What drives the price
A standard breaker is $10-$60. The cost is the electrician's minimum call plus the risk premium of working in an energized panel — the bus bars remain live even with the main off unless the utility pulls the meter.
- Breaker type — standard vs AFCI vs GFCI vs dual-function
- Panel brand — obsolete panels (Federal Pacific, Zinsco) may need full replacement
- Whether the panel is at capacity and needs a tandem or subpanel
- Permit and inspection for panel work
Should you DIY this or call a professional?
Call a pro, without exception. The panel is the one place in a house where the power cannot be fully turned off from inside — the service lugs stay energized. If you have a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel, mention it when you call: these have documented failure-to-trip problems and an electrician will likely recommend replacing the whole panel rather than adding breakers to it.
Signs you need this repair
- Breaker trips repeatedly on a normal load
- Breaker will not reset or feels loose
- Scorch marks or burning smell at the panel
- Panel is warm to the touch
- Buzzing from the panel
How to not get overcharged
If a full panel replacement is recommended, get two more quotes — this is a job with enormous price spread and a high upsell rate. Ask specifically whether a service upgrade (more amps) is actually required or is being bundled in. Many homes need a new panel but not more service capacity, and conflating the two can double the quote.
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Red flags to watch for
- Full panel replacement recommended for a single tripping breaker with no load test
- No permit pulled for panel work — this is always permitted work
- Vague 'your panel is unsafe' with no brand or model cited
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a circuit breaker?+
Replacing a single breaker typically costs $150-$350. A full panel replacement is a much larger job at $1,300-$3,000, and $2,000-$4,500 for a service upgrade to 200 amps.
Can I replace a circuit breaker myself, or should I hire a professional?+
Call a pro, without exception. The panel is the one place in a house where the power cannot be fully turned off from inside — the service lugs stay energized. If you have a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel, mention it when you call: these have documented failure-to-trip problems and an electrician will likely recommend replacing the whole panel rather than adding breakers to it.
How long does it take to replace a circuit breaker?+
30-60 minutes for a single breaker. Scheduling and parts availability can extend the overall timeline beyond the hands-on work itself.
What makes the price of this job go up or down?+
Breaker type — standard vs AFCI vs GFCI vs dual-function. Panel brand — obsolete panels (Federal Pacific, Zinsco) may need full replacement. Whether the panel is at capacity and needs a tandem or subpanel. Permit and inspection for panel work.
How do I avoid being overcharged?+
If a full panel replacement is recommended, get two more quotes — this is a job with enormous price spread and a high upsell rate. Ask specifically whether a service upgrade (more amps) is actually required or is being bundled in. Many homes need a new panel but not more service capacity, and conflating the two can double the quote.