Electrical Calculator

Electrical Profit Calculator

Enter your job details below. Results update instantly. All fields are pre-filled with 2026 industry averages — adjust to match your actual numbers.

2026 Benchmarks US Market

Job Complexity

Job Details
Revenue and scope of work
Devices, outlets, breakers, fixtures
Materials
All material costs including waste factor
Your cost before markup
Applied to breakers/panel cost
Labor
Crew costs including burden
Overhead & Other Costs
Disposal, equipment, subcontractors

How the Electrical Profit Calculator Works

Service upgrades, panel replacements, remodel rough-ins — this calculator gives you a real-time margin breakdown on any electrical job. Enter your costs and see your numbers before you bid.

  1. Enter your contract price. The total amount you’re charging the customer.
  2. Add material costs. Panel, wire, devices, and fixture costs.
  3. Enter labor details. Your electrician’s burdened hourly rate and crew hours.
  4. Add overhead and other costs. Permit fees, equipment, and any subcontractor costs.
  5. Read your margin instantly. Gross margin, net margin, and the benchmark band update instantly.

Electrical permit costs vary significantly by jurisdiction — always enter actual permit fees rather than estimating to keep your margin calculation accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good profit margin for electrical contractors?
Licensed electrical contractors typically target 35–50% gross margin on residential work and 28–40% on commercial. Service and troubleshooting calls command the highest margins (50–65%) due to low material costs and premium labor rates.
How do electricians price service upgrades and panel replacements?
Panel replacements are typically priced as a flat package: equipment cost (panel + breakers + materials) × 1.4–1.6 markup + labor (typically 8–16 hours at a burdened rate of $65–$110/hr) + permit. The permit must be passed through as a separate line item or baked into the flat price.
What should electricians charge per hour in 2026?
Burdened rates for licensed journeyman electricians range $60–$100/hr depending on region. Master electricians and specialty work (commercial, industrial, EV charging) command $85–$130/hr burdened. Always use your fully burdened rate — base wage plus all taxes, insurance, and benefits.
How much do permits affect electrical job profitability?
Permit costs range from $50 to $500+ per job and must be treated as a pass-through cost or direct job expense, not absorbed into overhead. A $300 permit on a $2,500 job is 12% of revenue — enough to wipe out net profit if not properly accounted for.
What’s the difference between residential and commercial electrical margins?
Residential work typically earns higher margins (35–50%) because pricing is less competitive and homeowners are less price-sensitive than commercial clients. Commercial work involves more competitive bidding, longer payment cycles, and more complex coordination — margins run 28–40% but jobs are larger in dollar value.