Trade directory · Cary metro · North Carolina

Electrical contractors in
Cary, North Carolina.

A public directory of licensed electrical contractors serving greater Cary. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Licensed Establishments
2,826
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
Summer months (June-August) due to AC system installations and pool/outdoor lighting projects
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for quotes, same day for emergency calls
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$27/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

CARY-NC · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Panel upgrade (200 amp)
Typical range based on local panel upgrade (200 amp) jobs.
$1,800 – $3,500
Outlet installation/replacement
Typical range based on local outlet installation/replacement jobs.
$150 – $350
Ceiling fan installation
Typical range based on local ceiling fan installation jobs.
$200 – $450
GFCI outlet installation
Typical range based on local gfci outlet installation jobs.
$175 – $300
Whole house rewiring
Typical range based on local whole house rewiring jobs.
$8,000 – $15,000
Emergency service call
Typical range based on local emergency service call jobs.
$250 – $500
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

NC
§1

Licensing Requirements

NC requires Electrical Contractor License through NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Must pass PSI examination, provide financial statement showing $15,000 net worth, carry required insurance. Individual electricians need state certification with 8,000 hours experience or apprenticeship completion. License renewal every year by December 31.

§2

Permit Requirements

Electrical permits required for most work through Town of Cary Building Department. Permit fees range $50-$200 depending on scope. Homeowner permits allowed for simple replacements only.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection after completion. Schedule 24 hours in advance through Cary Building Department. Re-inspection fee $75 for failed inspections.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000, Workers compensation if employees, surety bond $15,000 for electrical contractor license

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

6 STEPS
1

Meet Experience Requirements

Complete 8,000 hours of electrical work experience or approved apprenticeship program. Document all hours with verification from licensed contractors.

01/06
2

Pass PSI Examination

Schedule and pass the electrical contractor examination through PSI. Test covers NC electrical code, business law, and safety regulations. $75 exam fee.

02/06
3

Gather Financial Documentation

Obtain financial statement showing minimum $15,000 net worth. CPA-prepared statements required for amounts over $50,000.

03/06
4

Secure Insurance and Bond

Purchase minimum $300,000 general liability insurance and $15,000 surety bond from approved providers. Submit certificates to licensing board.

04/06
5

Submit Application

Complete electrical contractor license application with NC Board of Examiners. Include all documentation, experience verification, and $150 license fee.

05/06
6

Maintain License

Renew license annually by December 31st with $75 fee. Complete required continuing education and maintain insurance coverage.

06/06
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Cary's electrician market runs hot with steady residential growth and commercial development. You've got 2826 licensed establishments statewide competing for work, but Cary's affluent neighborhoods and new construction keep demand strong. Median wage sits at $26.62/hour - that's your baseline for labor costs. Panel upgrades and smart home installations drive the higher-margin work, while service calls and basic repairs keep the lights on. The second paragraph: Getting licensed in NC means jumping through the state board hoops - exam, financials, insurance minimums. Cary's building department doesn't mess around with permits and inspections, so factor that timeline into your bids. Summer's your money season with AC work and outdoor projects. Competition's fierce, but quality work and proper licensing separate the pros from the weekend warriors. Know your codes, pull your permits, and don't skip the inspections.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage $26.62/hr
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • 2826 licensed establishments in NC
    US Census Bureau
  • Licensing requirements and fees
    NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
  • Permit requirements and inspection fees
    Town of Cary Building Department
  • Insurance minimums
    NC General Statutes Chapter 87
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What does an electrical contractor license cost in North Carolina?

Initial electrical contractor license fee is $150, with $75 annual renewal. You'll also need a $15,000 surety bond and must demonstrate $15,000 net worth per NC Board of Examiners requirements.

Q/02

Do I need a permit for electrical work in Cary, NC?

Yes, most electrical work requires permits through Town of Cary Building Department. Simple like-for-like replacements may qualify for homeowner permits, but new circuits, panels, and service upgrades always need professional permits.

Q/03

How much do electricians make in North Carolina?

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, electricians in NC earn a median wage of $26.62 per hour or $55,370 annually. Cary market rates typically run higher due to affluent demographics and commercial activity.

Q/04

What insurance do electrical contractors need in NC?

NC requires minimum $300,000 general liability insurance for electrical contractors. If you have employees, workers compensation is mandatory. The state licensing board verifies insurance before license approval.

Q/05

How long does electrical inspection take in Cary?

Cary Building Department typically schedules inspections within 24-48 hours of request. Rough-in and final inspections are required for most jobs. Failed inspections result in $75 re-inspection fees per Town of Cary fee schedule.

§ F · Directory

Electrical contractors in Cary

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