If you're dealing with a flickering light, a tripped breaker, or planning a kitchen renovation in Montana, you're probably wondering what an electrician is going to charge you. I get it—electrician costs can feel like they come out of nowhere, and nobody likes surprises when it comes to home repair bills.
After talking to homeowners across Montana and checking out what local electricians are actually charging, I've put together this guide to help you understand what you should expect to pay. Whether you're in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, or Bozeman, here's what you need to know about electrician pricing in 2025.
Most electricians in Montana charge a service call fee just to show up and diagnose the problem. This is pretty standard across the industry, and it's worth knowing about upfront. In Billings and Missoula, you're looking at somewhere between $75 and $150 for that initial visit. Great Falls and Bozeman tend to fall in a similar range, though Bozeman can sometimes run a bit higher since it's a pricier market overall.
After the service call, electricians typically charge hourly rates for actual work. In Montana's major cities, hourly rates generally run between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on the electrician's experience level and the complexity of the job. A newer electrician might come in on the lower end, while a master electrician with years of experience will be closer to that $100/hour mark.
Keep in mind that many electricians charge a minimum service fee—usually $150 to $250—even if the job only takes 30 minutes. So if you've got a simple fix, you might hit that minimum charge rather than being billed for the actual time spent.
Let me break down some of the most common electrical work homeowners need done and what you should budget for:
Outlet or Switch Installation: In Billings and Missoula, expect to pay $150 to $300 per outlet or switch installation. This includes the service call, labor, and usually the outlet itself. If you're having multiple outlets installed at once, electricians often give you a slight discount per additional outlet.
Ceiling Fan Installation: This typically runs $200 to $400 in Montana. If you already have a light fixture in place, it's on the lower end. If you need wiring run from a breaker panel, you're looking at the higher end or even more.
Panel Upgrades: This is a bigger job. Upgrading your electrical panel in Great Falls or Bozeman will cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the amp rating and whether you need permit work done. A 100-amp upgrade costs less than a 200-amp upgrade, obviously.
Whole Home Rewiring: If your house is older and you need a complete rewire, you're looking at $8,000 to $15,000+ for a typical Montana home. This varies wildly based on square footage and the condition of your current wiring.
Hot Water Heater Installation: Electric water heater installation runs about $800 to $1,500 in Billings and other major Montana cities. This includes labor, basic materials, and hookup.
Circuit Breaker Replacement: A single breaker replacement costs $150 to $300. It sounds simple, but electricians need to pull permits and follow code requirements, which adds to the cost.
You might notice that electrician costs aren't exactly the same everywhere in the state. Here's why:
Bozeman has become a hot real estate market, and that affects service costs. Electricians there tend to charge 10-15% more than in Billings or Great Falls. Missoula falls somewhere in the middle—not quite as expensive as Bozeman but a bit higher than Great Falls.
Great Falls and some of the more rural areas tend to have lower rates simply because the cost of living is lower. You might also find that electricians in smaller towns charge more for travel time if you're outside their immediate service area, which is something to ask about.
Complexity matters too. A simple job in Billings is straightforward, but if you've got an older home with outdated wiring or unusual electrical setup, the cost goes up. Permit requirements and inspections also add to the bill—and they should, because they're required by law.
Don't just call one electrician and accept the first quote. Get at least two or three estimates. Make sure each quote includes the service fee, labor hours, materials, and any permit costs.
Ask about warranties on work performed. A reputable electrician will stand behind their work with at least a one-year warranty.
If you're planning multiple electrical projects, ask if the electrician will bundle them for a discount. You might save money grouping everything into one larger project rather than spreading it out.
Q: Are emergency electrician calls more expensive?
A: Yes. If you need an electrician to come out after 5 PM, on weekends, or on holidays, expect to pay 1.5 to 2 times the normal rate. In Montana cities like Missoula and Billings, an emergency call might run $150 to $250 just for the service fee alone.
Q: Do I need a permit for electrical work?
A: Most electrical work requires a permit in Montana. Your electrician should handle this. The permit fee usually adds $50 to $150 to your bill, but it's worth it for safety and resale value.
Q: Is it cheaper to hire an apprentice electrician?
A: Sometimes, but they still need to be supervised by a licensed electrician, so you're not really saving much. Stick with licensed professionals to protect yourself.
Ready to get your electrical work done? Call (888) 423-9319 today to get a free quote from a licensed electrician in your area.
Get a FREE estimate — call now:
(888) 423-931924/7 Available • Licensed & Insured • All of Montana
Licensed pros in your area. Fast response guaranteed.