Electrical work

Electrical work in Canada

Updated 4 November 2026

Electrical work in Canada is usually priced by the hour. Licensed electricians mostly charge CA$80 to CA$150 an hour for residential work, and CA$100 to CA$160 in the largest cities. A new outlet typically costs CA$150 to CA$300, and a panel upgrade CA$1,500 to CA$3,500. For a price for your own job, send a request on BlaBlaPrice.

Licences to check before you hire

Licences are issued province by province. In Ontario an electrical contractor licence costs CA$448 a year, a Master Electrician licence CA$91 a year, and the exam CA$164, according to 2026 fee notes. The Electrical Safety Authority requires a contractor to be at least 18 and to have a Master Electrician working for it at all times. Nova Scotia charges CA$300 a year for licence types A, B and D, and New Brunswick CA$250 to CA$400 a year for contractor groups 2 and 3. Ask for the licence number and check that it is current before you agree a price.

Season and timing

Winter in Canada runs from December to February and summer from June to August, and November sits between the two. A request now leaves time for a visit and a quote before the winter months. Outdoor wiring, such as a garden or garage supply, is easier to schedule between June and August.

How electrical work is priced

Most residential jobs are quoted by the hour. Self-employed electricians often charge CA$50 to CA$90 an hour, or a day rate of about CA$400 to CA$560. Larger standard installations are sometimes quoted per square foot, at CA$4 to CA$7 in Ottawa. Ask whether the quote includes materials, the call-out time and whether an ESA permit is included in Ontario.

What to write in your request

Say what type of work you need and its scope, the property type and floor area, and the wall material, because it changes the labour. Add the city or area, the deadline and your budget in CA$. If you need a new outlet, a panel upgrade or wiring for a whole house, say so, since each is priced differently.

Send one request on BlaBlaPrice in your own words, and add a photo of the panel or the room if it helps. The BlaBlaPrice AI asks what it still needs, looks through electricians' websites and price lists in Canada, and shows the prices it finds. Electricians registered on BlaBlaPrice receive the request and reply in the chat with their own price, terms and availability. Your contact details stay hidden until you choose whom to contact. For related home work, see Household services.