How much does Outlet installation cost?

If you’re involved in a home improvement project that includes upgrading your home’s wiring and electrical outlets (receptacles)—or if you just need to replace a defective outlet or add new ones—it’s important to have a clear understanding of electrical outlet installation costs.

This guide explains the cost of electrical outlet installation by a professional electrician. Pricing is based on actual quotes provided by pros to Yelp users, along with industry data. Learn more about how we calculate these costs in the methodology section at the end of the guide. 

Outlet installation projects typically cost $325, including labor and materials, according to Yelp data, but the project price can range from $195–560 nationwide. Your specific cost will depend on the number and type of outlets being installed, whether they’re being installed in new construction or an existing home, and whether any new wiring is required. 

Where you live can also make a big difference in total project cost, because quotes vary in different locations. The typical cost for outlet installation in Chicago is $290, but is typically $550 in the Seattle area, according to Yelp data.

For jobs like outlet installation, electricians generally charge an hourly fee (plus the cost of materials) or quote a flat rate for the entire project. 

The cost to hire an electrician for outlet installation ranges from $80–195 per hour nationwide, with a typical rate of  $134 per hour, according to Yelp data. 

Like total costs, electricians’ labor rates can vary dramatically in different locations. For example, a typical quote for electric work in Paso Robles, California, is $115 per hour, while a typical rate for electricians in Seattle is $154 per hour. 

For common projects where an electrician can anticipate the time and effort required, they’ll often provide a job quote that includes material costs, labor costs, and travel expenses. This protects the homeowner from unexpected charges. Since electrical services can be expensive, get 2–3 free quotes from qualified local pros for large jobs, such as those that involve rewiring and installing multiple outlets.

Many electricians charge an initial service-call fee of $100–200, which may cover travel time, diagnosing the problem, providing a cost estimate, and sometimes completing smaller tasks like replacing an existing outlet. Many pros then credit this fee toward your project if they’re hired for the job. 

“If your kitchen outlets are dead, that’s a relatively straightforward and simple job for an electrician, and we know how much electrical work that job is going to take to complete,” says electrician Craig Etling, owner of D.C. Electrical in Reno, Nevada. “It’s usually a simple service call that might take an hour.”

The cost to install various types of outlets is similar, regardless of the outlet costs themselves.

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets typically cost $275 to install (including labor and materials), according to Yelp data, but project prices can range from $185–$440. The outlet itself costs $20–60. This outlet type protects against electrical shocks in areas exposed to water, and are often required in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors. Some GFCI outlets also have AFCI protection, discussed below.

Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets typically cost $285 to install (including labor and materials), according to Yelp data, but project prices can range from $190–$495. The outlet itself costs $20–36. This type of outlet helps prevent electrical fires by detecting dangerous electrical conditions. The National Electrical Code of 2020 requires that all interior rooms include an AFCI outlet for fire protection. 

Grounded outlets typically cost $305 to install (including labor and materials), according to Yelp data, however the project price can range from $195–530. The outlet itself costs $1–8. This is the most-common residential outlet and includes 2 sets of slots (called a “duplex” outlet) for 3-prong plugs (the lower, dome-shaped prong is for grounding—a safety measure that prevents dangerous voltage imbalances and potential shocks). 

To meet electrical codes for safety in some areas, installing these involves replacing old-style, ungrounded, 2-prong outlets with modern grounded outlets. This can double the installation price, because the electrician must do extra work to add a ground wire to the outlet.

These less-common but important outlets have additional safety and other features. Here’s how much it costs to purchase and install each type. 

The cost to install a new, 240-volt outlet typically costs about $450, but ranges from $300–800, depending upon the wire size and length of the circuit. If an existing outlet is being replaced, labor costs $160–390, for 2 hours of the electrician’s time. The cost of materials is $10–25 per outlet. 

This outlet type requires installation of a new, dedicated circuit breaker and wiring it to the outlet location. Typically, 240-volt outlets are used for clothes dryers, ovens, air conditioners, some power tools, and other appliances that require considerable electric power. They need their own circuits because of the large electrical current they carry, and they have special slot configurations to accommodate the unique plugs for these appliances.

To price the job, electricians typically look at the following, according to Etling of D.C. Electrical: “Is there enough room for a new circuit in the electrical panel, what’s the distance [from the circuit breaker to the outlet], is there access through an attic or crawl space, or do we have to wrap electrical conduit along the outside of the house. All of that is taken into consideration.” 

The cost of installing a smart outlet ranges from $210–540. Parts typically cost $18–50 per outlet. Smart outlets can be controlled remotely with smartphones or voice-activated systems, or programmed to turn plugged-in devices on and off at certain times. Some include energy monitoring. Most require a Wi-Fi connection.

The cost of installing a tamper-resistant outlet ranges from $114–356, according to Yelp data.  Parts typically cost  $1.50–25.00 per outlet. Tamper-resistant outlets have a built-in safety feature to prevent foreign objects from being inserted, making them safer for homes with small children. They’re usually installed to replace conventional outlets, so the work is typically quick and easy because wires are already in place. 

The cost of installing a USB outlet ranges from $215–550. Parts typically cost $22–60 per outlet. USB outlets include built-in USB ports, providing a convenient way to charge devices without adapters. They can be installed in place of standard outlets—but the cost is higher because a data wire needs to be installed, as well.

The cost of installing a weather-resistant outlet ranges from $210–535. Parts typically cost $5–25 per outlet. Weather-resistant outlets are designed for outdoor use, because they provide extra protection against the elements. They have special gaskets and covers to prevent rain from getting into the electrical parts. 

