Can a handyman do electrical work? What's allowed, state by state

By Nicholas Lipari, founder of PlainJob · Updated October 27, 2026 · 6 min read

Short answer: usually only small like-for-like swaps, and in some states not even those. Most states license electrical work separately from general contracting (a few leave it to cities), and where it’s licensed it usually applies at any job size. New circuits, panels, moving wiring and anything that needs an electrical permit need a licensed electrician.

General information, not legal advice. Electrical rules are set by states and often tightened by cities. Confirm with your state's electrical board or your local permit office before taking the work.

Usually a gray area: like-for-like swaps

Some states and cities treat replacing a device on an existing box and circuit as repair work. Others say any electrical work for pay needs a license. These are the jobs that land in that gray area:

Swapping a light fixture or ceiling fan on an existing box rated for it
Replacing a switch or outlet with the same type, in the same spot
Changing a doorbell button or a smoke detector on existing wiring

Even where it's allowed, turn the breaker off and test the circuit before you touch anything. Pricing for these is in our guides to light fixture installation cost and ceiling fan installation cost.

Always needs a licensed electrician

New circuits, new outlets or new switch locations
Panel work, breakers and subpanels
Running or moving wire inside walls
Hardwired appliances on new circuits, EV chargers, hot tubs
Anything your city requires an electrical permit for

Electrical and other trade rules by state

This is the trade-work column from our state-by-state license guide. Click a state for the full rules and sources.

State	Electrical, plumbing and other trade work
Alabama	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC at any job size
Alaska	Electrical, plumbing and mechanical licensed separately
Arizona	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC beyond like-for-like swaps need a license
Arkansas	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC at any job size
California	C-10 electrical and C-36 plumbing licenses for anything beyond simple like-for-like swaps
Colorado	Electrical and plumbing licensed by the state
Connecticut	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licensed separately
Delaware	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC at any job size
Florida	Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and roofing at any job size
Georgia	Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and low-voltage at any job size
Hawaii	Electrical and plumbing at any job size
Idaho	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC at any job size
Illinois	Roofing (IDFPR) and plumbing (IDPH) statewide; electrical locally
Indiana	Plumbing statewide; electrical locally
Iowa	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC at any job size
Kansas	Licensed locally; roofers register with the state
Kentucky	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC at any job size
Louisiana	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licensed separately; roofing at any amount
Maine	Electrical, plumbing and fuel/heating at any job size
Maryland	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licensed by state boards
Massachusetts	Electrical, plumbing and gas at any job size
Michigan	Electrical, plumbing and mechanical at any job size
Minnesota	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licensed separately
Mississippi	Set mostly by cities on residential jobs; commercial trade work licensed by the state
Missouri	Plumbing and HVAC licensed locally; optional state electrical license
Montana	Electrical and plumbing at any job size
Nebraska	Electrical licensed by the state; plumbing and HVAC locally
Nevada	Plumbing, electrical and HVAC at any job size
New Hampshire	Electrical, plumbing and gas fitting at any job size
New Jersey	Electrical and plumbing licensed by state boards
New Mexico	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC at any job size
New York	Electrical and plumbing licensed by NYC or the local county or town
North Carolina	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC at any job size
North Dakota	Electrical and plumbing at any job size
Ohio	Electrical, HVAC and plumbing: state for commercial, mostly local for homes
Oklahoma	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licensed by the state; roofers register
Oregon	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licensed separately
Pennsylvania	No statewide electrical or plumbing license; many cities and townships license them
Rhode Island	Electrical and plumbing licensed separately
South Carolina	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licensed separately
South Dakota	Electrical and plumbing at any job size
Tennessee	Electrical and plumbing at any job size
Texas	Electrical and HVAC (TDLR) and plumbing (TSBPE) at any job size
Utah	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC at any job size
Vermont	Electrical and plumbing at any job size
Virginia	Electrical, plumbing, gas and HVAC at any job size
Washington	Electrical and plumbing licensed by L&I
West Virginia	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licensed separately
Wisconsin	Electrical, plumbing and HVAC at any job size
Wyoming	Electrical licensed by the state; plumbing and HVAC locally

How to handle it with customers

Say up front which part you can do and which needs an electrician. Customers respect a clear line.
Keep a licensed electrician you trust to refer or subcontract to, and quote their part separately.
Write "electrical by licensed electrician" on the quote so the scope is clear.

Questions

Can a handyman replace a light fixture?

In many places, yes, if it is a like-for-like swap on an existing box and circuit. Some states require a license for any electrical work for pay, so check your state and city first.

Can a handyman install a new outlet?

Generally no. A new outlet means new wiring, which needs a licensed electrician and often a permit.

Do handymen need an electrical license?

For anything beyond simple swaps on existing wiring, yes. Most states license electrical work at any job size, separate from general contractor rules.