area, including average rates by service type, factors that affect pricing, and how to find a licensed local provider.
By Recommended Research Team — Last Updated April 2026
Quick Answer
Boston electrical work sits at the high end of the national range, driven by three factors: the region's old housing stock, strict Massachusetts code, and insurance-driven demand for knob-and-tube replacement. Most Boston neighborhoods outside downtown are dominated by pre-1920 triple-deckers and Victorian two-families, and the major home insurers now refuse to renew policies on homes with active knob-and-tube in living spaces — creating steady baseline demand that keeps rates higher than Worcester or Providence.
Average Electrical Costs in Boston (2026)
Based on market rate analysis of licensed Boston providers. Prices include labor; parts/materials additional.
| Service | Average Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Service call (1hr minimum) Boston trip fees run higher than most metros | $145flat | $110–$195 |
| Outlet or switch installation Pre-war triple-deckers often need new circuit runs | $275per outlet | $175–$400 |
| Ceiling fan installation High ceilings in Back Bay and South End brownstones add $100–$200 | $425flat | $250–$625 |
| Panel upgrade (100A to 200A) Boston permit + Eversource/National Grid coordination adds 2–3 weeks | $3,200flat | $2,500–$4,200 |
| Knob-and-tube replacement (per room) Required by many Boston insurers before issuing or renewing policies | $1,400per room | $800–$2,500 |
| Whole-home rewire (triple-decker unit) Often done unit-by-unit during tenant turnover | $14,500flat | $10,000–$22,000 |
| EV charger installation (Level 2) Mass Save offers up to $700 rebate; apartment/condo installs require extra coordination | $1,650flat | $900–$2,800 |
| Electrical inspection / safety audit Strongly recommended before buying any pre-1950 Boston property | $325flat | $225–$550 |
| Heat pump / mini-split dedicated circuit Mass Save rebates often cover the electrical work when bundled with the unit | $750flat | $450–$1,200 |
$110–$3,800
per visit
$205
Typical job
$22,000
Highest service price
What Affects Electrical Costs in Boston
Pre-war housing stock
Boston''s triple-deckers, brownstones, and Victorian two-families dominate neighborhoods like Dorchester, JP, Roslindale, South Boston, and Somerville. Knob-and-tube wiring is still present in a significant share of these homes and must be replaced for most home insurance policies to renew — driving steady baseline demand.
Insurance-driven knob-and-tube replacement
Most Massachusetts home insurers (MAPFRE, Arbella, Safety) now refuse to insure or renew policies on homes with active knob-and-tube wiring in living spaces. Buyers often need this corrected before closing — budget $800–$2,500 per room or $10,000–$22,000 for a whole-unit rewire.
Massachusetts electrical code strictness
MA follows the National Electrical Code with amendments that are among the strictest in the country. AFCI/GFCI requirements extend further than most states, and inspector discretion on older installations can drive additional work.
Boston permit + utility coordination
Boston electrical permits run $75–$300 for most residential work. Service upgrades require Eversource or National Grid coordination for the meter pull, which adds 2–3 weeks in peak season. Some neighborhoods require historic commission review for exterior service changes.
Mass Save rebates
Mass Save offers generous rebates on electrical work tied to efficiency upgrades: up to $700 for EV chargers, up to $1,000 for electrical panel upgrades supporting heat pump installs, and coverage for dedicated heat pump circuits. These often pay for 30–100% of the electrical work on eligible projects.
Parking and access
Permit-only parking in most Boston neighborhoods, narrow streets in North End and Beacon Hill, and multi-unit building coordination all add time. Most electricians factor 30–60 minutes of setup/parking time into Boston jobs.
