How Much Does It Cost to Install Gfci Outlet? (Price Guide)

A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlet cuts power when it detects current leaking along an unintended path, such as through water or a person. Building codes generally call for them in wet or damp spots like bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and outdoor locations, and local rules differ. The device is cheap. Most of the bill is an electrician's time, which is why a simple swap and a brand-new circuit can land in very different price brackets.

The prices below were checked on Oct 13, 2026. They cover a licensed electrician doing the work, and they include the outlet itself unless a row says otherwise.

Replacing an existing outlet with a GFCI is the least expensive job, because the box and wiring are already there. Fixr puts installing or replacing a GFCI outlet at $150 – $350. This Old House lists the same task at $120 – $200, which sits at the lower end of Fixr's range. If the new outlet needs a ground wire that the old one lacked, or the box is damaged, the electrician may need more time.

Ask whether the quote is per outlet or per visit. Many electricians have a minimum charge, so having several outlets done in one visit often costs less per outlet than booking each separately.

Adding an outlet where none exists costs more. Fixr gives $250 – $500 for a new GFCI outlet with new wiring, since the electrician has to run cable, mount a box, and connect to a circuit with enough capacity. Opening finished walls, working in an attic or crawl space, or extending a circuit can raise the price further.

Outdoor outlets are a separate category. Lawn Love reports $250 – $400 for installing an outdoor outlet, labor and materials included. Weatherproof covers, longer cable runs, and drilling through exterior walls explain part of the difference.

A GFCI circuit breaker protects an entire circuit from the panel instead of one outlet. Fixr lists a breaker installation at $307 – $373, and the breaker alone at $80 – $160. A breaker can make sense when many outlets on one circuit need protection, or when an outlet is hard to reach. For a single location, an outlet is usually the cheaper route.

Work inside the electrical panel is for a licensed electrician. Panel covers hide live parts even with the main breaker off, and local codes often require a permit and inspection for panel work.

• Replacement or new location. A swap in an existing box costs less than a new box and cable.
• Wiring condition. Older homes may lack a ground wire or have damaged boxes that need repair.
• Access. Finished walls, ceilings, crawl spaces, and attics add labor.
• Indoor or outdoor. Outdoor work needs weather-rated parts and often more cable.
• Number of outlets. Electricians often spread a minimum charge across several outlets in one visit.
• Local labor rates. Hourly rates differ by city and by the electrician's license level.
• Permits. Some jurisdictions require a permit for new circuits or panel work, and a simple replacement may be exempt. Ask your electrician or local building department.

Because labor dominates the price, hourly rates explain most of the spread between quotes. This Old House reports $40 – $120/hr for electricians. Fixr gives $95 – $140/hr, and Lawn Love cites $45 – $100/hr. Fixr also lists permit and inspection fees at $25 – $90.

Some electricians charge a flat price per job, others bill hourly with a minimum, and many add a trip or service-call fee. Ask for the pricing method up front so you can compare quotes on the same terms.

If you are already paying for a visit, you may want to bundle small jobs. This Old House lists these common electrical tasks:

Sources disagree because they describe different jobs. A figure for replacing one outlet in a working box sits low. A figure that assumes new wiring, a permit, or a higher hourly rate sits high.

The two estimates above overlap but do not match. Fixr's article is part of a 2026 electrical code update and may reflect higher labor and permit costs, while This Old House presents a general cost table. Read each label before comparing.

Electrical work carries shock and fire risk, and mistakes can be hard to see. A licensed electrician knows the local code, tests that the GFCI trips correctly, and can pull any needed permit. Unpermitted work can also cause problems with home insurance or a future sale. Check the license with your state or local licensing board, and ask for proof of insurance.

• Is the quote per outlet, per hour, or per visit?
• Does the price include the outlet, the cover plate, and any permit fee?
• Will the electrician test the outlet and show you how to use the test and reset buttons?
• Is a ground wire present, and what happens if it is not?
• Does the job require opening a wall, and who repairs the drywall?
• What is the warranty on labor?