The short answer
A licensed electrician in Phoenix charges $45 to $115 an hour, plus a $90 to $180 service call. A 200-amp panel upgrade runs $1,150 to $2,500, and a Level 2 EV charger $675 to $2,350 installed. Your utility, APS or SRP, decides how a service upgrade, solar hookup or charger rebate works.
What electricians cost in Phoenix
The table covers labor and standard materials for a single-family home. The figures apply the Phoenix factor of 0.90 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Area Cost Factors to national cost data. Construction costs here run about 10% below the US average.
| Job | Phoenix (typical range) | US average |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (licensed electrician) | $45–$115/hr | $50–$130/hr |
| Service call | $90–$180 | $100–$200 |
| Small repair, outlet or switch | $135–$360 | $150–$400 |
| Replace an outlet with a GFCI | $81–$180 | $90–$200 |
| New GFCI outlet | $135–$315 | $150–$350 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $135–$315 | $150–$350 |
| Light fixture or chandelier | $200–$3,050 | $220–$3,400 |
| Dedicated circuit | $225–$810 | $250–$900 |
| EV charger installation | $675–$2,350 | $750–$2,600 |
| Panel upgrade to 200 amps | $1,150–$2,500 | $1,300–$2,800 |
| Rewiring or grounding a house | $1,800–$9,000 | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Electrical permit | $45–$315 | $50–$350 |
Estimates for 2026, including labor and standard parts. Phoenix prices use the metro's construction cost factor of 0.90 (US average = 1.00) from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Area Cost Factors. Your quote depends on access, materials and the condition of the home.
Small jobs, like swapping a switch or adding a GFCI outlet in a bathroom or kitchen, usually cost the service call plus an hour of time. A panel upgrade takes most of a day on site. The permit office and the utility set the rest of the schedule, and if the utility has to change the meter, that is a separate step.
Use the cost estimator for a figure based on your ZIP code and your job.
APS or SRP: which utility serves you
The Phoenix metro is split between two big investor-owned utilities, plus a few municipal systems. Which one serves you changes the paperwork for any job that touches the meter and decides which rebates you can claim.
| Where you live | Electric utility |
|---|---|
| Most of Phoenix, Glendale and Peoria | APS (Arizona Public Service) |
| Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and parts of Scottsdale | SRP (Salt River Project) |
| Some parts of the East Valley | Check your bill; a few cities run their own systems |
A new panel, a meter change, a solar system or a battery needs the utility's approval as well as a city or county permit. Rebates come from the utility too, so two neighbors on either side of a service boundary can get different help with the same job. Check the name on your power bill before you collect quotes, and tell the electrician which utility you have.
Panel upgrades for EV chargers and heat pumps
Phoenix summers push household electrical loads hard, and air conditioning runs for months. Many older homes were wired for a smaller load than a modern household carries. Adding a Level 2 EV charger, a heat pump water heater or a heat pump HVAC system can push a 100-amp panel past its limit. Ask the electrician to run a load calculation for everything you plan to add at once, so you pay for one upgrade instead of two.
Rebates and incentives in 2026
The utility matters most for rebates. APS discontinued its residential energy-efficiency rebate programs effective January 1, 2026, according to a 2026 rebate summary from George Brazil Plumbing and Electrical. SRP still runs residential rebates for efficiency measures such as heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, insulation, duct repair, cool roofs and lighting, per the Governor's Office of Resiliency.
| Program | Who qualifies | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| SRP residential rebates | SRP residential customers | Heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, insulation, duct repair, cool roofs, lighting, window treatments, demand management |
| SRP heat pump water heater rebate | SRP customers, once every 10 years | ENERGY STAR unit with UEF of at least 2.8; installed by an Arizona-licensed contractor before April 30, 2027; application within six months |
| APS residential rebates | APS residential customers | Discontinued effective January 1, 2026 |
| HEAR (High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate) | Income-qualified households, generally below 150% of area median income | Up to $14,000 total across eligible improvements, administered by Efficiency Arizona |
| Arizona solar and wind sales tax exemption | Any homeowner | Sales tax exempt on solar and wind devices and their contractor installation |
| Arizona solar and wind tax credit | Any homeowner | State tax credit for installing solar or wind devices at home |
Sources: George Brazil, Governor's Office of Resiliency. SRP's rebate rules require an Arizona-licensed contractor, so an unpermitted or unlicensed install loses the rebate. For heat pump water heaters specifically, see our Phoenix plumbing guide.
The federal residential solar and battery credit has ended, so a 2026 quote should not include it.