Local Electrical Providers in Boston
Boston Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning provides professional electrical services in Boston, MA. Provides expert electrical services and repairs with a commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. ([bostonstandardplumbing.com]()) Our licensed electricians handle panel upgrades, outlet and switch installation, recessed lighting, ceiling fan wiring, circuit breaker replacement, whole-house surge protection, and EV charger installation. We follow NEC code requirements and pull permits for all work that requires them. Safety is our top priority and every job includes a thorough inspection. We offer free estimates for projects over $500 and emergency service for power outages and electrical hazards. Serving Boston and Greater Boston. Licensed Massachusetts contractor. Free estimates. We work in historic brownstones and modern construction alike, respecting preservation requirements while delivering modern solutions.
Offers fast, fair, and frictionless electrical services with a commitment to safety, reliability, and transparent pricing. ([bostonfix.com](.com/about-us?utm_source=openai)) Our licensed electricians handle panel upgrades, outlet and switch installation, recessed lighting, ceiling fan wiring, circuit breaker replacement, whole-house surge protection, and EV charger installation. We follow NEC code requirements and pull permits for all work that requires them. Safety is our top priority and every job includes a thorough inspection. We offer free estimates for projects over $500 and emergency service for power outages and electrical hazards. Serving Boston and Greater Boston. Licensed Massachusetts contractor. Free estimates. We work in historic brownstones and modern construction alike, respecting preservation requirements while delivering modern solutions.
Electricians Boston MA provides professional electrical services in Boston, MA. Provides tailored electrical services ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. ([electriciansbostonma.com](.com/?utm_source=openai)) Our licensed electricians handle panel upgrades, outlet and switch installation, recessed lighting, ceiling fan wiring, circuit breaker replacement, whole-house surge protection, and EV charger installation. We follow NEC code requirements and pull permits for all work that requires them. Safety is our top priority and every job includes a thorough inspection. We offer free estimates for projects over $500 and emergency service for power outages and electrical hazards. Serving Boston and Greater Boston. Licensed Massachusetts contractor. Free estimates. We work in historic brownstones and modern construction alike, respecting preservation requirements while delivering modern solutions.
Homelight Boston provides professional electrical services in Boston, MA. Provides swift electrical repairs at your convenience, specializing in both residential and commercial services with a focus on small fixes and expert repairs. ([homelightboston.com]()) Our licensed electricians handle panel upgrades, outlet and switch installation, recessed lighting, ceiling fan wiring, circuit breaker replacement, whole-house surge protection, and EV charger installation. We follow NEC code requirements and pull permits for all work that requires them. Safety is our top priority and every job includes a thorough inspection. We offer free estimates for projects over $500 and emergency service for power outages and electrical hazards. Serving Boston and Greater Boston. Licensed Massachusetts contractor. Free estimates. We work in historic brownstones and modern construction alike, respecting preservation requirements while delivering modern solutions.
Lowe Electric Co, LLC provides professional electrical services in Boston, MA. A family-run business serving Greater Boston for over 40 years, providing accurate pricing, fully insured services, and a community-focused approach. ([loweelectriccompany.com](.com/?utm_source=openai)) Our licensed electricians handle panel upgrades, outlet and switch installation, recessed lighting, ceiling fan wiring, circuit breaker replacement, whole-house surge protection, and EV charger installation. We follow NEC code requirements and pull permits for all work that requires them. Safety is our top priority and every job includes a thorough inspection. We offer free estimates for projects over $500 and emergency service for power outages and electrical hazards. Serving Boston and Greater Boston. Licensed Massachusetts contractor. Free estimates. We work in historic brownstones and modern construction alike, respecting preservation requirements while delivering modern solutions.
McCurdy Electrical Services, Inc. provides professional electrical services in Boston, MA. Offering comprehensive electrical support with 24/7 availability, trusted for over 30 years, experienced in a wide range of electrical products and services. ([mccurdyelectric.com]()) Our licensed electricians handle panel upgrades, outlet and switch installation, recessed lighting, ceiling fan wiring, circuit breaker replacement, whole-house surge protection, and EV charger installation. We follow NEC code requirements and pull permits for all work that requires them. Safety is our top priority and every job includes a thorough inspection. We offer free estimates for projects over $500 and emergency service for power outages and electrical hazards. Serving Boston and Greater Boston. Licensed Massachusetts contractor. Free estimates. We work in historic brownstones and modern construction alike, respecting preservation requirements while delivering modern solutions.
