A universal bracket is provided for mounting electrical boxes. The bracket includes a generally rectangular first plate having at least one aperture defined within the first plate. The aperture is shaped to provide access to an electrical box mounted to the first plate, and further includes first and second pairs of diagonally opposite corners. A second plate extends rearward and substantially perpendicular to the first plate and located proximate a first side of the aperture. The first plate further includes one or more fastening portions and a plurality of mounting holes disposed about the fastening portions. One or more of the mounting holes are positioned for mounting the bracket to a vertical structural member adjacent either of two opposite sides of the bracket or a horizontal element adjacent a third side of the bracket, maintaining a particular bracket orientation.