How Much Does It Cost to Install an Outlet?

Electrical outlets—also known as sockets or wall plugs—play a big role in your day-to-day life. It helps you warm your food, watch tv, and keep your clothes washed and dried. But when your outlet isn’t working, is outdated, or not serving its purpose, it’s time to have a local electrician install a new one. The amount you’re looking to pay ranges from $75 to $485 per outlet.

The price can drastically change based on factors like the type of outlet, project size, your electrician’s rate, and more. This guide will help you plan how much you should budget to install electrical outlets in your home.

How Much Does It Cost to Install an Electrical Outlet?

The cost to install and outlet is $214 per outlet on average. The cost depends on various factors, such as the type of outlet and project size, with the average price range being $133 to $296.

“The cost to install a new outlet may seem expensive, but the added convenience and prolonged safety benefits may justify those prices,” explains electrician Salvatore Cutrona.

Cost to Install an Outlet by Type

Since there are different electrical outlets, the type you choose will impact how much you’ll pay for installation. Let’s look at what price tag you can find on some common electrical outlet types. 

Standard (120V)

The most common electrical outlet is the standard one with 120 volts, and that uses 15 amps to power up your small appliances or any device that needs 110 to 125 volts to run. They’re available with two or three prongs. To install one of these, it’ll cost $3 to $5 each, with two-prong outlets being on the lower end of this price range and three-prong on the higher end. 

And to install a standard outlet with USB ports, budget for $13 to $22 per outlet. 

Heavy-Duty (220V, 240V, 250V)

Appliances like dryers and ovens require a little more power to run, so they use higher-voltage outlets. These heavy-duty options can come in 220V, 240V, and 250V, though the most commonly used one in residential homes is 220V. To install a heavy-duty electrical outlet, you'll pay between $10 and $20 per outlet.

Two-Prong vs. Three-Prong 

A three-prong outlet has a ground wire, while a two-prong outlet does not. A standard 120-volt three-prong outlet costs as little as $5, but higher-end models with USB ports, for example, run from $13 to $22 each.

GFCI

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet has an internal surge protector that almost instantly cuts off the outlet’s power if a power surge or moisture is detected. That’s why they’re usually installed in areas where outlets are exposed to water or moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. To install this electrical outlet in your home, expect to pay $7 to $25 each.  

AFCI

The Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlet's job is to quickly detect any electrical arcs in your system and cut off power to that circuit to avoid an electrical fire. They can average between $20 to $30 each.   

Floor

Floor outlets let you use an outlet for your electrical needs, even if you’re not near a wall outlet. But because of their design, these outlets need to be protected to avoid stepping on them or getting them wet. They often come in a kit that costs $30 to $50 each. 

Coax

The coax outlet, used for cable TV, costs around $5 for each receptacle. Installing a coax outlet is doable if you’re a DIY-savvy homeowner. 

Tamper-Resistant

When there are small children in a home, most homeowners install a tamper-resistant, child-proofing outlet to keep their home a safe place for their little ones. These cost $2 to $5 each to install. 

Smart

Smart outlets let you control the devices connected to the same outlet; to install one, expect to pay $25 to $50. 

Rotating

Most homeowners know how difficult it can be to get oddly shaped plugs on one outlet together, which is why a rotating outlet that can swivel 360 degrees is so appealing. They average around $8 to $20 an outlet. 

Outdoor

Installing outdoor electrical outlets requires more experience with weather protection and safety when creating an outlet outdoors. Plus, this outlet should be GFCI and might require new wiring. All things considered, this project can cost $1,000 to $1,400 per outlet, if the outlet is installed away from your house and requires installing electrical lines in the ground.

Electrical Outlet Installation Cost Breakdown

It’s only natural to want to know where your money is going, down to the dollar, when starting a project. So, let’s break down everything that goes into the cost of installing an electrical outlet. 

Labor

Depending on how experienced your electrician is, you'll pay about $40 to $100 per hour for them to install an electrical outlet for you. However, since outlets are primarily inexpensive and a licensed electrician can get it done in less than an hour, they usually charge a minimum fee of at least $100 to $200 per visit. 

Material

Your electrician will likely pay for your outlet materials and include them in the installation fee. Besides the outlet parts they need to install, they’ll charge you for the equipment and material needed to complete your project.

Factors Influencing Outlet Installation Costs

Let’s look at some important factors to keep in mind when installing an outlet. 

Type

Not all outlets are the same. They’re made to serve and power different devices. And depending on what type of outlet you’re looking to install, you’ll spend $3 to $50 per outlet. Since outlets are a significant component of the installation cost, the type—standard, heavy-duty, GFCI—can impact your final price.  

Project Size

Your total price to install an electrical outlet depends on the project size. For example, electricians typically charge by the receptacle for whole-house projects. 

Location

Your preferred outlet’s location can also impact its cost. While some outlets don’t require much labor, others require more skills and time, such as GFCI and floor outlets. 

Current Wiring

If your electrician determines that you need new wiring for your outlet because your current wiring is faulty, damaged, or old, it’ll take extra time for them to fix it and can cost $540 to $2,100, depending on the severity.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: Installing a New Electrical Outlet 

Electrical outlets seem like simple additions to your home. However, installing an electrical outlet is a task that’s better left to an experienced, licensed electrician. This project involves, well, electricity and electrical wiring. Depending on the outlet you need, it might also require you to upgrade the electrical panel. 

Installing outlets yourself is not a project that most DIYers should attempt since one wrong action can result in an electrocution or fire hazard. Plus, if a house fire was to occur because of improper electrical work, your insurance company might not cover the damages.

Lastly, there are building code requirements to adhere to that you might not know, but an experienced pro will.