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

Normal Range: $185 - $407

Adding an electrical outlet in Seattle costs $293 on average, with most homeowners spending between $185 and $407. Your final price depends on access, outlet type, and whether permits are required.

How we get this data
Photo: Melissa Ross / Getty Images
Photo: Melissa Ross / Getty Images
Alison Kasch
Written by Alison Kasch
Contributing Writer
Updated Aug 12, 2025
Highlights

  • Standard outlets are affordable, while GFCI, smart, or outdoor outlets significantly raise the price.

  • Permitting is required for nearly all electrical work in Seattle, and the cost is often included in your electrician’s estimate.

  • Wiring upgrades can add $550 to $2,500 if your existing wiring is outdated, damaged, or doesn’t meet current code.

  • Seattle’s combined sales tax of 10.25% applies to materials only, not labor.

Seattle’s higher cost of living can impact the price of even small home upgrades. Adding an electrical outlet in Seattle costs $293 on average, though it can range from $185 to $407. Factors such as wiring condition, outlet type, and permitting requirements can all affect the total price. Use the guide below to learn how to budget for this project based on how many outlets you need.

Adding an Electrical Outlet Cost Factors

In Seattle, a variety of factors can affect the total cost of adding an electrical outlet.

Outlet Type

Different outlets come with different price points. While the cost to install a GFCI outlet is greater than that of a standard one, it’s a worthwhile investment in safety and may be mandatory based on your local building code. 

Outlet TypeAverage Cost per OutletProsCons
Standard (120V)$3–$6Low cost, widely compatibleLimited features, basic power supply
Heavy-duty (220V+)$10–$25Supports high-power appliancesHigher cost, requires special wiring
GFCI$8–$27Protects against electrical shockHigher cost than standard outlets
AFCI$20–$35Prevents electrical fires from arc faultsHigher price, more complex installation
Floor$30–$55Convenient for open spacesMore prone to damage, higher cost
Coax$5–$10Supports cable TV and internetLimited to specific uses
Tamper-resistant$5–$12Safer for childrenSlightly higher cost
Smart$25–$55Remote-controlled, energy monitoringExpensive, requires Wi-Fi
Rotating$8–$22Adjustable angle for better plug accessHigher cost
Outdoor$1,000–$1,500Weatherproof, durableHigh cost, specialized installation
LED$10–$35Provides lighting, energy-efficientHigher price, limited use cases
USB$20–$45Convenient charging without adaptersMore expensive, may have limited power
Recessed$10–$65Saves space, safer for furniture placementHigher cost, more complex installation
Ceiling$3–$7Ideal for lighting fixturesLimited to lighting applications
TV$3–$7Designed for television and AV equipmentLimited use, minimal additional features

Number of Outlets

The total cost to add outlets in Seattle depends on how many you need. Here's what you can expect to pay for installing one to 10 outlets.

Number of OutletsAverage Cost Range
1$185–$407
2$370–$830
3$555–$1,250
4$700–$1,675
5$885–$2,100
6$1,040–$2,525
7$1,220–$2,950
8$1,400–$3,375
9$1,550–$3,800
10$1,730–$4,200+

Location

Where you place your electrical outlets can also affect the final price. Installations in tight or hard-to-access areas, like behind built-ins or inside crawl spaces, often come with added labor costs.

Current Wiring

Your electrician might discover that the current wiring is no longer up to code or is damaged, which may cost anywhere from $550 to $2,500 to address. Updating your home’s wiring can significantly increase your budget and may also delay the project’s completion.

Faceplate Materials

Most electricians include basic plastic outlet covers with the installation, costing less than $10. High-end options, like brushed nickel or bronze finishes, can cost over $100.

Switches vs. Sockets

In most homes, outlets are used for plugging in appliances or controlling lights. If the new outlet is intended to function as a switch, the installation may come with a higher price tag.

Advanced Technology

Certain outlet features can increase the overall cost of your installation. Upgrades like smart functionality, built-in USB ports, or GFCI protection typically come with a higher price tag.

Read more

Electrician Pro Costs in Seattle

Several factors beyond outlet type and placement can influence your total installation cost. From labor rates and local taxes to permit requirements and licensing standards, here’s what you should know before hiring an electrician.

Hourly Rates and Minimum Fees

A local Seattle electrician will charge an average of between $50 and $100 per hour for labor. Minimum service fees usually start at $100 to $200, even for simple jobs like outlet installation.

Taxes

In Seattle, labor for electrical installations is not subject to sales tax, but you’ll pay sales tax on all materials used. The total combined sales tax rate in Seattle is around 10.25%, which applies to any outlets, wires, or components you purchase.

Licensing and Insurance Requirements

In Seattle, electricians must hold a valid license from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and maintain a city business license. Both journeyman and master electricians are required to carry liability insurance, and electrical contractors must also be bonded. Always confirm that your electrician’s license and insurance are up to date before starting any work.

Permits

An electrical permit is required for most electrical work in Seattle, including installing new outlets, altering wiring, or adding circuits. Your electrician can pull the proper permits and will usually include any fees in your estimate.

Read more

Does Adding an Electrical Outlet Increase Home Value?

Adding a few new outlets isn’t necessarily a detail that Seattle homebuyers notice, but it can improve your home’s overall functionality, especially if it’s an older building. Many buyers prioritize move-in-ready homes that can handle the demands of modern living, and a lack of outlets might raise concerns about outdated wiring or the need for costly electrical upgrades. If your home currently falls short of building code requirements, adding electrical outlets may be a necessary expense.

Still, while a single outlet won’t drive up your asking price, strategically placed additions, such as USB outlets in bedrooms or extra kitchen and garage outlets, can subtly enhance appeal. Buyers may not walk in counting outlets, but they’ll certainly notice the convenience of a well-wired space. If you're already tackling electrical upgrades or renovations, including additional outlets can help future-proof your home without a significant increase in cost.

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.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
Learn more about our contributor
Alison Kasch
Written by Alison Kasch
Contributing Writer
Alison is a Chicago-based writer who has spent the last seven years focusing her content on everything inside and outside the home.

The homeowners guide to electrical services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles