Quick answer: Electricians in Virginia typically bill $65–$90 per hour (2025) — and more in higher-cost metros like Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area. The median electrician earns $30.24/hr ($62,900/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 Virginia compares to other states.
Electrician income in Virginia (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Virginia's ~23,630 electricians:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $19.61 | ~$3,399 | ~$40,789 |
| Median (typical) | $30.24 | ~$5,242 | $62,900 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $50.83 | ~$8,811 | ~$105,726 |
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) | ~$30/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $65–$90/hr |
Where Virginia ranks
Virginia pays electricians right at the national median, ranking 31st of 51 states — in the lower-middle nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Oregon | $48.71 |
| Virginia (31st) | $30.24 |
| National median | $30.38 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.59 |
Electrician rates by Virginia metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median electrician wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $35.20/hr | $75–$105/hr |
| Charlottesville | $30.28/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $29.98/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Harrisonburg | $29.75/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Richmond | $29.50/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area | $29.15/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| Lynchburg | $28.25/hr | $60–$85/hr |
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area is one of the higher-paying metros in the state for electricians, reflecting local demand and cost of living.
What common electrical jobs cost in Virginia
At Virginia billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Virginia range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $75–$150 |
| Install outlet or switch | $125–$300 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $150–$400 |
| Panel / breaker replacement | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Whole-home rewire | $3,000–$9,000 |
| EV charger installation | $400–$1,200 |
| Light fixture installation | $100–$300 + fixture |
| Troubleshoot wiring issue | $125–$450 |
| Add a dedicated circuit | $200–$700 |
| Standby generator hookup | $500–$1,500 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How electricians compare to other trades in Virginia
Here's how electrician pay lines up against Virginia's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $30.24/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Plumber | $29.07/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| HVAC technician | $28.72/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| Carpenter | $26.77/hr | $60–$80/hr |
| Roofer | $23.28/hr | $50–$70/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 Virginia?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Virginia contractor & trade licensing to check whether electricians need a state license in Virginia, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians charge per hour in Virginia?
In 2025, most Virginia electricians bill $65–$90 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $30/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average electrician salary in Virginia?
The median electrician in Virginia earns about $62,900 a year ($30.24/hr). Entry-level electricians earn around $41,000 and the most experienced earn $106,000 or more.
Do electricians earn more in Virginia than nationally?
Virginia pays electricians right about the national median of $30.38/hr, ranking 31st of 51 states.
Which Virginia city pays electricians the most?
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area, at a $35.20/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
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.