Electricians in Boston, MA
Find licensed electricians in Boston, Massachusetts. Check local permit requirements and get a cost estimate before you hire.
Last updated: April 2026 · Cost data from RSMeans & BLS regional indices · Permit data from official city .gov sources
Local context for Boston
Boston permits go through the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, with online filing via the ISD Permits and Licenses portal. Boston uses the Massachusetts State Building Code (currently the 10th edition), which is based on the IBC and IRC with significant Massachusetts amendments. Boston also has Stretch Energy Code and Specialized Code options beyond base state requirements.
Permits filed through Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) · official portal
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Before you hire in Boston
A short checklist of things to verify before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit. These apply whether you find your contractor here, on Angi, or anywhere else.
- 1
Building permit on the contractor, not you
Most cities require a permit for any structural work. The contractor should pull the permit in their name so they carry the liability for code compliance. If a contractor offers to skip the permit or asks you to pull it as a homeowner, that is a warning sign. - 2
Licensed electrician
Most states require a state-issued electrical license. Always ask for the license number, confirm it matches the person doing the work (not just the business owner), and check it against the issuing board's online lookup. - 3
General liability + workers comp
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with you listed as a certificate holder, before any work begins. Without workers comp, an injured worker can sue the homeowner directly. $500K–$1M general liability is standard. - 4
Written contract with clear terms
Get it in writing. The contract should cover: scope of work, total price (not hourly unless explicitly agreed), materials and brands, start and finish dates, payment schedule tied to milestones (not calendar dates), warranty period, and procedures for change orders. Never pay more than 1/3 up front, and never pay the final payment until the work passes inspection. - 5
References and public reputation
Ask for 3 references on recent similar projects and actually call them. Cross-check reviews across Google, the Better Business Bureau, and the state licensing board's complaint history. A contractor with zero online footprint is a risk, even if they come highly recommended.
Every contractor we list is verified against public records, but verification is not a quality guarantee. Run through this checklist on any contractor you are seriously considering.
How to Choose a Electrician in Boston
Follow these steps to find a reliable, licensed electrician in the Boston, Massachusetts area.
Verify the master electrician license
Any permitted electrical work must be signed off by a licensed master electrician. Look up the license on your state electrical board before hiring.
Confirm liability insurance and bonding
Electricians should carry at least $1M general liability plus workers compensation. Bonded contractors give you recourse if work fails inspection.
Require permits on every job
Panel upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers, and rewires all need a permit. A licensed electrician pulls the permit — not you. Cash deals without permits void your insurance.
Get 3+ written bids for big work
Panel upgrades and rewires should have itemized bids. Watch for "too good to be true" pricing, which often signals unlicensed labor or corner-cutting on conductors.
Ask about EV charger certification
For Level 2 installs, ask if the electrician is familiar with your panel brand and local utility requirements. Some utilities require load management gear.
Demand a written warranty
Quality electrical work comes with a 1-year workmanship warranty at minimum. Equipment manufacturer warranties (panels, chargers) run 5-25 years separately.
Working with electricians in Boston
- Massachusetts requires a licensed Construction Supervisor for most structural work, which trips up out-of-state contractors moving into the Boston market
- Boston Landmarks Commission districts and National Register districts like Beacon Hill or the South End add an architectural review step before ISD will issue a permit
- Triple-decker work triggers multi-unit residential code paths even when only one unit is being renovated, because of shared egress and fire-separation rules
Electrical Costs in Boston, MA
Typical prices for residential electrical work in Boston. Ranges reflect full-installation pricing with permit included where applicable — not service-call minimums. Hourly rates run $83-$173 per hour for troubleshooting and small repairs.
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service call / troubleshooting | $185 | $237 | $313 |
| New outlet install | $225 | $288 | $380 |
| Ceiling fan replacement | $300 | $384 | $507 |
| 200A panel upgrade | $2,796 | $3,584 | $4,731 |
| Level 2 EV charger install | $1,647 | $2,112 | $2,788 |
| Generator transfer switch | $1,348 | $1,728 | $2,281 |
| Whole-house rewire (1,800 sq ft) | $10,982 | $14,080 | $18,586 |
Cost data derived from RSMeans regional indices, BLS construction wage data, and NECA market surveys. Actual quotes will vary based on scope, panel condition, and utility coordination. Permit fees in Boston typically run $77-$448.
Get a Detailed Cost EstimateElectrical Permit Requirements in Boston
Nearly all electrical work in Boston requires a permit — panel upgrades, new circuits, outlet additions beyond simple fixture swaps, EV chargers, generator transfer switches, and whole-house rewires. Your licensed electrician pulls the permit, not you. Permit fees typically range $77-$448. Work without a permit is a code violation that can void homeowners insurance and block a future home sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians charge in Boston, Massachusetts?
Electricians in Boston typically charge $83-$173 per hour, with a minimum service call fee around $185-$313. Job-based pricing is more common than hourly for installs: adding an outlet runs $225-$380, a ceiling fan swap runs $300-$507. Complex work like panel upgrades or whole-house rewires is quoted per project.
How much does a panel upgrade cost in Boston?
Upgrading from a 100-amp to a 200-amp service panel in Boston typically costs $2,796-$4,731, including the panel, meter socket, permit, and utility coordination. Older homes with aluminum or cloth-wrapped wiring, or panels requiring a meter relocation, can push the high end over $6,150. Most residential EV charger installs and solar tie-ins require a 200-amp panel.
How much does it cost to install a Level 2 EV charger in Boston?
Level 2 EV charger installation in Boston runs $1,647-$2,788 for a 40-amp circuit on a short cable run from the panel. Longer runs, trenching to a detached garage, panel upgrades, or load management gear push costs higher. The federal Section 30C credit (30% up to $1,000) is still available through June 30, 2026 for residential installs in qualifying census tracts — ask your electrician to confirm eligibility before the deadline.
Do I need a permit to hire an electrician in Boston?
Yes. Nearly all electrical work in Boston requires a permit — panel upgrades, new circuits, outlet additions, EV chargers, generator transfer switches, and whole-house rewires. Permit fees typically range $77-$448 and your licensed electrician should pull the permit (not you). Simple fixture swaps on existing circuits are the main exemption. Work without a permit is a code violation that can void your homeowners insurance and block a future home sale.
How do I verify an electrician is licensed in Massachusetts?
Most states publish a searchable licensing roster you can use to confirm an electrician's license status, bond, and disciplinary history. In Massachusetts, look up the state electrical board (or department of labor) online license lookup before hiring. Ask to see the license card, confirm the license number matches public records, and require proof of liability insurance and workers comp (never pay cash without these verified).
What is a master electrician vs a journeyman?
A master electrician has passed an advanced exam (typically requiring 7,000+ hours of field work plus written and practical tests) and can pull permits, sign off on work, and supervise journeymen and apprentices. A journeyman electrician has completed a 4-year apprenticeship and can do most wiring work under a master's license. For any job requiring a permit in Boston, a master electrician must be on the license — confirm this before signing a contract.
Does Boston follow the Stretch Energy Code?
Yes. Boston has adopted both the Stretch Energy Code and the Specialized Opt-in Code under MA regulations, which add energy performance targets beyond the base state code for new construction and major renovations.
Why does my Boston project need a Construction Supervisor License (CSL)?
Massachusetts requires a CSL holder of appropriate class to oversee structural work on buildings with areas over 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space or any work affecting structural elements. ISD checks CSL status on the permit application.