How Much Does Adding an Electrical Outlet Cost in Charlotte? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $161 - $368

Adding an electrical outlet in Charlotte costs $254 on average, with most homeowners paying between $161 and $368. Labor, outlet type, and code compliance can all influence the final cost.

How we get this data
Photo: Melissa Ross / Getty Images
Photo: Melissa Ross / Getty Images
Highlights
  • GFCI outlets required in kitchens and bathrooms cost more, while advanced options like USB or smart outlets increase project costs but offer modern convenience.

  • Local electricians charge $50 to $100 per hour with minimum fees of $100 to $200

  • North Carolina sales tax of roughly 7.25% to 7.5% applies to labor and materials.

  • Electricians must hold a valid North Carolina license matching the project scope and carry insurance to ensure code compliance and safety.

In a fast-growing city that blends historic Southern charm with newer developments, Charlotte homeowners often need to add outlets to meet modern energy demands. Adding an electrical outlet in Charlotte costs $254 on average, with most homeowners spending between $161 and $368.

Final costs depend on the type of outlet, accessibility, and whether your home’s wiring needs updates to meet North Carolina electrical code. Use this guide to help estimate what you’ll spend on new outlets in your Charlotte home.

Adding an Electrical Outlet Cost Factors in Charlotte

These are the main cost factors to consider when planning your budget for adding an electrical outlet in Charlotte.

Outlet Type

Outlet type can significantly affect the total price of your project in Charlotte, especially if you're adding specialty outlets. For example, the cost to install a GFCI outlet is higher than a basic outlet, but these are often required in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms to meet safety standards.

Outlet TypeAverage Cost per OutletProsCons
Standard (120V)$3–$5Low cost, widely compatibleLimited features, basic power supply
Heavy-duty (220V+)$10–$20Supports high-power appliancesHigher cost, requires special wiring
GFCI$7–$25Protects against electrical shockHigher cost than standard outlets
AFCI$20–$30Prevents electrical fires from arc faultsHigher price, more complex installation
Floor$30–$50Convenient for open spacesMore prone to damage, higher cost
Coax$5–$10Supports cable TV and internetLimited to specific uses
Tamper-resistant$5–$10Safer for childrenSlightly higher cost
Smart$25–$50Remote-controlled, energy monitoringExpensive, requires Wi-Fi
Rotating$8–$20Adjustable angle for better plug accessHigher cost
Outdoor$1,000–$1,400Weatherproof, durableHigh cost, specialized installation
LED$10–$30Provides lighting, energy-efficientHigher price, limited use cases
USB$20–$40Convenient charging without adaptersMore expensive, may have limited power
Recessed$10–$60Saves space, safer for furniture placementHigher cost, more complex installation
Ceiling$3–$5Ideal for lighting fixturesLimited to lighting applications
TV$3–$5Designed for television and AV equipmentLimited use, minimal additional features

Number of Outlets

Adding multiple outlets in one electrical job is often more affordable per-outlet than adding them one at a time, so it’s well worth planning ahead. Here are the estimated costs to add up to 10 new outlets in your home.

Number of OutletsAverage Cost Range
1$161–$368
2$309–$736
3$496–$1,104
4$620–$1,472
5$805–$1,840
6$990–$2,208
7$1,176–$2,576
8$1,361–$2,944
9$1,485–$3,312
10$1,670–$3,680+

Location

The placement of your electrical outlets can impact your final cost. If the electrician has to navigate tight spaces, heavy furniture, or tricky wall access, you’ll likely pay more for labor.

Current Wiring

Older wiring systems in Charlotte homes may need to be brought up to code before a new outlet can be installed. Rewiring can add anywhere from $550 to $2,500 to your total project cost.

Faceplate Materials

Basic plastic faceplates are usually priced under $10. If you're aiming for a custom look, decorative covers made of materials like brushed nickel or bronze may cost $100 or more.

Switches vs. Sockets

Standard outlets offer plug-in power, but some may double as light switches or fixture controls. These types can cost more due to additional components or rewiring.

Advanced Technology

Incorporating smart outlets, USB charging ports, or GFCI protection in your Charlotte home will increase your costs. However, they’re often worth it for the added convenience and safety.

Electrician Pro Costs

Hiring a licensed electrician comes with a few key aspects to consider. Here’s what to know before you start the hiring process.

Hourly Rates and Minimum Fees

Electricians in Charlotte charge between $50 and $100 per hour for labor. Even if the job is quick, like installing a single outlet, most professionals charge a minimum fee ranging from $100 to $200.

Taxes

In Charlotte, the labor to install a new electrical outlet is typically considered a “repair, maintenance, and installation” (RMI) service under North Carolina Department of Revenue’s sales and use tax rules. The full price of the installation, including both labor and materials, is subject to state tax of 4.75%.

On top of that, local taxes (2% or 2.25%) and a transit tax (0.5%) also apply, bringing the total combined sales tax rate to around 7.25% to 7.5% depending on the county. Licensed electricians must collect and remit this tax as part of the total service cost.

Licensing and Insurance 

When hiring an electrician in Charlotte, make sure they hold an active North Carolina electrical contracting license that matches the scope of your project (Limited, Intermediate, or Unlimited). You should also verify that they’re fully insured and bonded, particularly for bigger or more complicated jobs. 

Always request proof of their license and confirm it matches the appropriate classification to ensure the work is compliant, safe, and up to code. To verify a contractor’s license, you can check the NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors' online database.

Permits

In Charlotte, a permit is required for any changes to a home’s permanent wiring, including adding a new outlet. Exceptions apply for minor repairs or direct replacements, but only when the work is performed by a licensed professional and adheres to current building codes. See Mecklenburg County’s online permitting fee estimator for a custom estimate based on your project.

Does Adding an Electrical Outlet Increase Home Value?

Adding electrical outlets won’t directly increase your home’s value in Charlotte, but it can make your home more appealing on the market, especially in older neighborhoods where outlets are often limited. With Charlotte’s rapid growth and influx of remote workers and tech-savvy buyers, homes that feel modern and functional tend to stand out. It’s also worth noting that a lack of outlets could raise red flags about outdated wiring or future upgrade costs. 

While one outlet won’t boost your asking price, including extras like USB outlets in living spaces or more power access in kitchens and garages can all make a noticeable impact during showings.

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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

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