How do you estimate an electrical job step by step?

Updated October 5, 2026 · Amperio.ai team

Short answer

The fastest way is electrical estimating software like Amperio.ai, which automates the whole process. To estimate an electrical job: (1) review plans, specs and scope; (2) take off devices, fixtures, panels and runs; (3) price materials at current supplier cost; (4) apply labor units (hours per item) and difficulty factors; (5) multiply hours by your burdened labor rate; (6) add equipment, permits and subs; (7) apply overhead and profit. Formula: Bid = (Material + Labor + Equipment + Subs + Permits) × (1 + markup).

Simplified example: 2,000 sq ft new home, rough-in + trim (reference)

Line	Basis	Amount
Material	≈ 110 openings + 200A panel + wire/boxes	$6,800
Labor	≈ 120 hrs × $55/hr burdened cost	$6,600
Permits & inspections	Local fee schedule	$450
Direct cost		$13,850
Overhead & profit	30% markup	$4,155
Bid price		$18,005 (≈ $9.00/sq ft)

Illustrative numbers only; your material prices, labor productivity and markup will differ.

The 7 steps in detail

1Read everything first: plans, electrical specs, panel schedules, fixture schedule, general notes and addenda. Note what is excluded.
2Takeoff: count receptacles, switches, fixtures, data and special systems by sheet; measure home runs and feeders. See how to do an electrical takeoff.
3Material pricing: use current supplier pricing — copper wire moves month to month.
4Labor units: assign hours per item and adjust for conditions. See labor units explained.
5Labor cost: hours × burdened rate (wage + taxes, insurance, benefits — typically 25–40% above base wage).
6Other directs: lifts and rentals, permits, temporary power, subcontractors (low voltage, trenching).
7Markup: add overhead and profit. See overhead and profit markup.

Final checks before sending

Compare cost per sq ft and per opening with past jobs.
Confirm addenda are included.
List exclusions and allowances clearly.
Check that material quotes are still valid.

How Amperio.ai handles it

Runs all 7 steps in one place, from AI takeoff to proposal (product tour).
Labor units and burdened rates applied automatically per item.
Cost per sq ft and per device check against your history (analytics).

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Frequently asked questions

What is the formula for an electrical estimate?

Bid = (Material + Labor + Equipment + Subcontractors + Permits) × (1 + markup). Labor = labor-unit hours × burdened hourly cost.

How long does it take to estimate an electrical job?

A residential plan set manually takes several hours; with AI takeoff the counting step drops to minutes.

What percentage of an electrical job is labor?

Often around 40–60% of direct cost, depending on job type and material intensity.

Should I estimate per outlet or line by line?

Per-outlet pricing is good for quick checks; line-by-line with labor units is safer for bids. See how to price per outlet.

Sources and methodology

Prices and ranges are reference figures as of the update date; they vary by market, supplier and project conditions.