Outlet and switch repair cost calculator
Pick the device and your state. You get the DIY parts cost and what an electrician would charge, side by side.
Select your state first
Device prices come from the Fix or Hire outlet and switch repair data. Professional cost is the device plus 0.5 to 2 hours of electrician labor, using typical billed rates of $80 to $125 an hour adjusted for your state with BLS wage data. Many electricians have a minimum service charge, so a single device can cost more than the math suggests.
How this calculator works
Pick the device you are replacing and your state. The DIY figure is the retail price range for the device. The professional figure adds 0.5 to 2 hours of electrician labor, using typical billed rates of $80 to $125 an hour adjusted for your state with Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data.
If you tick the burn marks box, DIY is shown as not recommended, because heat damage usually means a wiring problem behind the device.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace an outlet?
A standard outlet costs about $1 to $5 and a GFCI outlet about $15 to $50. The part is the cheap piece. An electrician's time is most of the bill, usually 0.5 to 2 hours.
Can I replace a light switch or outlet myself?
Many people do. Turn the breaker off, confirm the circuit is dead with a tester, and match the wiring exactly. Stop and call an electrician if the wiring is damaged, aluminum, or the device was hot or scorched.
Why does an electrician charge so much to swap a $3 outlet?
You are paying for the licensed time, the trip, and the diagnosis, not the part. Many electricians also have a minimum service charge, so having several small jobs done in one visit is cheaper.
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Last updated October 2026. Reviewed by the Fix or Hire editorial team. Estimates only, not a quote.