Quick answer
- Solo electrician or 1–2 person shop: BIG INVOICE — mobile-first, no subscription for basic use, materials/labor split, deposit-on-estimate.
- 2–5 techs with dispatch: Jobber or Housecall Pro — subscription platforms with scheduling, GPS, CRM.
- 5–20 techs: Jobber Grow, Housecall Pro MAX, ServiceTitan Starter.
- 20+ techs, multi-location: ServiceTitan or FieldEdge.
Electrician-specific software must-haves
- Materials + labor split on line items. Electricians mark up materials 15–35% separately from labor rate.
- Service-call fee handling. Standard $75–$200, needs to appear as a standalone line.
- Permit + inspection tracking. Panel work, new circuits, and rewires require permits. App should pass through cost + a handling charge, cleanly.
- Deposit on estimate. Standard on jobs $500+ (panel upgrades, EV chargers, rewires).
- Emergency vs. standard rate handling. After-hours runs 1.5–2× base.
- Photo attachments per invoice. Before/after for panel work, EV charger installs, and inspection documentation.
- Estimate→invoice conversion. Approve estimate, do work, convert to invoice in one tap.
The three categories that fit electricians
Field service management (Jobber, Housecall Pro, ServiceTitan)
Subscription platforms combining invoicing with dispatch, scheduling, GPS, CRM, marketing automation. Pricing runs $50–$150/user/month entry-mid; ServiceTitan enterprise $300+/user/month. Best for shops with 3+ techs needing dispatch. Overkill for solos or 1–2 person crews.
Generic invoice/accounting (FreshBooks, Wave, QuickBooks)
Not electrician-specific. Missing materials/labor split, service-call handling, deposit workflow, photo attachments. Best paired with a mobile-first electrician app + used for the accounting side only.
Trade-specific mobile-first (BIG INVOICE, Joist)
Built for tradespeople, mobile-first, no subscription for basic use. Ships with the workflow electricians need. Best for solo electricians and 1–3 person crews invoicing from the truck.
Recommendation by electrician shop size
| Shop size | Primary tool |
|---|---|
| Solo electrician | BIG INVOICE |
| 2–3 person crew, no dispatch | BIG INVOICE Pro |
| 3–5 trucks, dispatch needed | Jobber Core or Housecall Pro Basic |
| 5–15 trucks | Jobber Grow, Housecall Pro MAX, ServiceTitan Starter |
| 15+ trucks | ServiceTitan or FieldEdge |
FAQ
What is the best free invoicing app for electricians?
BIG INVOICE free tier sends 2 invoices or estimates with materials/labor split, service-call line, deposit support. Pro $5.99/mo unlimited. Joist has a free tier. Wave is fully free but not electrician-specific.
Is Jobber good for electricians?
Yes — Jobber is widely used for electrical shops with 3+ techs alongside Housecall Pro. Below that, mobile-first apps are cheaper and simpler. Check getjobber.com/pricing for current plans.
Do I need contractor-specific software or is QuickBooks enough?
QuickBooks handles accounting; the field workflow needs an electrician-specific app. Most shops run QuickBooks + a field tool (mobile-first for solos, FSM for crews).
How much should a solo electrician pay for invoicing software?
Nothing to $10/month. BIG INVOICE is free for 2 invoices/estimates or $5.99/month unlimited. Anything over $30/month for a solo electrician is paying for dispatch and CRM you can't use with one truck.
Related
Broader guide: best invoicing software for contractors. Other trades: plumber, HVAC. Electrician rates: by state.
Pricing current as of August 2026 — verify on each vendor's site.