GFCI Outlet Costs: Here’s What to Know

Normal range: $130 - $300

Hiring an electrician to install GFCI outlets costs $210 on average. Most homeowners spend between $130 and $300.

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human hand of a man plugging an electrical cord into a GFCI electrical outlet
Photo: Tomsmith585 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Jenna Jonaitis
Written by Jenna Jonaitis
Contributing Writer
Updated September 8, 2023
human hand of a man plugging an electrical cord into a GFCI electrical outlet
Photo: Tomsmith585 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

A GFCI outlet costs between $130 and $300, with an average price of about $210. Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to your home's electrical system. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electrical outlet is a safe option because it protects against electric shocks in wet areas. Read on to learn the various costs of installing a GFCI outlet in your home.

See the price range for installing a GFCI outlet:
How we get this data
Normal range for U.S.
$130 - $300
  • Average
  • $210
  • Low end
  • $100
  • high end
  • $400
LOWHIGH

How Does a GFCI Outlet Work?

A GFCI outlet is a type of electrical outlet that monitors the electricity flowing through the circuit, and shuts off power immediately when they detect a loss or acceleration of current. These devices exist to protect people from electrical shock. They are particularly important in areas that may come in contact with water, which is why they're most common in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and garages.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a GFCI Outlet per Unit?

A GFCI outlet costs between $7 and $25 each. So, materials make up a very small proportion of the cost of this project—labor is the biggest price factor. But it’s worth the money to pay a professional to handle GFCI installation. When you’re dealing with electrical work, proper installation is crucial.

GFCI Outlet Installation Cost Factors 

The factors that affect the price of installing GFCI outlets break down into three main categories: the number of outlets you want, whether you hire a professional or DIY, and whether you'll need to purchase the tools for the job.

Number of Outlets

The number of outlets you need is the big driver, as obviously you'll need to buy each outlet and then add extra time for the installation of those additional outlets. Fortunately, the more outlets you're installing, the less time it will take per outlet. But you can still expect a big total price difference between installing one outlet versus installing 12.

Labor Costs

A professional local electrician typically charges between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on their expertise and the cost of living in your area. Some electricians charge per outlet instead of by the hour. There’s usually a minimum fee of at least $100 to $200 per visit, making it cost-effective to have them tackle several electrical projects at once. 

Replacing vs. New Outlet Installation

If you’re replacing a grounded outlet with a GFCI outlet, the job is straightforward and takes a matter of minutes if you know what you’re doing. If you’re installing a GFCI breaker in your panel or putting in a new outlet altogether, you’ll need to hire an electrician to do the job. 

Indoor vs. Outdoor GFCI Outlet Installation 

In general, standard outlet installation costs $210, while outdoor outlets cost anywhere from $300 to $1,400 per project. Outdoor outlets need a waterproof electrical box, may require you to drill into the side of your home, or run new electrical lines if the outlet is installed away from the house. 

Outdoor Outlet ServiceCost
GFCI outlet materials$17–$40
Waterproof outlet cover$10–$20
Electrician labor costs$50–$100 per hour
Moving an outlet$200–$300

Permits and Inspection Costs

Before installing a new outlet, you (or your electrician) may need to apply for an electrical permit. Check your local building code before doing any electrical work to see if you need a permit. In general, permits cost anywhere from $10 to $500, depending on what you’re tackling.

If you’re just adding or replacing outlets, inspections for code compliance are often free and included in your electrician’s work. If you have concerns about your electrical system, consider having an inspection done, which costs $160 on average. 

Tools Needed

If you're starting from scratch and don't have the tools for the job, you may need to spend about $100 on wire strippers, a voltage tester pen, and so on. However, once again, if you don't have the basic tools for the job, it's probably not something you should be doing on your own. Contact an electrician in your area and get a quote.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

We do not recommend installing a GFCI outlet yourself due to the high safety risk involved with electrical tasks. It’s best to hire a local electrician who has the proper skills, tools, and experience to install a GFCI properly. It’s well worth the cost of hiring a professional for this essential task to give yourself peace of mind that your household members are protected from electrical shocks and other electric hazards.

Can I Install a GFCI Outlet Myself?

If you don’t have proper electrical training and experience, you could damage your home or cause severe personal injury. Beyond these risks, it’s important that your outlets are up-to-code and safe for use. Unless you have the experience and electrical know-how, it’s best to hire an electrician for safety and peace of mind. Hiring a professional to install a GFCI outlet typically costs between $130 and $300

Where GFCI Outlets Are Required 

You will need to meet the following code requirements for installing a GFCI outlet in the following rooms:

LocationDescription
BathroomAll bathroom outlets must have GFCI protection.
KitchenKitchen outlets need at least two 20-amp small appliance circuits for the countertop, and outlets that are within 6 feet of a sink must be GFCI-protected.
Laundry RoomThe outlet needs a 30-amp, 240-volt circuit with four conductors, and all receptacles need GFCI protection.
GarageYou will need one outlet for each car space, and all outlets will need GFCI protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily; just the outlets that serve countertop surfaces. You should install GFCI outlets wherever there could be a lot of wet areas, so any outlet that is near a sink needs to be GFCI.

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Learn more about our contributor
Jenna Jonaitis
Written by Jenna Jonaitis
Contributing Writer
Jenna Jonaitis is a professional freelance writer with over seven years of experience. She covers wellness, parenting, and lifestyle topics.
Jenna Jonaitis is a professional freelance writer with over seven years of experience. She covers wellness, parenting, and lifestyle topics.
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