How Much Does It Cost to Replace Outlets? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $125 - $200
Replacing outlets costs around $175 per outlet in most cases, and prices typically range from $125 up to $200, depending on the type of outlet and other factors
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The cost to replace an outlet or install one ranges from $125 to $200. Although, the price can run from $100 to $500 per outlet, depending on the type and the complexity of the installation. Luckily, our guide breaks down all the costs to replace an outlet—so you can modernize your home and budget accordingly.
- Average
- $175
- Low end
- $100
- high end
- $500
Breaking Down the Cost to Replace Electrical Outlets
Your bill for replacing all the electrical outlets and switches throughout your home will come down to labor, materials, adding new outlets and switches, and additional upgrades. Extra charges apply for upgrades such as GFCI, AFCI, smart, and high-voltage outlets.
Labor
Your total labor costs will depend on electrician rates, minimum fees, and number of hours.
Electrician Rates
An electrician near you typically charges $50 to $100 per hour in labor to replace an outlet. Your labor costs will increase depending on the type of outlet you choose, with certain types of outlets and difficult-to-access areas requiring longer installation times.
Minimum Fee
Even if your project takes less than 30 minutes to complete, the cost to hire an electrician comes with hourly minimums. You can expect to pay a flat hourly rate of $100 to $200, covering the electrician’s overhead costs for travel and insurance.
Hours
It should take less than 30 minutes to replace an existing outlet. On the other hand, installing a new outlet will take several hours—especially if your electrician needs to add a new circuit or feed electrical wire to a new location.
Materials
In addition to your labor charge, you’ll pay around $3 to $5 per outlet to cover materials for each standard 120-volt outlet installed. High-voltage, GFCI, and other specialty types of outlets could cost up to $50 each.
If you have standard outlets in your house, given the average of 75 outlets in a home, materials will cost an extra $375 on the high end ($5 per outlet). Add that to your labor cost and you need to budget $3,000 to replace all the outlets in your home on the more costly side.
Adding New Outlets and Switches
Charges for installing new electrical outlets or switches, like adding an outdoor outlet, will add to your bill. Still, if you find yourself in a constant jungle of extension cords, it’s a worthwhile investment, averaging around $215 per outlet.
If you build a garage or room extension, you'll need additional switches. Plus, having an extra switch in a large room is handy so you don’t have to do a full lap when you switch from overhead lighting to your reading lamp. The cost to install a new light switch ranges from $100 to $200.
Before bringing in an electrician near you, consider the best places to install new outlets and switches in your home—and have a list at the ready.
Additional Upgrades
Average rates will apply for a simple “plug and play” switch, but prices can go up if you need any rewiring. For example, the cost to ground a two-prong outlet can significantly increase the numbers on your bill, as it’s not a simple swap.
The same applies if you want to relocate a light switch or host a variety of switches in one panel to control your home’s lighting system. What you pay depends on your home’s existing wiring system and how much extra work it requires.
| Rewiring Upgrade | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Rewiring or Adding a New Circuit | $250–$1,000 |
| Snaking New Wire | $27 per linear foot |
| Upgrading an Electrical Panel | $520–$2,100 |
| Rewiring a House | $1,500–$10,000 |
Rewiring
The cost to rewire an outlet runs from $40 to $300. However, if you only have one circuit supplying electricity for your outlets, you may need to upgrade the wiring to handle the load. Further rewiring upgrades may include:
Rewiring or adding a new circuit: $250–$1,000
Snaking new wire: $27 per linear foot
Upgrading or replacing an electrical panel: $522–$2,081
Rewire a house: $1,500–$10,000
Cost to Replace an Electrical Outlet by Type
| Outlet Type | Cost Per Outlet Material |
|---|---|
| 120V | $3–$5 |
| 220V, 240V, 250V | $10–$20 |
| GFCI | $7–$25 |
| Smart Outlet | $25–$50 |
To figure out your cost to replace all the outlets in the house, start with a base labor expense of $9 to $35 per outlet. Then, factor in the average material prices below. Many of these will require rewiring, which also costs extra. Your electrician will provide an accurate estimate.
Standard 120V
Standard three-prong 120V outlets typically cost between $3 and $5 for materials only. With labor included, these can go for between $12 and $40 each in large quantities. These 15-amp units are capable of powering 110-volt devices, though their actual voltage can range from 110-125 volts.
220V, 240V, & 250V Power Outlets
For each high-voltage outlet you need, you might pay an additional $10 to $20 per outlet, plus the cost of labor and any additional rewiring. You’ll need the extra juice to power your dryer and other large appliances, so remember to factor these into your budgeting.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Outlets
GFCI outlets are pricier additions at about $7 to $25 each, plus the cost of labor. These prevent electrocution and are necessary to meet code requirements for any area that sees water or moisture, such as your bathroom or kitchen. Be sure to test them at least once a year to ensure they’re working properly.
Smart Outlets
Smart Outlets typically run $25 to $50 each. For brands like Google Home and Amazon Echo, you’ll also need a control hub to sync your outlets with all of your smart devices.
