Burying electrical lines typically costs $15-$40 per linear foot, with many residential projects totaling $2,000-$6,000. The cost to bury electrical lines depends on run length, trench conditions, conductor size, utility requirements, and how much landscaping or pavement must be restored.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed private line | $15 per linear ft | $25 per linear ft | $40 per linear ft | Trenching, conduit, wiring, and connection; difficult sites cost more |
| Typical 100-ft run | $1,500 | $3,000 | $5,000 | Assumes ordinary soil and no major paving |
| Utility-side conversion | $1,000 | $3,500 | $10,000+ | Utility work and service changes can raise the total |
Typical prices for a 100-foot residential line
For a straightforward 100-foot underground run supplying a garage, outbuilding, or other private load, a practical budget is $2,000-$6,000. A short, accessible trench may land near the low end; a larger feeder, rocky soil, or extensive restoration can push the estimate higher. Assumptions: U.S. residential labor, standard conduit and conductors, ordinary access, and no major utility-system upgrade.
Installed rates commonly fall around $15-$40 per linear foot, but a contractor may price smaller jobs as a package rather than using a strict footage rate. The average example of $3,000 assumes a 100-foot run with moderate labor and limited surface repair. Confirm whether the quote covers the full route, electrical connections, inspection, and restoration.
What trenching, conduit, wire, and connections add
Quotes combine excavation, materials, electrical labor, and sometimes permit or restoration charges. The table gives typical U.S. ranges; actual amounts depend on conductor capacity, depth requirements, access, and local rates.
| Cost component | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trenching and backfill | $5/linear ft | $10/linear ft | $20/linear ft | More for rock, roots, or restricted access |
| Conduit and conductors | $4/linear ft | $9/linear ft | $18/linear ft | Wire size and conduit type change material cost |
| Electrician labor | $75/hour | $100/hour | $150/hour | Usually includes terminations and testing |
| Permit and inspection | $50 | $250 | $800 | Varies by jurisdiction and job scope |
| Surface repair | $0 | $500 | $3,000+ | Depends on lawn, driveway, or hardscape affected |
Some contractors use a trencher, while tight areas may require hand digging or specialized equipment. Labor may account for a substantial share of the quote when the trench is short but connections, panel work, or restoration are complex. Ask for excavation, electrical work, permit fees, and surface repair as separate line items.
How run length, wire capacity, and soil change the price
Distance is a major cost driver, but it does not determine the estimate alone. A 200-foot route generally needs more wire and excavation than a 50-foot route, and long runs may require larger conductors to manage voltage drop. A 60-amp feeder and a 100-amp feeder can therefore have different material costs even at the same distance.
Soil and obstacles also matter. Rocky ground, mature tree roots, steep slopes, and narrow access can add $5-$20 or more per linear foot in difficult cases. Crossing a paved driveway may require boring or saw-cutting rather than ordinary trenching, potentially adding hundreds to several thousand dollars. Request a site-specific route and conductor-size calculation instead of relying on footage alone.
Lowering the bill through route and scope choices
Choosing the shortest safe route can reduce trenching and wire costs, provided the electrical design and required clearances are maintained. If landscaping is already planned, coordinating the excavation can avoid paying to reopen a finished yard. Homeowners can also ask whether existing conduit is reusable, but an electrician should verify its condition, size, and suitability before it is included in the estimate.
Compare at least two or three licensed electrical contractors using the same run length, load, and restoration requirements. Avoid choosing a smaller conductor or omitting code-required work just to lower the bid. Keep savings focused on route, timing, and unnecessary surface upgrades—not required electrical protection or inspections.
Regional labor and utility ownership can shift the quote
Urban and high-cost coastal markets may run about 15%-35% above a typical national estimate because of labor rates, permitting, and limited access. Rural areas may have lower hourly labor but higher mobilization or equipment charges, particularly when contractors travel far or the site is difficult to reach.
Ownership changes who pays. A private line from a meter or panel to a detached building is usually the property owner’s project. Utility-owned distribution lines and service connections may be subject to the utility’s rules and charges; the utility may require approved contractors or perform certain work itself. Ask the utility to identify the ownership boundary and provide its charges before accepting an electrician’s quote.
How long a trench and electrical connection take
A clear 50- to 100-foot route may take a small crew about one working day for excavation and installation, with additional time for inspection, utility coordination, or site repair. Longer routes, concrete crossings, and hand excavation can extend the work to several days. Contractor labor rates commonly range from $75-$150 per hour, though many bids use a fixed project price.
Scheduling can also depend on locating buried utilities and arranging inspection. Required utility marking should be completed before digging; waiting for marks or an inspection can delay the project even when the physical installation is brief. Include scheduling, inspection, and restoration timing when comparing bids, not just the crew’s hours on site.
Three residential line estimates by project scope
A 50-foot, 60-amp feeder to a nearby shed might cost $1,500-$3,000, assuming easy soil, modest panel work, and no paving. A 100-foot, 100-amp run to a detached garage may cost $3,000-$6,000, with roughly 20-35 labor hours across excavation and electrical tasks. A 200-foot route crossing a driveway or rocky ground could reach $7,000-$14,000 or more.
These examples are planning ranges, not guaranteed bids. Conductor sizing, trench depth, local code, grounding needs, and panel capacity must be established for the actual installation. Compare estimates only after each contractor has priced the same load, route, and restoration scope.
Permit and utility charges to verify before digging
Electrical permits often cost about $50-$800, depending on local fees and whether the work includes a new circuit, service alteration, or panel upgrade. Inspection may be included in the permit fee or charged separately. Utility work can add $500-$5,000 or more when a service relocation, meter change, transformer work, or other system modification is needed.
Ask whether the price includes permit handling, inspection corrections, utility coordination, and reconnection. Rebates are not common for a basic private underground line, but local utility programs or service rules may affect larger upgrades. Obtain written utility requirements and permit costs before excavation begins to avoid surprise charges.