The cost of installing a residential EV-charging station is typically $537 (labor only), according to Yelp data, but can range from $380–717 (labor only). The additional cost of the charger itself and its installation typically ranges from $300–1,800, according to industry data. Both 120-volt and 240-volt systems can be installed, but 240-volt is preferred because they charge more rapidly. The type you choose is based on the automaker’s recommendation.

Here are some other issues that can affect your outlet installation expenses.

It’s usually less expensive to install outlets in new construction—or a new home addition—than in an existing home. When the framing is still exposed—and the electrician isn’t dealing with wall, ceiling, and floor surfaces—running wires and attaching electrical boxes is much easier. 

Replacing an existing outlet is easier than installing a new one, because the necessary wires are already there. Replacement just involves turning off the power to the circuit, disconnecting the old outlet, connecting the new one, and turning the circuit back on. An electrician can usually do this job in less than an hour.

Installing a new outlet is much more complicated. It involves running electrical wire from the new outlet’s location to an electrical source—either an existing outlet or a circuit breaker at the electrical panel. In many cases, a new circuit breaker needs to be added. The distance and difficulty of routing the new electrical wiring can dramatically affect cost. If new wiring will be required, request a bid from your electrical contractor. A new dedicated circuit and wiring can take 4 hours of labor, which typically costs $320–780, according to Yelp data.

Outlets in some areas of your home may require specific features or safety measures, which can increase the overall installation expense. For example:

The more outlets you have installed, the higher the overall cost will be—but the cost per outlet typically goes down. If an electrician installs 2 or more outlets in a single visit, you could save as much as $15 per outlet.

Difficult or hard-to-access work conditions can raise the cost of outlet installation. Working in an awkward crawlspace or attic—or if wires need to be accessed by cutting into drywall or “snaked” through walls—means the job takes longer, leading to higher labor costs. So does working with older electrical systems. “Older homes have a greater chance of having electrical issues that may not be what we are expecting,” says Etling.

For safety reasons, and to ensure that electrical systems in homes meet basic standards, local governments usually require permits for most electrical home improvements. Simple repairs—such as changing a defective outlet or converting a standard outlet to a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet—usually don’t require a permit, but check with your city before moving ahead with new installations or major modifications. If a permit is required, your electrician may take care of obtaining it, but you’re responsible for the fees. Electrical permits for these types of basic electrical jobs cost $75–150 on average. Make sure your pro includes them in the quote. 

Labor rates vary by location, and are usually higher in cities and regions with a high cost of living. In fact, prices may be different even within a single state. For example, the typical cost of outlet installation in San Diego is $250,  but it’s $400 in San Francisco, according to Yelp data. 

Here are a few ways to keep your outlet installation project budget-friendly.

By planning outlet placements to minimize wiring distances, you can reduce both material and labor costs. Work with an electrician to design an effective layout that meets your electrical needs. 

If you’re planning multiple electrical projects—for example, putting in a new porch light or fixing some broken light switches, in addition to installing new outlets—consider having them done at the same time. Electricians often offer discounts for combining services in the same visit. 

Avoid evenings, weekends, or other non-standard times, when electricians may charge a premium. Some electricians even offer discounted rates for off-peak hours, or days when they’re less busy.

If your electrical project is a sizable one, obtain quotes from more than one qualified local electrician to get the most competitive rates. Make sure each quote includes a cost breakdown for accurate comparisons.

Rates vary according to an electrician’s skill level and qualifications. A lower-cost journeyman electrician, for example, can handle basic jobs like outlet installation. If the job requires electrical design work, pulling electrical permits, or coordinating with other suppliers and contractors, it makes sense to pay more for a master electrician or electrical contractor. 

A handyman or handyperson may be a more affordable option for simple electrical jobs like replacing an electrical outlet, as long as they are experienced at working safely with electricity. (Check their background to make sure they’ve successfully handled electrical work before.) The price range to hire a handyman typically ranges from $40–80 per hour. Unlike licensed electricians, who cost more because they have expensive tools, licensing, and insurance requirements, a handyman is bound by only minimal requirements.  

For straightforward outlet replacements, a DIY-oriented homeowner with the necessary skills, tools, and safety knowledge could potentially tackle the job. But a clear understanding of the requirements of residential electrical work and mastery of common electrical practices are essential. The vast majority of homeowners call in an expert with training in safety practices and adhering to building codes.

When interviewing an electrician for outlet installation, ask about their qualifications and customer service practices. The following information is often available on the pro’s Yelp Business Page:

Questions about the business 

Questions about installation costs

How much does it cost to install a 240V outlet?

If you’re replacing an existing 240-volt outlet, the job will cost $170–415 (including parts), depending upon the labor cost of electricians in your area. To install an entirely new circuit with a 240-volt outlet, it will typically cost about $450, but ranges from $300–800 for labor and materials, depending upon the wire size and length of the circuit. 

How much does it cost to install an electrical outlet?

For all types of outlets, the cost range for labor and materials is typically $195–560 nationwide. The typical cost is $325, according to Yelp data based on electricians’ quotes on real-life projects.

How much does it cost to add an electrical outlet outside?

The cost to install a weather-resistant outlet designed for outdoor use ranges from $210–535 (labor only), according to Yelp data. The outlet itself is priced at $5–25. 

Find a professional electrician in your area.

Cost data in this guide is based on project quote estimates provided to Yelp users by licensed professionals and businesses on Yelp (as well as analysis of industry data). Actual project costs may vary depending on location or complexity of the project. Cost data has been reviewed by our industry expert, Don Vandervort, a nationally known home improvement author. Don is the founder of the website HomeTips.com and has written or produced more than 30 home improvement books.