Cost to Replace Light Switches by Type
When calculating the cost to replace light switches in your home, factor in labor expenses of $10 to $30 per switch or an hourly rate of $50 to $150 per hour. Material costs vary depending on the kind of switches you want. Some of the most common types of electrical switches are outlined below.
| Type of Switch | Cost Per Switch |
|---|---|
| Standard Switch | $1–$10 |
| Double Switch | $10–$20 |
| Three-Way Switch | $3–$20 |
| Four-Way Switch | $10–$20 |
| Dimmer Switch | $15–$30 |
| Smart Switch | $50–$500 |
| Timer Switch | $85–$200 |
Standard Switches
If you’re happy to keep things simple, single-pole switches range from $1 to $10. You’ll get one straightforward “on and off” switch, and it’s a cinch for an electrician to replace. The total cost with labor ranges between $50 and $150 per switch.
Double Switch
If you’ve got a ceiling fan with an attached light, you’ll probably be replacing a panel with two switches—one to control the fan and one for the light. You’ll pay an average of $10 to $20 for double switch fittings, and total costs including labor range from $75 to $175.
Three-Way
You might want three-way switches in your hallway. They allow you to turn the light on when you're upstairs and off again downstairs (and vice versa). These switches that can control one light from two locations cost from $3 to $20, and $75 to $175 with labor.
Four-Way
You might have a four-way set up if you’re controlling a single fixture from multiple spots in a large open-plan living space. The switches themselves cost from $10 to $20, but you’ll need to factor in a higher bill from your electrician for these more labor-intensive replacements.
Dimmer Switches
Want to reduce your electric bill? Consider updating existing fixtures with dimmer switches. The switches cost $15 to $30, and you’ll pay between $80 and $200 with labor included.
Smart Switches
Like the idea of controlling your lights from a smart home hub? You’ll need to replace your standard switches with smart ones. These futuristic features don’t come cheap though—installation of smart switches can cost anywhere from $50 to $500.
Timer Switches
If you’re a security-conscious homeowner, being able to set your lights to come on as it gets dark is an appealing feature. Timer switches also help keep energy bills down if your kids—or, let’s face it, even you—leave lights on when heading to bed. Budget between $85 and $200 to install timer switches.
Additional Outlet and Light Switch Costs
Even if you’ve done your due diligence when budgeting for a new outlet or light switch, a surprise expense might spring up. For example, if you discover that an outlet or switch needs to be moved, it will cost $50 to $75 for every foot of drywall that needs to be cut into and repaired. Luckily, unforeseen expenses tend to be cheap when it comes to outlet and light switch repairs, especially if you’ve already spoken with an electrician. Here are a couple of other additions to keep in mind when budgeting.
Adding USB Ports to Outlets
A USB outlet has one or two USB ports in addition to the standard three-prong ports. The ports are typically USB-A, but it’s easy to find options that accommodate USB-B, USB-C, and other USB inputs. The average price of a USB outlet ranges from $20 to $40, largely depending on the number of ports it has. If the electrical outlet is already wired, all you have to do is purchase a USB outlet and switch it with the old terminal.
GFCI Outlets
Designed to be shockproof, GFCI outlets are ideal for areas of the house that are at risk of coming into contact with water. The cost to replace an existing GFCI outlet ranges from $100 to $200. You can save money by doing the job yourself, as materials only cost about $15 to $35. Naturally, it’s more expensive to install a new GFCI outlet, especially since an electrician is likely needed for the wiring. Expect to pay between $150 to $300 for a new GFCI outlet.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
We always recommend hiring a professional electrician when working with electricity and wires. However, if you have prior electrical experience, you can replace outlet cover plates as long as you turn off the electricity for that outlet. If you’re knowledgeable, you can also shop around and purchase outlets and switches at the best price. Otherwise, you can expect to pay an average price of $2,000 to have a professional electrician replace all of the outlets and switches in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard three-prong outlet lasts up to 15 years with normal use. GFCI outlets have a longer life span of about 15 to 25 years. Both types may last beyond these timeframes if used infrequently, but this shouldn’t be the expectation. In fact, it’s more likely that an electrical outlet fails earlier than expected. A few signs that an outlet is failing include:
Flickering lights
Overheating
A discolored or melted faceplate
Plugs often fall out of the outlet
Tripping circuit breakers
You don’t need an electrician to change an outlet—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire one. Working with electricity can be dangerous, not only for you but also for your home and the members of your household. There’s the risk of electrocution, poor wiring burnout, and electrical fire. When you hire a licensed electrician, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your electrical outlets are installed correctly and up to code.
A skilled electrician can replace an outlet or switch in 30 minutes or less. Installing an outlet is a relatively simple job for pros who deal with other, more complex electrical tasks. However, replacing anything involving electricity still requires you to follow strict safety precautions to avoid injury or property damage.
It’s a great idea to replace and update outlets, especially if an outlet stops working. New outlets work well with modern appliances and devices. Over time, outlets become old and worn—they can even become damaged, cracked, and burnt if the wiring is old and outdated. Old outlets and wiring can cause smoke, sparks, flickering lights, and an electrical fire.