Solar and batteries in the Phoenix metro
Arizona exempts the retail sale of solar and wind energy devices, and their installation by contractors, from sales tax, per the Governor's Office of Resiliency. The same page notes that state property tax assessments treat on-site renewable energy systems and energy-efficient building components as adding no value to the property. It also notes that renewable energy and energy storage property is taxed at 20% of its depreciated cost.
On the permit side, Maricopa County offers SolarAPP+ for eligible residential rooftop solar permits, per the county Planning & Development page. Tempe also lets licensed solar contractors use SolarAPP+ for eligible residential rooftop projects to get same-day approvals, per the City of Tempe. Tempe's rules limit SolarAPP+ to single-family or duplex rooftop systems, no ballasted or ground-mounted arrays, a 400-amp maximum service, single phase only, and no projects in a Historic Preservation district or FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area.
Every grid-tied system needs the utility's interconnection approval as well as the city or county permit. Ask the electrician or solar installer who handles the utility application, and get the answer in writing.
Do you need a permit?
Yes, for nearly anything beyond replacing a fixture or device. Arizona adopts building codes locally, and most are I-Codes, per the International Code Council. Phoenix uses the 2018 Phoenix Building Construction Code, which includes amendments to the 2018 IBC and the 2017 National Electrical Code, per the Building Codes Assistance Project. Chandler has adopted the 2024 International Codes with the 2023 National Electrical Code, and plans submitted on or after July 1, 2025 must comply, per the City of Chandler.
Where you permit depends on where you live. If your project is in unincorporated Maricopa County, you need a county permit; otherwise you start with your city or town, per the county Permit Center. The county's Planning and Development Department handles building permit review and inspection for unincorporated areas, and its office is at 301 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85003, main line 602-506-3011.
Maricopa County offers virtual inspections for electrical service replacement or upgrade to 400A, main breaker derate for PV prep, minor electrical repairs, and gas/electrical clearances, per the Planning & Development page. A virtual inspection can save a day on a panel job.
Permit fees vary with the type of project, the valuation and the features of the parcel or site, per the county fee schedule page. The county requires initial fees when it accepts a project for review, and it applies all fees collected toward the final permit cost. The county provides fee estimators to help determine approximate permitting costs. For questions, call 602-506-3301.
| Job | Approximate permit fee (Phoenix range) |
|---|---|
| Panel upgrade | $45 to $315 |
| EV charger circuit | $45 to $315 |
| Rewiring or grounding | $45 to $315 |
Those figures apply the metro construction cost factor to national permit costs. Several items on one permit add up. Ask for the permit as its own line on the estimate.
A few local notes:
- Tempe requires all building permit applications online through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal, and a registered account is required, per the City of Tempe.
- Chandler offers walk-in plan review Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for residential and small commercial projects, per the City of Chandler.
- Peoria encourages submitting permit applications through its Development Services online portal, per the City of Peoria.
- Maricopa County will never request payment by wire transfer; all payments go through the Permit Center, per the county. Treat any wire request as fraud and verify by calling 602-506-3301.
When the city or county finds unpermitted electrical work, you can face re-inspection fees and a permit taken out after the fact. SRP's rebate rules also require an Arizona-licensed contractor, so an unpermitted install can cost you the rebate.
How to check a electrician before you hire
Arizona licenses electrical contractors through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC), which regulates over 60,000 residential and commercial contractors, per AZ ROC. The electrical specialty classes are CR-11 (residential), C-11 (commercial) and R-11 (dual). A C-11 electrical contractor can install anything that generates, carries or uses electricity, including outlets, panels and solar cells.
Applicants for the CR-11, C-11 and R-11 classes may take the NASCLA Electrical Examination instead of the AZ ROC trade exam; the fee is $116, paid to PSI Exams Online, per AZ ROC. The qualifying party must pass required exams with at least 70% and complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, an open-book online course and exam offered only through Gmetrix. The license requires a bond, and contractors must be licensed before submitting bids.
Check the crew too. Ask whether the people doing the wiring are licensed electricians or registered apprentices working under one. Unlicensed helpers can dig trenches or run conduit, but they cannot connect wiring or devices.
Before you sign:
- Look up the license number on the AZ ROC search page. Check that the name matches and the status is active.
- Check that the license class covers the work. A C-11 or CR-11 covers electrical; a general building license does not.
- Check that workers' compensation is on file if the company has employees.
- Get a written price that lists the permit and, for panel or solar work, who handles the utility paperwork.
A handyman without a license can take small jobs, but any work that needs a permit, a new circuit, a panel, a charger or solar needs a licensed electrical contractor. AZ ROC investigates complaints against licensed pros and unlicensed entities, per AZ ROC.
