Get Quotes from Top Electricians in St Louis, MO

What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in St. Louis 

Besides its iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri’s second-largest city, is famous for its beer, flavorful cuisines, soulful music scene, historical museums, world-renowned cathedrals, and baseball and hockey teams (Cardinals and Blues). With that many attractions, the city undoubtedly has a high demand for electricity to keep its infrastructure up and running. Thankfully, St. Louis electricians are ready to fix any electrical problem, including repairing, wiring, installing, and upgrading any electrical system or fixture at home or commercial sites. 

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in St. Louis? 

Electrical systems In commercial and residential properties can be incredibly complex. Thus, maintenance and installation of such systems should be handled by licensed and experienced electricians in St. Louis. A professional electrician can help you fix any electrical issues that may arise during work and will ensure everything is completed per the National Electrical Code and its local amendments. Some common electrical problems you can experience include the following: 

  • Circuit breaker trips 
  • Faulty switches, fixtures, and outlets 
  • Electric sparks and shocks 
  • Code violation corrections 
  • Service equipment troubleshooting 
  • Wiring or electric panel installations and upgrades 

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in St. Louis? 

Electricians in St. Louis must hold an occupational license before bidding and offering electrical services to residents. St. Louis electricians must obtain an occupational license from the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Note that county-issued electrician licenses, including those issued to St. Louis city electricians, are only valid within the county. At the same time, through its Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors, the Missouri Division of Professional Registration offers an optional statewide electrical contractor license for electricians wishing to provide electrical services to residents of St. Louis and other cities within Missouri. 

Doing business without a license is considered a Class B Misdemeanor in St. Louis, and action can be taken against such electricians in court. As such, before agreeing to work with an electrician in St. Louis, confirm that they have the license to provide electrical services legally. You can use the Missouri Division of Professional Registration's licensee search platform and the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works' list of licensed electrical contractors to confirm the licensing status of your prospective electrician.  

You can direct questions regarding the licensing procedure to the Missouri Division of Professional Registration and the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works at (573) 522-3280 and (314) 615-4591, respectively. 

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in St. Louis? 

Electricians in St. Louis charge residents $35 to $90 per hour for their services. However, the actual cost can vary depending on various factors, such as the following: 

  • Scope and nature of the electrical project 
  • Your location within the city 
  • The urgency of the work 
  • The costs of pulling permits and the materials necessary for the job 
  • Your preferred electrician's level of experience and local reputation 

Getting and comparing the cost estimates of at least three electricians near you is advisable before making your final hiring decision. This will help you avoid getting ripped off by any electrician who may try to overcharge you and ensure you choose a qualified electrician for the best price.  

Are You a Master Electrician in St. Louis? 

St. Louis has three distinct categories of electrical workers based on their experience level: 

  • Apprentice Electricians: Apprentice electricians are typically inexperienced in the electrical trade. They are expected to carry out simple electrical tasks under the  supervision of a licensed electrical contractor.
  • Journeyman Electricians: These are skilled electricians with at least 8,000 hours of electrical experience. Note that electricians in St Louis do not require a journeyman license. Nonetheless, individuals operating as journeyman electricians must work under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor. 
  • Electrical Contractors: These professionals are highly skilled and have the experience and knowledge to handle even the most complicated electrical jobs. Applicants for electrical contractor licenses must be at least 21 years old and have at least 12,000 hours of experience in the electrical trade. 

Ensure the electrician you hire in St. Louis is licensed and has the necessary experience to do your electrical work.    

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in St. Louis? 

Electrical permits are required for certain types of projects in St. Louis, including the following: 

  • Installation of new electrical services or alterations to an existing branch circuit 
  • Installation of new light fixtures and electrical outlets. 
  • Installation of new circuit breaker panels and fuse panels. 

The St. Louis Building Division issues electrical permits to certified electrical contractors or homeowners. The city's Building Division must certify licensed electrical contractors before applying for an electrical permit. So, if you are applying for a permit through an electrician, ask for a copy of their company's City Certificate. Alternatively, contact the city's Electrical Section at (314) 622-3313 to confirm their credentials. For general inquiries about electrical permit procedures, contact the city's Building Division at (314) 622-4800. 

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in St. Louis? 

Skilled and experienced electrical contractors in St. Louis can handle a wide range of electrical tasks, such as the following: 

Outlet and Fixtures Installation/Replacement
$100 - $235 
Circuit Breaker Switch Replacement
$100 - $235 
Electrical Panel/Wiring Upgrade
$1,000 - $4,200 
Home Wiring/Rewiring
$2,200 - $10,000 
General Repair Work
$35 - $300 
Electrical Inspection
$90 - $250 
Service Equipment Upgrades
$425 - $6,500 
Emergency Electrical Services (on top of regular charges)
$100 - $200 per hour

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in St. Louis? 

Although a single electrician will suffice for most residential electrical work, additional experienced professional electricians may be needed for more complex projects. These types of projects include commercial building projects or installing new wiring systems in industrial facilities. Before hiring a professional electrician, confirm if any part of your project will be subcontracted. If it will, take the following steps: 

  • Confirm the subcontractors are experienced and appropriately licensed. 
  • Confirm the subcontractors’ insurance and bonding status. 
  • Get a lien waiver to avoid liability if the primary electrician fails to pay the subcontractors on time. 

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded St. Louis Electrician? 

All licensed electrical contractors in St. Louis must carry liability insurance policies with a maximum limit of $500,000 and a $10,000 indemnifying bond.  

Verify your intended electrician has the necessary insurance coverage and bond before hiring them. For more information about bond and insurance requirements for licensed electrical contractors in St. Louis, you can contact the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works at (314) 615-4591. 

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in St. Louis? 

When choosing an electrician in St. Louis, it is important to confirm that they will provide you with a warranty covering their work and the materials to be used. Avoid hiring any electrician that does not offer this type of protection.

Make sure that the warranty you are offered is valid for at least one year. Also, request a written copy of the warranty to review its terms and conditions to avoid voiding it. 

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in St. Louis? 

You can file complaints regarding electrical services in St. Louis through the following methods: 

  • Through the Missouri Attorney General's Office, by completing an online complaint form. 
  • Through the Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors by submitting a complaint form via email or mail:  
Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors 3605 Missouri Boulevard P.O. Box 1335 Jefferson City, MO 65102-1335
  • Through the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works by contacting the office at 
6th Floor, 41 South Central Avenue Clayton, MO 63105 Phone: (314) 615-4591 Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.