RT Electric provides professional electrical services in Boston, MA. Offers residential electrical services with a focus on safety and compliance, ensuring all work meets local codes and standards. ([rtelectric.net]()) Our licensed electricians handle panel upgrades, outlet and switch installation, recessed lighting, ceiling fan wiring, circuit breaker replacement, whole-house surge protection, and EV charger installation. We follow NEC code requirements and pull permits for all work that requires them. Safety is our top priority and every job includes a thorough inspection. We offer free estimates for projects over $500 and emergency service for power outages and electrical hazards. Serving Boston and Greater Boston. Licensed Massachusetts contractor. Free estimates. We work in historic brownstones and modern construction alike, respecting preservation requirements while delivering modern solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace knob-and-tube wiring in my Boston home?
For insurance purposes, almost always yes. The major Massachusetts home insurers (MAPFRE, Arbella, Safety, Plymouth Rock) either refuse to cover homes with active knob-and-tube in living spaces or charge significant surcharges. Replacement runs $800–$2,500 per room or $10,000–$22,000 for a full unit. Many buyers negotiate this into the purchase price.
What does a Boston electrician charge per hour?
Licensed Boston electricians typically bill $125–$180 per hour, with most charging a 1-hour minimum plus a $95–$145 trip fee. Master electricians and union shops fall at the high end; journeyman-led crews for residential work run lower.
How much is a panel upgrade in Boston?
A 100A to 200A panel upgrade in Boston runs $2,500–$4,200, averaging $3,200. The total includes the permit, utility coordination for the meter pull (Eversource or National Grid), the new panel, and any necessary service mast or weatherhead work. Triple-deckers with shared service panels can run higher.
Are there rebates for EV chargers in Boston?
Yes. Mass Save (the state efficiency program) offers rebates up to $700 for Level 2 EV charger installations, and Eversource/National Grid offer additional rebates in some service territories. Combined with the federal 30% tax credit (up to $1,000), most Boston homeowners pay $300–$800 out of pocket for a standard install.
Can an electrician pull a permit for me in Boston?
Yes. Only a licensed Massachusetts electrician (master or journeyman under a master) can pull a Boston electrical permit. Homeowner-pulled electrical permits are not permitted in Massachusetts. Any reputable electrician will handle the permit as part of the job.
How much does it cost to wire a triple-decker?
Wiring a single triple-decker unit typically runs $10,000–$22,000, with most jobs around $14,500. Cost depends on whether you''re doing it during gut renovation (cheapest, walls open) or with finished walls (most expensive, requires patching). Many owners rewire unit-by-unit as tenants turn over.
Do I need a dedicated circuit for a mini-split or heat pump?
Yes — nearly always. Most mini-split heads need a dedicated 15A or 20A 240V circuit, and heat pump condensers typically need a dedicated 30A or 40A 240V circuit. Budget $450–$1,200 per unit for the electrical work. Mass Save often reimburses this when bundled with the heat pump install.
How do I find a licensed electrician in Boston?
Check the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians license lookup (mass.gov) before hiring anyone. Any quote from an unlicensed person is a red flag — uninsured work voids your home insurance if something goes wrong. All electricians listed in our Boston directory are verified as holding active MA licenses.
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|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Submit project, get matched | Post job, pros bid | Local experts recommend trusted pros |
| Free for homeowners? | Yes | Yes | Yes, always free |
| Vetting | Background checks | Self-verified | Local expert vetting |
| Cost data | Price ranges | Quotes vary | Published cost guides |
| Local knowledge | National platform | National platform | City-specific recs |
Find Electrical in Boston
Compare quotes from 15 verified Boston electricians below. All listed pros hold active Massachusetts licenses and carry the required insurance. Get matched in under 5 minutes.
Find Electrical in BostonLast Updated: April 2026 — Recommended Research Team. Prices are estimates based on market data and may vary.