GOLDGCP checks each electrician's state license, insurance, background and references before they get a job, and you pay in milestones as the work is approved.
Common electrical jobs in Phoenix homes
| Job | Phoenix price range | Permit and utility steps |
|---|---|---|
| New GFCI outlet | $135 to $315 | Usually no utility involvement |
| Ceiling fan installation | $135 to $315 | Permit if new wiring is run |
| Dedicated circuit | $225 to $810 | Permit; space in the panel |
| Level 2 EV charger | $675 to $2,350 | Utility interconnection; SRP rebate if eligible |
| Panel upgrade to 200 amps | $1,150 to $2,500 | Permit; the utility may change the meter |
| Rewiring or grounding a house | $1,800 to $9,000 | Permit for the work |
| Solar or solar plus battery | Quoted per system | City or county permit; utility interconnection |
Areas we cover
GOLDGCP electricians work across the Phoenix metro:
- Phoenix
- Scottsdale
- Mesa
- Tempe
- Chandler
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Peoria
Type your ZIP code below to see whether a vetted electrician covers your address.
How GOLDGCP works
- Tell us about the job through the form, by phone or on WhatsApp. Mention your utility and your panel size if you know it.
- We match you with up to 3 vetted, licensed electricians and show prices for your ZIP code before anyone visits.
- The electrician you pick pulls the city or county permit and coordinates with APS or SRP.
- You pay your pro directly, stage by stage, each milestone after you approve that stage, and the last after the final inspection.
For a dead circuit, a burning smell or sparking, use the 24/7 emergency line at the top of the page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an electrician cost per hour in Phoenix?
Usually $45 to $115 an hour for a licensed electrician, plus a $90 to $180 service call. Rates in Phoenix run about 10% below the national average. Evening, weekend and holiday calls cost more, and jobs that need a permit add the city or county fee.
How much does a panel upgrade cost in Phoenix?
Upgrading to 200 amps costs about $1,150 to $2,500 here. The utility may also need to change the meter. If you are an SRP customer adding a heat pump water heater or EV charger, check the current SRP rebate before you sign. APS residential rebates ended January 1, 2026.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger in Phoenix?
Yes. In the City of Phoenix and other cities in the metro, an EV charger needs an electrical permit, and the electrician pulls it. If you live in unincorporated Maricopa County, the county issues it through its Permit Center. The utility also has to approve the added load.
Is APS or SRP my utility?
It depends on your address. Most of Phoenix, Glendale and Peoria are APS territory. Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and parts of Scottsdale are SRP. Check the name on your power bill before you collect quotes. The rebates and interconnection rules differ.
Does an electrician in Arizona need a license?
Yes. The company needs an AZ ROC license in the CR-11, C-11 or R-11 electrical class. The qualifying party must pass the trade exam and the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, and the license requires a bond. Look up the license number on the AZ ROC search page before you hire.
Can a handyman do electrical work in Phoenix?
Only very small jobs. Any work that needs a permit, a new circuit, a panel, an EV charger or solar needs a licensed electrical contractor. AZ ROC investigates complaints against unlicensed entities, and an unpermitted install can cost you an SRP rebate.
Is there still a federal tax credit for solar or EV chargers?
Not for new work. The federal residential solar and battery credit has ended. Arizona still exempts solar and wind devices and their installation from sales tax, and offers a state tax credit for solar or wind devices at home.
How we calculate these prices
GOLDGCP starts from national price ranges for each job, taken from published 2026 cost guides and checked against local price guides where they exist. To get a local price, we multiply the national range by the construction cost factor for the metro from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Area Cost Factors (US average = 1.00). Where that table has no entry for a metro, we use the nearest listed location or the state value. For ZIP codes outside the 50 largest metros, the cost estimator uses the state's price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities. Ranges include labor and standard materials but not unusual site conditions, so a written quote after an inspection is always the final price.
Sources
- George Brazil Plumbing and Electrical
- Governor's Office of Resiliency
- Maricopa County, AZ · Maricopa County, AZ
- tempe.gov · tempe.gov
- International Code Council
- bcapcodes.org
- chandleraz.gov
- Maricopa County, AZ · Maricopa County's Permit Center
- Maricopa County Planning & Development Department
- tempe.gov · tempe.gov
- peoriaaz.gov
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors · Applying for a License
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors · Arizona Registrar of Contractors
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
About this guide
Written by the GOLDGCP editorial team. Prices come from national cost guides adjusted with official construction cost factors for Phoenix; rules and statistics come from the agencies and reports linked in the text. We update this page when prices or codes change.