How Much Does Adding an Electrical Outlet Cost in St. Louis? [2025 Data]

St. Louis is full of older homes with plenty of character, but many lack the electrical access required for today’s technology. Adding an electrical outlet in St. Louis costs about $191 on average, with most projects falling between $93 and $400.

Your total cost may vary depending on outlet style, wall access, and whether your electrical system needs updates to stay compliant with Missouri building codes. Use this guide to plan your budget for installing new outlets in your St. Louis home.

Adding an Electrical Outlet Cost Factors in St. Louis

These are the main pricing factors to consider when planning your cost to add an electrical outlet in St. Louis.

Outlet Type

The type of outlet you choose can influence your overall costs, particularly when it comes to specialty options. The cost to install a GFCI outlet is higher than a standard outlet, but it’s commonly required in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-moisture areas where electrical safety is a concern.

Number of Outlets

In St. Louis, bundling multiple outlet installations into a single project can help cut down on your cost per outlet. Here are the average costs to install up to 10 outlets.

Location

The location of your electrical outlets, particularly if it’s more challenging to access. For example, tight wall cavities or awkward locations can increase labor time and installation costs.

Current Wiring

If your St. Louis home's electrical system is outdated or doesn’t meet local electrical codes, your electrician may need to upgrade the wiring before proceeding. This upgrade can add $550 to $2,500 to the total cost, depending on the scope of the wiring issue.

Faceplate Materials

Basic outlet covers are inexpensive (under $10) and often included in the installation price. If you want a decorative option like antique bronze or stainless steel, you could spend upwards of $100 per plate.

Switches vs. Sockets

Some outlets are designed to operate as switches, particularly in older St. Louis homes without overhead lighting. These require more wiring and often cost more than basic power outlets.

Advanced Technology

Upgrading to smart outlets, USB ports, or GFCI-protected outlets adds to the total project cost. Still, the added convenience and/or safety can be well worth the cost.

Electrician Pro Costs in St. Louis

Hiring a licensed electrician makes up the bulk of your budget for this project. Here’s what to consider before you hire.

Hourly Rates and Minimum Fees

Electricians in St. Louis charge an average of $50 to $100 per hour. While installing an outlet may not take long, most professionals require a minimum fee of $100 to $200 to cover their time, materials, and travel costs.

Taxes

When adding an electrical outlet in St. Louis, you can expect to pay a local sales tax of around 9.18% on materials like electrical boxes, wiring, and outlet receptacles. Labor for electrical work is generally not taxed in Missouri, but this can vary depending on how the service is billed. Always confirm with your contractor whether sales tax is included in the estimate or added separately to avoid surprises on your final invoice.

Licensing and Insurance Requirements

Before hiring an electrician in St. Louis County, always verify that the contractor holds a valid electrical license issued by the county. Additionally, all licensed contractors are required to carry a $10,000 bond and maintain liability insurance of at least $500,000. You should also ensure the electrician’s license is active and in good standing, and confirm that all required permits will be obtained for the work.

Permits

In St. Louis, a permit is required to install a new electrical outlet, as it’s considered an addition to the existing branch circuit. Only city-certified electrical contractors may apply for these permits. Homeowners can apply for a permit themselves only if they live in and own the home, purchase the equipment, pass a code knowledge test, and the project is a minor repair or modification, not new construction or service changes.

Does Adding an Electrical Outlet Increase Home Value?

In St. Louis, many homes, especially older ones, aren’t well-equipped to accommodate today’s electrical demand, and adding outlets can improve both safety and usability. So, while a single new outlet (or a few) won’t add measurable monetary value to a home, buyers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with an updated electrical system. Move-in-ready homes are in demand, and a home that doesn’t require immediate upgrades will have stronger appeal. 

In any case, subtle enhancements like extra outlets in high-use areas or modern features like USB charging ports can elevate a buyer’s perception of your home, even if it doesn’t translate directly to a higher sale price. Especially if it’s an add-on to a larger renovation of the home’s electrical system, the cost to add electrical outlets in St. Louis can be well worth the investment.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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