A single breaker typically costs $15 to $100, but the total price depends on the type, your home's electrical system, and whether you hire an electrician

The breaker itself is usually the smallest part of the expense. A standard single-pole breaker (the most common kind in homes) runs $15 to $50 at a hardware store. A double-pole breaker costs $25 to $75. Specialty breakers—arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)—range from $40 to $150 each because they have built-in safety features.

If you hire a licensed electrician to install the breaker, labor typically adds $150 to $300 on top of the breaker cost. Some electricians charge a flat service call fee ($75 to $150) plus hourly rates ($75 to $150 per hour), while others quote a fixed price for the whole job. The total bill for a single breaker replacement usually lands between $200 and $400.

Prices vary by region, the complexity of your panel, and whether the electrician needs to turn off power to the whole house. If your panel is cramped or outdated, installation takes longer and costs more.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard breaker costs $15 to $50; specialty breakers (AFCI or GFCI) cost $40 to $150.
  • Electrician labor adds $150 to $300, making a typical replacement job $200 to $400 total.
  • Prices depend on your region, panel type, and whether the electrician needs to de-energize the entire panel.
  • Buying a breaker at a hardware store and installing it yourself is not safe unless you are a licensed electrician; working inside a live panel risks electrocution.

Why breaker prices differ so much

The breaker brand matters. Siemens, Square D, and Eaton are the three largest manufacturers in the United States, and their breakers are not interchangeable—a Square D breaker fits only in a Square D panel. If your panel is Square D, you must buy a Square D breaker. This limits your shopping options and can affect price.

The age of your panel also changes cost. Older panels (20+ years) sometimes use discontinued breaker models that are harder to find and more expensive. A breaker for a 1990s Zinsco or Federal Pacific panel may cost more than a modern equivalent because fewer are made. If your panel is very old, the electrician may recommend replacing the entire panel instead of hunting for a rare breaker—a much larger job that costs $1,500 to $3,000.

Specialty breakers cost more because they do more. An AFCI breaker detects dangerous arcing (a fire hazard) and shuts off power before a fire starts. A GFCI breaker detects ground faults (when electricity leaks to the ground, a shock hazard) and cuts power in milliseconds. Building codes now require AFCIs in bedrooms and GFCIs in kitchens and bathrooms, so if you are replacing a breaker in those areas, you may need to upgrade to a specialty breaker anyway.

What you pay for labor and when it costs more

Most electricians charge either a flat rate for the job or an hourly rate plus a service call fee. A flat rate for a single breaker replacement is usually $200 to $400. An hourly rate is typically $75 to $150 per hour, plus a $75 to $150 service call fee, and the job usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on panel access and complexity.

Labor costs climb if your panel is in a difficult location (attic, crawlspace, or buried in a wall), if the breaker slot is blocked by other wires, or if the electrician needs to call a utility company to de-energize the meter (rare, but it happens). Some electricians charge extra for emergency or after-hours calls, though standard business hours are usually the cheapest option.

If you need more than one breaker replaced, the second and third breakers often cost less per unit because the electrician is already there and the panel is already open. Ask for a quote on the total job, not individual breakers.

DIY installation is not a safe option

A circuit breaker panel is live even when the main breaker is off—the utility lines feeding the meter are still energized. Touching the wrong part inside the panel can cause electrocution or arc flash, which can cause severe burns. This is not a job for a homeowner, even an experienced one.

Most jurisdictions require a licensed electrician to install breakers, and many insurance companies will not cover damage or injury from unlicensed work. If you install a breaker yourself and it causes a fire or someone is injured, your homeowner's insurance may deny the claim. The cost of hiring a professional is worth the safety and legal protection.

How to get an accurate quote

Call three electricians and describe the problem: which breaker is tripping, how old your panel is, and what brand it is (the brand name is usually stamped on the door). Ask for a quote that includes the breaker cost, labor, and any service call fee. Most electricians offer free estimates by phone or in person.

When comparing quotes, check whether they include the breaker itself or if that is extra. Some electricians include the breaker in their labor price; others bill it separately. Also ask whether the quote covers the whole job or if there are additional charges if the panel is more complex than expected.

If one quote is much lower than the others, ask why. It may mean the electrician is new and building a client base, or it may mean they are cutting corners. A licensed electrician with good reviews is worth paying a fair price for.

When to replace the whole panel instead of one breaker

If your panel is very old (30+ years), uses a discontinued brand, or has multiple failing breakers, replacing individual breakers becomes expensive and temporary. A full panel replacement costs $1,500 to $3,000 but solves the problem permanently and brings your electrical system up to current code.

Signs that a panel replacement may be smarter than a single breaker repair include: breakers that trip repeatedly even after replacement, a panel that is too full to add new circuits, rust or corrosion inside the panel, or a panel model that is known for defects (Zinsco and Federal Pacific panels from the 1970s and 1980s are notorious for this). An electrician can tell you whether a single breaker replacement is safe or whether the panel itself is the real problem.

Regional price differences

Electrician rates vary widely by region. In rural areas, a service call may cost less but take longer because the electrician travels farther. In cities, labor rates are higher but electricians are more available and can usually come sooner. The breaker itself costs roughly the same everywhere, but labor can swing the total bill by $100 or more depending on where you live.

If you live in an area with high labor costs and the breaker is not urgent, getting on an electrician's schedule during slower seasons (late fall or winter) sometimes means a lower rate or faster service. Emergency calls (nights, weekends, holidays) usually cost 1.5 to 2 times the standard rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a breaker myself to save money?

No. The panel is energized even when the main breaker is off, and touching the wrong part can cause electrocution or severe burns. Most jurisdictions require a licensed electrician, and your homeowner's insurance may not cover injuries or damage from unlicensed work. The cost of hiring a professional is much lower than the risk.

Why is my electrician charging so much for one breaker?

You are paying for the electrician's time, informed, and the service call. Even a 30-minute job requires them to travel, open the panel safely, test it, and document the work. If the quote seems high, call another electrician for a second opinion, but be wary of quotes that are much lower than others—they may indicate inexperience or incomplete work.

Do I need a special breaker for my kitchen or bathroom?

Kitchens and bathrooms require GFCI breakers or GFCI outlets by code. If you are replacing a breaker in those areas, ask your electrician whether you need to upgrade to a GFCI breaker (which costs more) or whether GFCI outlets on a standard breaker are allowed. The answer depends on your local code and the age of your home.

What if the electrician says I need a new panel?

Get a second opinion from another licensed electrician. If two electricians agree the panel is unsafe or too old to repair, a panel replacement is the right choice even though it costs more upfront. An unsafe panel is a fire and shock hazard, and the cost of replacement is less than the cost of a house fire.

How long does a breaker replacement take?

A straightforward replacement usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on panel access and whether the electrician needs to de-energize the meter. More complex jobs (if the panel is cramped or the breaker is hard to reach) can take longer. Ask the electrician for an estimate when you get your quote.