Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Pittsburgh, PA

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Pittsburgh? 

Regardless of how minor or inconsequential the electrical issue may seem, you should always hire a licensed electrician in Pittsburgh to handle the problem. Trying to handle it yourself instead of calling a licensed electrician can be very dangerous for you and the other people in your building. Besides being licensed, Pittsburgh electricians have the necessary tools and can do electrical work safely and efficiently per the National Electrical Code and its local amendments. Electricians in Pittsburgh can provide the following types of services: 

• Rewire renovated houses 
• Pull necessary permits 
• Correct code violations 
• Conduct electrical safety inspections 
• Install new electrical systems in buildings 
• Inspect and maintain wiring, lighting, and control systems 
• Repair and replace wiring, fixtures, and service equipment 

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Pittsburgh? 

In Pittsburgh, a trade license is required to bid for or provide electrical services to city residents. The Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspectors (PLI) issues licenses to interested electricians in the city. Any electrician who violates these requirements by committing fraud or misrepresenting their license status while carrying out their duties may have their license revoked or suspended by the PLI. 

Before hiring an electrician in Pittsburgh, ensure they have a valid license. You can check the status of licenses via the PLI's OneStopPGH platform. For more information regarding electrician licensing requirements and procedures in Pittsburgh, you can contact the city's Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspectors (PLI) via email or at (412) 255-2175.  

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Pittsburgh? 

An electrician's hourly rate can range from around $35 to $100 in Pittsburgh.  However, the actual cost of services can depend on several factors, such as the following: 

• The scope and type of electrical work 
• The labor intensity of the task 
• Your location within the city 
• The cost of required permits, parts, and materials  
• Your selected electrician's level of experience and local reputation 

Before choosing an electrician for your project in Pittsburgh, ensure to get and compare quotes from multiple electricians. Doing this will allow you to hire a reputable and experienced electrician at the best rate for your project and avoid being overcharged by dishonest contractors. 

Are You a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Pittsburgh? 

Pittsburgh electricians are typically grouped into three categories based on their level of experience: 

• Apprentice Electricians: Apprenticeship kickstarts an electrician’s career. Apprentice electricians are only allowed to carry out basic tasks under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor. An apprentice must gain five years of work experience and earn 900 hours of classroom learning before they can obtain a license. Alternatively, they can work under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor for at least ten years.  
• Journeyman Electricians: Journeyman electricians are responsible for the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment while working under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor in the city. Note that there is no provision for a journeyman electrician license in Pittsburgh. Nonetheless, an electrician may have to work as a journeyman electrician for at least ten years to be eligible for an electrical contractor license in the city.  
• Licensed Electrical Contractor: An electrical contractor is a licensed individual with at least ten years of experience who can handle various electrical projects. These professionals are responsible for the supervision of both apprentice and journeyman electricians. To become a licensed electrical contractor in Pittsburgh, the electrician must be at least 18 years old and pass an exam. 

Ensure your prospective electrician has the necessary skills to handle the electrical work you need before hiring them. 

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Pittsburgh? 

An electrical permit is required for certain electrical work in Pittsburgh, including but not limited to the following: 

• Repairing or renovating existing electrical systems 
• Extending or modifying an existing electrical system 
• Installing a new electrical system in buildings 

The Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspectors (PLI) is responsible for issuing residential and commercial electrical permits in the city. Be aware that you must obtain a permit before work starts on your project. To learn more about Pittsburgh's permitting process, you can contact the PLI via email or at (412) 255-2175. 

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Pittsburgh? 

Licensed electricians in Pittsburgh have the necessary skills and experience to provide a wide range of services to their customers, including the following: 

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Pittsburgh? 

Although a single licensed electrician can handle most residential electrical jobs, larger projects, like installing new electrical systems or remodeling old buildings, may require multiple contractors. This is common in industrial and commercial buildings. Nevertheless, it is critical that you confirm with your electrician the number of electrical contractors that will be involved in your project before starting work. If any part of the project will be outsourced, we recommend that you take the following steps: 

• Confirm the licensing and insurance status of the subcontractors. 
• Confirm the subcontractors are qualified to handle your project by validating their expertise and skill sets. 
• Get a lien waiver from the primary electrician to protect you from any late payments on their part to the subcontractors. 

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Pittsburgh Electrician? 

Pittsburgh electricians must maintain commercial general liability insurance of no less than $300,000. They are also legally obligated by the state to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any. 

So, before completing the hiring process with your selected electrician in Pittsburgh, confirm they carry the necessary insurance coverage. Authenticate any document provided and check if the coverage is adequate by contacting the issuing insurance agency. Contact the Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspectors (PLI) via email or at (412) 255-2175 for more information about the insurance requirements of licensed electricians in the city. 

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Pittsburgh? 

Many reputable Pittsburgh electricians offer warranties covering their work. Confirm that your prospective electrician will provide one. If they don’t or attempt to downplay the significance of warranties, consider this a red flag. Furthermore, ensure that any warranty you are offered will be valid for at least a year. Finally, request a copy of the warranty to review it thoroughly and avoid voiding its terms and conditions. 

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Pittsburgh? 

You can file a consumer complaint concerning a Pittsburgh electrician's deceptive business practices or unsatisfactory services with the Consumer Protection Bureau of the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. You can do this by completing an online complaint form or by sending a completed pdf complaint form via mail to 

Alternatively, you can file a complaint against an electrician in Pittsburgh with the city's Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspectors (PLI) via email or at (412) 255-2175.