Electrician Rates in Ontario: $90–$130 an Hour, and What Permitted Jobs Cost
Ontario electricians typically charge $90–$130 an hour. Upgrading a panel from 100 to 200 amps costs $2,000–$4,500, a Level 2 EV charger $1,500–$3,000, and a new outlet $150–$300. Almost all electrical work must also be reported to the Electrical Safety Authority, and the contractor files that notification. An older home with knob-and-tube wiring costs far more: $8,000–$15,000 to replace it throughout.
ProScore estimate, figures as of February 24, 2026. Ontario-wide ranges compiled by ProScore — not measured from ProScore listings, contractor quotes, or a pricing survey.
Quick Cost Summary
| Service | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Upgrade (100A to 200A) | $2,000 | $4,500 |
| Outlet Installation | $150 | $300 |
| Room Rewiring | $1,500 | $3,500 |
| EV Charger Installation | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Ceiling Fan Installation | $150 | $350 |
| Knob-and-Tube Replacement | $8,000 | $15,000 |
| Smoke/CO Detector Wiring | $100 | $250 |
| Hot Tub/Spa Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| ESA fee: renovation wiring (filed by the contractor) | $46 | $256 |
ProScore estimate, figures as of February 24, 2026. Ontario-wide ranges compiled by ProScore — not measured from ProScore listings, contractor quotes, or a pricing survey.
ESA fee: renovation wiring (filed by the contractor) — Electrical Safety Authority's own published fee, not a ProScore estimate: 2026 Wiring Fee Guide (Effective July 6, 2026), read October 23, 2026.
How Ontario electricians compare on ProScore
ProScore lists 2,007 electricians in Ontario, and has published a ProScore for 1,768 of them. 582 of those reach Trusted (70+) or higher. Google stars alone do not separate them: 1,458 of the 1,768 scored average 4.5 stars or higher on Google, but only 582 reach Trusted on ProScore.
Counted from ProScore's current listings, refreshed daily. How ProScore scores
Fees, rebates and rules from official sources
- Job Bank puts the median wage of a construction electrician in Ontario at $34.00 an hour (low $20.00, high $50.50; 2023–2024). That is the wage the worker is paid, not the rate a business bills. Government of Canada, Job Bank
- ESA's 2026 fee for a panel change, service change or new service to an existing home is $86 when a licensed contractor files it, but ESA's $92 minimum per notification applies, so one filed on its own costs $92; the homeowner (non-contractor) rate is $212. Electrical Safety Authority
- When a licensed contractor files it, ESA's 2026 fee for renovation wiring in an existing house runs from $46, for a small job of up to 10 outlets filed for a final inspection only, to $256 for 41 or more outlets with service work, before HST. EV chargers, hot tubs and solar panels carry their own fees, and ESA's $92 minimum applies only to the fees its guide marks with an asterisk; the 1–10 outlet contractor fee is not one of them. Electrical Safety Authority
- For an EV charger, ESA charges $86 for the first piece of equipment when a licensed contractor files it, subject to the $92 minimum, plus $30 for each additional related piece of equipment installed at the same time. Electrical Safety Authority
- A hard-wired hot tub or spa costs $168 in ESA fees ($181 at the homeowner rate), including up to two inspection visits. Electrical Safety Authority
- By law, anyone you hire to do electrical work in your home in Ontario must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor, and the contractor files the notification and requests ESA's inspection. Electrical Safety Authority
What Affects the Cost?
Permit Requirements
Almost all electrical work in Ontario must be reported to ESA, and your contractor files the notification. ESA's own 2026 fee for renovation wiring in an existing house (outlets, devices, rewires and service work) runs $46–$256 before HST, on top of labour and materials. EV chargers, hot tubs and solar panels carry their own ESA fees.
Panel Capacity
If your panel is at capacity, adding circuits for EV chargers or hot tubs may require a full panel upgrade first.
Home Age
Older homes with aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring cost significantly more to work on due to code upgrade requirements.
Accessibility
Finished basements, cathedral ceilings, and hard-to-reach areas increase labour time and cost.
Licensing in Ontario
Ontario electricians must hold a valid ESA/ECRA licence. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) maintains a public registry. Never hire an unlicensed electrician — your insurance may not cover unpermitted work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do electricians need to be licensed in Ontario?
Yes. All electrical contractors must be licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA/ECRA). Verify any electrician before hiring at esasafe.com.
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
Upgrading from 100A to 200A typically costs $2,000–$4,500 in Ontario, including the permit and ESA inspection.
Do I need a permit for electrical work?
Most electrical work requires an ESA permit. Minor tasks like replacing a light switch may be exempt, but anything involving new circuits does.
How much does EV charger installation cost?
Level 2 EV charger installation runs $1,500–$3,000 depending on distance from panel, panel capacity, and charger model.
Disclaimer: All prices shown, except a published fee named as such, are ProScore estimates for Ontario, figures as of February 24, 2026. They are not drawn from ProScore listings, contractor quotes, or a pricing survey. Actual costs vary based on job complexity, location, materials, and contractor. Always get 2–3 written quotes from professionals before committing. ProScore is not responsible for pricing accuracy — use these figures as a starting point for budgeting.
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Sources
- Government of Canada, Job Bank, Construction electrician in Ontario: wages (2023–2024 wages, updated November 19, 2025). Accessed October 19, 2026.
- Electrical Safety Authority, 2026 Wiring Fee Guide (Effective July 6, 2026). Accessed October 23, 2026.
- Electrical Safety Authority, 2026 Wiring Fee Guide (Effective July 6, 2026). Accessed October 23, 2026.
- Electrical Safety Authority, 2026 Wiring Fee Guide (Effective July 6, 2026). Accessed October 23, 2026.
- Electrical Safety Authority, 2026 Wiring Fee Guide (Effective July 6, 2026). Accessed October 23, 2026.
- Electrical Safety Authority, Notifications and inspections. Accessed October 19, 2026.
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