Repairing an electrical outlet costs $60 to $250 per outlet, averaging $130 nationally in 2026, according to Angi.[1] HomeGuide publishes a similar picture at $80 to $200 per repair including parts and labor, with a $150 average, and notes that most faulty outlets are replaced rather than repaired.[2]
Safety first: some outlet problems are emergencies. Massachusetts’ state fire safety guidance says to call the fire department immediately for arcs, sparks or short circuits, sizzling or buzzing sounds, or any smell of something burning – firefighters can use thermal imaging to see excessive heat inside walls. For frequently tripped breakers, overheated plugs, cords or switches, or unusually warm or faulty outlets, it says to call a licensed electrician soon. Outlet repair is not a DIY job.[3]
Outlet repair cost by source
| Source | Average (per job) | Typical range (per job) | Scope as published |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angi | $130 | $60 – $250 | Electrical outlet repair for standard outlets, priced per outlet; national average for 2026 |
| HomeGuide | $150 | $80 – $200 | Electrical outlet repair, parts + labor included; page also lists a $40 minimum and $700 maximum per job |
Angi and HomeGuide are separately owned publishers, and their pages state no shared sourcing. HomeGuide notes that most faulty outlets and switches are replaced rather than repaired.
Cost by outlet type
| Outlet type | Repair cost (Angi, per repair) |
|---|---|
| Standard | $60 – $250 |
| Smart | $50 – $100 |
| GFCI | $100 – $300 |
| AFCI | $120 – $350 |
| Combination | $75 – $270 |
| Outdoor | $150 – $350 |
| USB | $70 – $180 |
Electrical outlet repair cost by outlet type. Source: Angi.
Cost by problem
| Outlet problem | Repair cost (Angi, per repair) |
|---|---|
| Burn marks or smells | $120 – $400 |
| Sparks | $100 – $350 |
| Heat | $60 – $400 |
| Tripping breaker | $100 – $300 |
| Broken | $60 – $200 |
| Won’t grip plug | $60 – $200 |
| Loose in wall | $60 – $150 |
Electrical outlet repair cost by problem. Source: Angi. Sparks, burn marks, smells and heat are the problems state fire safety guidance treats as urgent – see the safety section below.
Cost by repair type
| Repair type | Cost (HomeGuide, per repair) |
|---|---|
| Replace outlet | $80 – $200 |
| Replace light switch | $50 – $250 |
| Ground an outlet | $100 – $300 |
| Replace outlet box | $100 – $300 |
| Replace circuit breaker | $100 – $260 |
| Outlet rewiring | $130 – $330 |
| Fix reverse polarity | $40 – $100 |
| Short circuit / blown outlet | $0 – $200+ |
| Replace all outlets and switches in house | $2,400 – $5,100 |
Cost to fix an outlet by issue, parts and labor included. Source: HomeGuide, which notes that resetting a tripped breaker costs nothing and is why the short-circuit range starts at $0. HomeGuide’s own page disagrees with itself on improper amp-rating fixes: its table says $80 to $200 while its prose says $80 to $800. Both versions are reported as published.
Additional costs to budget for
| Additional cost | Cost as published |
|---|---|
| Electrical permit (Angi) | $100 – $500 per permit (table); the same page’s summary box says $150 – $500 – both reported as published |
| Adding a ground (Angi) | $130 – $300 per outlet |
| Wall repairs after access (Angi) | $50 – $75 per square foot |
| Circuit breaker replacement on same visit (Angi) | $50 – $150 per breaker |
| Drywall repair around an outlet (HomeGuide) | $50 – $150 per hole (table); the same page’s prose says $300 – $500 for small holes and $500 – $800+ for medium or large holes – both reported as published |
Additional and related costs. Sources: Angi and HomeGuide. Where a page disagrees with itself, every published version is shown rather than reconciled.
Labor, bundling and timing
Labor drives most of the bill. HomeGuide puts electrician rates at $50 to $130 per hour, and Angi at $50 to $100 per hour plus materials, with many electricians charging a trip fee or a one-to-two-hour minimum for small jobs.[1][2] Angi’s practical advice is bundling: if the house also needs new outlets (about $300 each), switch replacements (about $150 each) or a dedicated circuit (about $700), scheduling them in the same visit saves repeat trip charges.[1] A skilled electrician typically replaces an outlet in about 30 minutes, per Angi, though diagnosis can stretch the visit when the problem points deeper into the wiring.[1]
Safety: know which problems are emergencies
State fire safety guidance draws a clear line. Call the fire department immediately for arcs, sparks or short circuits, sizzling or buzzing sounds, or a burning odor – heat inside walls can be invisible from the room. Call a licensed electrician soon for frequently blown fuses or tripped breakers, dim or flickering lights, overheated plugs, cords or switches, shocks or tingles beyond normal static, loose plugs, or unusually warm or faulty outlets.[3]
The same guidance recommends prevention basics: don’t overload outlets, plug heating and cooling appliances directly into wall outlets rather than power strips, keep cords out from under rugs, and have a licensed electrician review the home’s electrical system every ten years.[3]
This guide carries no DIY procedure and no shopping link. Angi’s own page, while describing limited scenarios for experienced DIYers, strongly recommends hiring a licensed electrician for outlet work, and no manufacturer instructions were consulted to establish safe homeowner applicability and precautions – so the figures above are cost estimates, not encouragement.[1]
Related cost guides
See our guides to outlet installation cost, GFCI outlet installation cost, electrical panel upgrade cost, house rewiring cost and HVAC repair cost.
Sources
- Angi – Electrical Outlet Repair Cost (updated Sep 14, 2026)
- HomeGuide – Electrical Outlet Repair Cost (September 2, 2025)
- Mass.gov – Electrical Fire Safety (state fire safety guidance)
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