Electrical outlet repair costs $60 to $250 per outlet in 2026
Electrical outlet repair costs $60 to $250 per outlet in 2026, and the average is about $150. Angi lists an average of $150 for outlet and switch service. Four Seasons Heating and Cooling lists $60 to $250 with an average of $130. HomeServe lists $125 to $175 per receptacle. A GFCI outlet, a hard to reach wall or a bad wire can push the price up. Where you live matters too.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| Angi | Angi lists an average of $150 for electrical outlet and switch repair or replacement. |
| HomeServe | HomeServe lists $125 to $175 per receptacle, $100 to $250 per switch or receptacle, and electrician labor at $40 to $120 an hour. |
| Four Seasons Heating and Cooling | Four Seasons lists outlet repair or replacement at $60 to $250 with an average of $130, and GFCI installs at $100 to $300. |
Outlet repair cost by job and region
| Job | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Outlet repair or replacement, national | $60 to $250, average $130 | Four Seasons Heating and Cooling |
| Outlet replacement per receptacle | $125 to $175 | HomeServe |
| Switch or receptacle added or replaced | $100 to $250 | HomeServe |
| GFCI outlet install | $100 to $300, average $200 | Four Seasons Heating and Cooling |
| Light switch replacement | $85 to $200, average $140 | Four Seasons Heating and Cooling |
| Northeast | $160 to $300 | Four Seasons Heating and Cooling |
| South | $100 to $200 | Four Seasons Heating and Cooling |
| West Coast | $180 to $350 | Four Seasons Heating and Cooling |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of outlet | A plain outlet costs less than a GFCI outlet. Four Seasons lists GFCI installs at $100 to $300, with an average of $200. |
| Where you live | Labor costs differ by region. Four Seasons lists $100 to $200 in the South and $180 to $350 on the West Coast. |
| Electrician hourly rate | HomeServe lists electrician labor at $40 to $120 an hour. A long job or a shop with a high rate raises the total. |
| Wiring problems | A loose or burned wire takes longer than a simple swap. Angi says the circuit amps, the location and the problem all change the price. |
| Permits and wall repair | Some jobs need a permit or a patch in the drywall. Angi says permit fees and drywall patching can add to the bill. |
What the price includes
The price normally covers the electrician's trip, the labor and a basic new outlet or switch. The pro tests the circuit when done. Extra costs can include a GFCI or higher amp outlet, a new wire, a permit, or patching the wall. Ask if the quote covers the part, or if you pay for it on top. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
DIY or hire a pro
Swapping a plain outlet is a job some skilled homeowners do. You turn off the breaker, test the wires with a tester, and match the new outlet to the old one. The part is cheap, and a pro swap averages $130 to $150. But wires carry real risk. If you see burn marks, hear buzzing, or feel heat, call a licensed electrician. Some towns also need a permit for new circuits or GFCI work. A mistake can start a fire or hurt you, so pay a pro when you are not sure.
How to tell you need it
Look for signs. An outlet may feel warm, look scorched, or spark when you plug in. Plugs may fall out because the slots are loose. Some outlets stop working, or the lights flicker when you use them. A GFCI outlet that will not reset also needs a look. Stop using any outlet that smells like burning, and call an electrician soon.
How to judge your quote
- Does the quote say if it covers a plain outlet or a GFCI outlet?
- Is the price per outlet inside $60 to $250, or is the reason explained?
- Is a permit or a wall patch listed as a line, not a surprise?
- Does the electrician test the circuit and give a written guarantee?
- Compare the total with the range above: $60 to $250 per outlet for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Fix several outlets in one visit. You pay the service call once, and some electricians charge less per outlet when they do a batch.
- Ask if you can supply a basic outlet. Some electricians allow it, and you still pay mainly for a safe install.
- Get three quotes. Rates differ by shop, and HomeServe lists electrician rates from $40 to $120 an hour.
- Book a planned visit, not an emergency one. After hours calls often cost more than a visit on a normal weekday.
- Check the breaker and the GFCI reset button first. A dead outlet may just be a tripped switch, and you will not pay for a visit you do not need.
Why this costs more in 2026
Trade labor now runs about $75 to $150 an hour in most of the US. Lumber, steel, copper, PVC and concrete all cost more than in 2024, and freight went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Modern electrical codes call for GFCI protection, and a GFCI outlet averages $200 in 2026 pricing, so a swap often costs more than a plain outlet.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Angi, HomeServe and Four Seasons Heating and Cooling. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to replace an outlet?
HomeServe lists $125 to $175 per receptacle. Four Seasons lists $60 to $250 with an average of $130.
How much does a GFCI outlet cost to install?
Four Seasons lists GFCI installs at $100 to $300, with an average of $200. A plain outlet costs less.
How much does an electrician charge per hour?
HomeServe lists electrician labor at $40 to $120 an hour. Some pros also charge a service call fee, so ask first.
How much does it cost to replace a light switch?
Four Seasons lists light switch replacement at $85 to $200, with an average of $140. HomeServe lists $50 to $150 to rewire a single switch.
Can I fix an outlet myself?
A simple swap can be a DIY job if you turn off the power and test the wires first. Call a pro for burn marks, sparks or a warm outlet, because these can mean a wiring fault.