Electrician costs in Switzerland – prices, hourly rates, and typical jobs

An electrician doesn't just "do a bit of electricity." They ensure that installations function safely, comply with current regulations, and are not suddenly overloaded when renovations or new appliances are added. Whether it's additional sockets, new lighting, smart home solutions, or a complete renovation, electrical work is always about safety, reliability, and standards. In this guide, you will learn what costs are typical for electricians in Switzerland , what typical jobs cost approximately, and what you should look for when choosing the right company.

Electricians / Assembly Electricians / Electrical Installers Depending on the region and level of experience, hourly rates typically range from CHF 90 to CHF 130. Assembly electricians often fall at the lower end of the scale, while electrical installers tend to charge more for more demanding work (e.g., distribution boards, fuses, testing). Safety training, experience, and responsibility are reflected in the price. Surcharges for measuring devices andtesting Flat rates are sometimes charged for special measurements or diagnostics – often CHF 20–30 (e.g., insulation measurement, fault current measurement, line testing). Additional surcharges may apply for complex troubleshooting. Typical total costs per job • Small jobs (lamp, switch, single socket): usually CHF 250–350 in total • Medium jobs (several connections/changes in one appointment): approx. CHF 400–700 • Fault repair/troubleshooting: often CHF 90–130 per hour including surcharges When it comes to safety issues (distribution boards, RCDs/circuit breakers, high-voltage current, new circuits), a qualified electrician should be called in.

Location plays a role (cities/central Switzerland are often more expensive than rural areas), as do complexity, accessibility, and time pressure. Emergency appointments, special trips, or work that requires a lot of testing and measuring increase the overall costs.

Electricians take care of everything from installation to new installations. It is important to be able to estimate what you can expect – and when professional work is essential. It should also be noted that prices for electricians vary greatly from city to city. The cost of an electrician in Zurich is different from that in Bern or St. Gallen. Installing and connecting lighting Installing a light fixture can be easy – or complicated if connections are missing, old wiring is questionable, or heavy lamps need to be securely fastened. An electrician will also check the electrical circuit. Cost: approx. $200–300 (simple), $350–450 (complex, e.g., large pendant light/chandelier). Recommended if the installation is old or the light fixture is heavy/complicated. Outlets, switches, and dimmers New sockets or switch replacements are common jobs – provided that the socket and wiring are in good condition. In the case of dimmers, the light bulbs and fuses must also be compatible. Cost: approx. $40–50 per socket, $60–90 per switch/dimmer (plus materials and fixed costs). This makes sense if additional connections are needed or old elements are being replaced. Modernize fuse boxes and circuits Overloaded circuits, missing RCD/LCB switches, or outdated fuses are typical weak points. An electrician plans the modification, checks the wiring, and brings the system up to date. Cost: often CHF 1,500–3,000, depending on the scope and number of circuits. Useful for renovations, performance upgrades (e.g., kitchen), or if fuses trip frequently. Network, multimedia, and smart home From access points and structured cabling to smart home control centers: this involves planning, clean cabling, and functional control. Cost: approx. $400–1,000 (small installations), $2,000–6,000 (extensive smart home solutions). Wall box for electric cars In Switzerland, a specialist company is required to install a charging station, including testing the house connection and fuses, as well as notifying the network operator. Cost: usually CHF 2,000–2,500, depending on the cable route, fuses, and device. Outdoor power and gardenlighting Sockets in the garden, bollard lights, motion detectors, or patio lights require weatherproof components and RCD protection. Cost: often CHF 600–1,500, depending on cable length and number of consumers. Electrical installation in renovations or newbuilds For larger projects, new cables are laid, circuits are planned, switch programs are installed, and lighting concepts are implemented. Costs: roughly $150–200/m² in new builds or, in the case of renovations, often $25,000–50,000 ( typical single-family home). Recommended for older installations (often > 30 years old), modernization, or expansion. Repairs and malfunctions (emergency) Short circuits, smoldering sockets, or faulty wiring are cases that require immediate attention. Costs: often CHF 250–350 per call-out, depending on time and effort.