How much does it cost to replace an electrical outlet?
How much does it cost to replace an electrical outlet?
$80 – $200 cost to replace one electrical outlet
$1,200 – $2,600 cost to replace all outlets (entire house)
$2,400 – $5,100 cost to replace all light switches and outlets (entire house)
Cost to replace an electrical outlet
The cost to replace an electrical outlet is $80 to $200 on average, depending on the type. Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour for labor to change an outlet, while receptacle prices are $1 to $40 for the part alone. Replacing all the outlets in a house costs $1,200 to $2,600.
| Type | Outlet unit price | Cost to replace outlet |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 120V outlet | $1 – $7 | $80 – $150 |
| Smart 120V outlet with Wi-Fi or USB ports | $20 – $50 | $100 – $200 |
| GFCI outlet (for wet areas) | $12 – $40 | $90 – $200 |
| 220V, 240V, or 250V outlet (for dryer or large appliances) | $8 – $30 | $125 – $250 |
| Ceiling outlet | $1 – $7 | $100 – $200 |
| Floor outlet | $40 – $70 | $120 – $350 |
| Outdoor outlet | $15 – $30 | $100 – $175 |
Cost to replace all light switches and outlets
Replacing a light switch costs $50 to $250, depending on the switch type. The cost to replace all light switches and outlets in a house is $2,400 to $5,100. Labor costs per outlet are typically lower when replacing multiple outlets and switches at the same time.
| Project | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Replace all electrical outlets (throughout house) | $1,200 – $2,600 |
| Replace all light switches and electrical outlets (throughout house) | $2,400 – $5,100 |
Electrician charges to replace an outlet
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| New outlet & supplies | $1 – $40 |
| Installation labor | $50 to $130 per hour |
| Wiring repair or replacement | $7 to $10 per linear foot |
The following factors impact the cost to replace an outlet:
Outlet type – Standard 120V outlets cost the least to replace, while 240V outlets and floor outlets typically cost the most.
Number of outlets – Costs per outlet are lower when installing or replacing multiple outlets at the same time.
Indoor vs. outdoor – Standard indoor outlets typically cost less to replace than outdoor outlets with weather-resistant enclosures.
Accessibility – Labor costs increase for projects in areas that are more difficult to access, such as replacing a ceiling outlet.
Outlet covers – The cost to replace outlet covers is $0.50 to $20.00 for the cover alone, depending on the color, style, and if the outlet is indoors or outdoors. Electricians often include the cover cost in the estimate for outlet replacement.
Labor rates – Electricians' labor rates vary by experience and location. Master electricians have the most experience but charge 50% to 100% more than Apprentice or Journeyman electricians.
Geographic location – Labor rates are typically higher in large metropolitan areas.
Repairs – Electrical repairs like rewiring, adding new circuits, or upgrading the electrical panel increase the project cost.
Permits – Replacing an outlet typically does not require a permit. However, installing a new outlet or replacing a 120V outlet with a 240V outlet may require a permit. Electrical
permits cost $50 to $350, depending on the location. Combine multiple small projects in one visit to reduce permit costs.
Labor cost to replace an electrical outlet
Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour for labor to replace an outlet. Most electricians charge a minimum one-hour rate or $100 to $200 trip fee. Combine multiple electrical jobs into one visit to minimize labor costs and fees.
Electrician charge to add a new outlet
New outlet installation costs $150 to $350 on average, depending on the type. Standard 120V outlets cost the least to install. Electricians typically charge the most to add a 240V outlet as it requires a new dedicated circuit.
Rewiring an outlet
The cost to rewire an outlet can be as little as $40 to more than $300, depending on the outlet type, location, and the home's current wiring conditions. Rewiring an outlet may also involve additional expenses:
Electrical rewiring costs $7 to $10 per linear foot on average, including labor and materials.
Drywall repair costs $50 to $150 to patch small holes or $200 to $400 for medium to large holes. Running wire to upgrade an outlet may require opening holes in the walls.
A dedicated circuit costs $250 to $900 installed. Replacing a standard 120V outlet with a 240V outlet requires adding a new dedicated circuit.
Replacing or upgrading an electrical panel costs $850 to $4,000, depending on the amperage. The electrical panel may require an upgrade if it doesn't have the capacity to support a new outlet.
Replacing outlet covers
The cost to replace outlet covers is $0.50 to $20.00 for the cover alone, depending on the style, color, and if the outlet is indoors or outdoors. Electricians typically include the cover cost in the estimate for outlet replacement or installation.
Outlet changing FAQs
Do you need a licensed electrician to replace an outlet?
No, you do not need a licensed electrician to replace an outlet in your home. You can replace an outlet yourself. However, working with electricity can be extremely dangerous and may result in injury or death if not handled correctly.
Always turn off power at the circuit breaker in the home's main electrical panel and use a volage tester to confirm there is no live electrical current at the outlet before attempting to replace it.
How long does it take to replace an existing outlet?
Replacing an existing outlet takes 10 to 15 minutes, providing the existing wiring doesn't require repairs or upgrades. Replacing a standard 120V outlet with a 240V outlet takes 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the location and wiring conditions.
Getting estimates from electrical outlet installers
Before you hire a handyman or an electrician near you to install an outlet, be sure to:
Get three in-person estimates to compare.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid hiring the company with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the job is complete. Work out a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide local references with contact information?
Do I need a dedicated circuit for the new outlet?
Do you handle the permits and inspection process?
Are all permit fees included in the estimate?
What additional costs might come up during installation?
How long will the installation take?
Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it cover?