Quick answer: Electricians in District of Columbia typically bill $85–$115 per hour (2025). The median electrician earns $37.97/hr ($78,970/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — an electrical contractor charges roughly 2–3× that to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what electricians earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how District of Columbia compares to other states.
Electrician income in District of Columbia (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for District of Columbia's ~2,440 electricians:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $24.97 | ~$4,328 | ~$51,938 |
| Median (typical) | $37.97 | ~$6,581 | $78,970 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $60.48 | ~$10,483 | ~$125,798 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a electrician takes home. What a electrical contractor bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median electrician wage (earned) | ~$38/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $85–$115/hr |
Where District of Columbia ranks
District of Columbia pays electricians 25% above the national median, ranking 7th of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Oregon | $48.71 |
| District of Columbia (7th) | $37.97 |
| National median | $30.38 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.59 |
What common electrical jobs cost in District of Columbia
At District of Columbia billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical District of Columbia range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $95–$185 |
| Install outlet or switch | $150–$375 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $175–$500 |
| Panel / breaker replacement | $1,250–$3,100 |
| Whole-home rewire | $3,500–$11,000 |
| EV charger installation | $500–$1,500 |
| Light fixture installation | $125–$375 + fixture |
| Troubleshoot wiring issue | $150–$550 |
| Add a dedicated circuit | $250–$875 |
| Standby generator hookup | $600–$1,850 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How electricians compare to other trades in District of Columbia
Here's how electrician pay lines up against District of Columbia's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $48.57/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| HVAC technician | $40.57/hr | $90–$120/hr |
| Electrician | $37.97/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Roofer | $29.69/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.67/hr | $65–$90/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free electrician estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do electricians need a license in District of Columbia?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See District of Columbia contractor & trade licensing to check whether electricians need a state license in District of Columbia, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians charge per hour in District of Columbia?
In 2025, most District of Columbia electricians bill $85–$115 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $38/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average electrician salary in District of Columbia?
The median electrician in District of Columbia earns about $78,970 a year ($37.97/hr). Entry-level electricians earn around $52,000 and the most experienced earn $126,000 or more.
Do electricians earn more in District of Columbia than nationally?
Yes — District of Columbia's median electrician wage is about 25% above the national median of $30.38/hr, ranking 7th of 51 states.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes.