How Much Does an Electrician
Cost in Vancouver, WA?
You want a straight answer, so we'll give you one. These are real price ranges for the most common jobs Newman Electric does in the Vancouver WA area.
"How much is this going to cost?" It's the first thing every homeowner wants to know, and it should be. Nobody likes surprises on a bill. The problem is that electrical work has a lot of variables, so a single number is hard to give without seeing the job first.
What we can do is share the typical price ranges for the most common residential electrical jobs in Vancouver, WA. These are based on what Newman Electric actually charges, not national averages from some website that's never been inside a Clark County home.
Common electrical job pricing in Vancouver, WA
| Service | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Outlet or switch install | $150 - $350 |
| Ceiling fan install | $200 - $500 |
| Light fixture swap | $150 - $400 |
| Dedicated circuit | $300 - $700 |
| Panel upgrade (200A) | $2,000 - $4,500 |
| EV charger install | $800 - $2,000 |
| Whole house rewire | $8,000 - $20,000+ |
| Generator install | $5,000 - $15,000+ |
*Ranges based on Newman Electric's pricing in the Vancouver WA / Clark County area. Your job may be above or below these ranges depending on site conditions. All prices include permits where applicable.
What makes one job cost more than another
Ryan gets asked this a lot. Two homeowners need the same outlet installed, but one quote comes in at $175 and the other at $325. The difference usually comes down to a few things:
Access and distance from the panel
Running a new circuit 6 feet from the panel through an open basement is a different job than running wire 50 feet through a finished ceiling with no attic access. More wire, more labor, more time.
Age and condition of existing wiring
Homes with aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube, or undersized panels need additional work before new circuits can be safely added. An older home almost always costs more than a newer one for the same scope of work.
Code requirements
Washington's adoption of the 2023 NEC means some jobs now require AFCI breakers, GFCI protection, or outdoor disconnects that weren't required before. These components add cost but they're required by law and they make your home safer.
Permits and inspections
Any job that changes your wiring needs a permit. Newman Electric includes the permit cost in every quote. Some electricians quote without the permit and add it later. Always ask.
Red flags when comparing electrician quotes
Getting multiple quotes is smart. But the cheapest number isn't always the best value. Watch for these signs that a quote might not be what it seems:
No permit mentioned. If the quote doesn't mention a permit and the job requires one, ask. An electrician who skips permits is cutting a corner you don't want cut.
No license number. Every electrical contractor in Washington must display their license number. Newman Electric's is NEWMAEL798DR. If you can't verify the license on lni.wa.gov, walk away.
Phone quote only, no site visit. Electrical work depends on what's already in your walls. A quote given over the phone without seeing the job is a guess. It'll change when they show up.
Significantly below market. If one quote is half the price of the others, something is missing. Maybe it's the permit. Maybe they're planning to use an unlicensed helper. A fair price from a licensed electrician protects you.
"Ryan was able to come out the same day. He charged half of what another electrician quoted. Friendly and professional."
Donovon Jenson, Google Review
How Newman Electric pricing works
Newman Electric does project-based pricing, not hourly. That means you get a fixed price for the job before any work starts. If the job takes longer than expected, that's on us, not on you. Ryan puts together quotes after seeing the job in person because that's the only way to give an accurate number.
Every quote includes:
- All materials and labor
- Electrical permit (where required)
- Inspection scheduling and coordination
- Cleanup and final walkthrough
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. If something unexpected comes up during the job, the crew calls you and explains it before proceeding. You'll never get a bill that's higher than your quote without your approval first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Newman Electric charge a trip fee?
Estimates are free. For service calls and diagnostic visits, there's a standard service call fee that covers the first hour of diagnostics. That fee gets applied toward the repair if you go ahead with the work.
Why do electrician prices vary so much?
The differences usually come down to overhead, licensing, insurance, and whether the permit is included. A lower quote may not include the permit, may use an unlicensed helper, or may not carry proper insurance. Compare apples to apples: licensed, bonded, insured, permits included.
Is it cheaper to do electrical work myself?
Washington allows homeowners to do electrical work on their own primary residence with a permit. But the risk is real. Incorrect wiring can cause fires, damage equipment, and void your insurance. Failed inspections mean rework. Most homeowners who start a DIY electrical project end up calling a licensed electrician to finish it, and that costs more than hiring one from the start.
Does Newman Electric offer free estimates?
Yes. Free on-site estimates for all project work: panel upgrades, EV chargers, rewiring, remodels, generators, and more. Ryan or one of the crew comes to your home, looks at the job, and gives you a written quote. No charge, no obligation.
Get a straight answer on pricing
Newman Electric provides free on-site estimates for homeowners across Vancouver WA, Clark County, and Cowlitz County. Tell us what you need done. We'll give you an honest number.