How many watts does a sump pump use?
Most sump pumps use 500–1,050 watts while running (typically about 800 W) and 1,000–2,200 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $4.42 a month ($53.03 a year).
Cost to run a sump pump: calculator
Running vs starting watts
Running watts are what it draws while operating; they drive your electricity bill. Starting watts are a short surge when a motor or compressor kicks on; they matter for sizing a generator or power station.
| Source | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart | 500–1,050 W | 1,000–2,150 W |
| Honda generator wattage chart (PDF) | 750–2,300 W | 1,500–4,500 W |
| Generac generator wattage worksheet (PDF) | 2,100 W | — |
Will a power station run it?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical sump pump for about 1.1 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 1,050 W continuous output and 3,250 W surge (peak). Check your power station or generator →
Cost by state
Based on 800 W for 1 hour a day, 365 days a year (292 kWh/yr).
Cost to run a sump pump in every state
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | $3.97 | $47.68 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $7.16 | $85.88 |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | $3.66 | $43.95 |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | $3.50 | $41.96 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $7.24 | $86.87 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $4.18 | $50.14 |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | $5.96 | $71.57 |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | $4.55 | $54.60 |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | $6.32 | $75.86 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $3.65 | $43.77 |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | $3.87 | $46.43 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $11.48 | $138 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $3.25 | $39.04 |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | $4.70 | $56.41 |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | $4.14 | $49.70 |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | $4.15 | $49.82 |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | $3.76 | $45.17 |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | $3.36 | $40.30 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $3.13 | $37.58 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $7.81 | $93.76 |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | $5.21 | $62.49 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $7.42 | $89.00 |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | $5.59 | $67.13 |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | $4.19 | $50.22 |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | $3.51 | $42.14 |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | $3.90 | $46.78 |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | $3.79 | $45.46 |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | $3.29 | $39.54 |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $3.10 | $37.14 |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | $6.73 | $80.71 |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | $5.99 | $71.86 |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | $4.02 | $48.21 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $6.97 | $83.66 |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | $3.64 | $43.65 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $3.24 | $38.87 |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | $4.72 | $56.59 |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | $3.61 | $43.27 |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | $3.87 | $46.49 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | $5.30 | $63.57 |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | $6.86 | $82.29 |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | $3.83 | $46.02 |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | $3.69 | $44.24 |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | $3.27 | $39.19 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $3.87 | $46.46 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $3.24 | $38.87 |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | $5.80 | $69.61 |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | $4.29 | $51.51 |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | $3.56 | $42.72 |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | $3.97 | $47.63 |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | $4.72 | $56.68 |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | $3.51 | $42.14 |
FAQ
How many watts does a sump pump use?
Most sump pumps use 500–1,050 watts while running (typically about 800 W) and 1,000–2,200 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $4.42 a month ($53.03 a year).
What are the starting watts of a sump pump?
About 1,000–2,200 W for a second or two at start-up. This matters when sizing a generator or power station, not for your electricity bill.
How much does it cost to run a sump pump?
About $4.42 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on 800 W for 1 hour a day, 365 days a year (292 kWh/yr). In the cheapest state it's about $3.10 a month; in the most expensive, $11.48.
How many kWh does a sump pump use?
About 292 kWh a year (24 kWh a month), based on 800 W for 1 hour a day, 365 days a year (292 kWh/yr).
Can a power station or generator run a sump pump?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical sump pump for about 1.1 hours. Look for at least 1,050 W continuous output and 3,250 W surge (peak).