Circuit breaker costs range from $150 to $300 for a standard single-pole breaker installed by a licensed electrician, though the breaker itself costs $15 to $50 depending on the amperage and brand
The price you pay splits into two parts: the breaker unit itself and the labor to install it. A single-pole breaker (the most common type for standard 120-volt circuits) costs between $15 and $50 at a supply house or home center. A double-pole breaker for 240-volt circuits runs $25 to $75. The electrician's labor typically adds $100 to $200 on top of that, depending on your region and whether they're making a service call just for this or bundling it with other work.
If your panel is older or uses a less common brand—Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic panels are examples—breakers cost more and take longer to source. Some electricians charge a diagnostic fee of $75 to $150 just to inspect the panel and identify what you need, though many credit that toward the final bill if you move forward.
Key Takeaways
- A single-pole breaker costs $15 to $50 for the unit itself, plus $100 to $200 in labor, for a total around $150 to $300.
- Double-pole breakers for 240-volt circuits cost more—$25 to $75 for the unit—and may carry higher labor charges.
- Older or specialty panel brands cost significantly more because breakers are harder to find and installation takes longer.
- Getting a licensed electrician is not optional; opening a breaker panel yourself creates serious shock and fire hazards.
What affects the price of a breaker
The amperage rating of the breaker matters. A 15-amp breaker costs less than a 20-amp, 30-amp, or 50-amp breaker. Higher amperage breakers are built for heavier loads and use more material. The brand also shifts the price: Siemens, Square D, and Eaton breakers are widely available and competitively priced, while specialty brands or discontinued models cost more because electricians have to hunt for them.
Your location and the electrician's experience level affect labor costs. Urban areas with high cost of living typically charge more per hour than rural areas. An electrician who specializes in panel work may charge differently than a general electrician. If your panel is in an awkward location—a crawlspace, attic, or exterior wall in winter—labor time increases and so does the bill.
Whether the breaker is a straightforward replacement or part of a larger panel upgrade also changes the total. If you're adding a new circuit, the electrician may need to run new wire from the panel to the location, which adds material and time. A straight swap of a tripped or failed breaker costs less than installing a new breaker for a new appliance.
Single-pole versus double-pole breakers
A single-pole breaker controls one 120-volt circuit and is the standard for most household outlets and lights. It takes up one slot in your panel. A double-pole breaker controls one 240-volt circuit and takes up two slots—it's used for large appliances like electric ranges, water heaters, dryers, and air conditioners. Double-pole breakers cost more to buy and often cost more to install because they require heavier gauge wire and more careful setup.
If you're replacing a breaker that tripped, you likely have a single-pole. If you're adding a circuit for a new appliance, the electrician will tell you whether you need single or double based on what you're powering. Do not guess or try to save money by installing the wrong type—it will not work and creates a safety hazard.
Why you cannot do this yourself
A breaker panel carries live electrical current even when the main breaker is off. The bus bars inside the panel—the metal strips that distribute power—remain energized. Touching them causes electrocution. A licensed electrician has training, insurance, and tools to work safely inside a live panel. They also know local electrical codes and can pull the required permits so your work passes inspection.
If you sell your home later, an inspector will check whether electrical work was permitted and done to code. Unpermitted breaker work can delay a sale or force you to hire an electrician to redo it before closing. The cost of doing it right the first time is far less than the cost of fixing it later or dealing with a fire.
Getting quotes from electricians
Call three licensed electricians in your area and describe the problem: a breaker that keeps tripping, a breaker that failed, or a new circuit you need. Mention the age and brand of your panel if you know it. Ask whether they charge a diagnostic fee and whether they can give you a quote over the phone or need to visit first. Most will visit to inspect the panel before quoting because the actual cost depends on what they find.
When you get quotes, compare the breaker cost, labor cost, and any fees separately. A quote of $250 total might be $30 breaker plus $220 labor, while another might be $50 breaker plus $200 labor. The total is the same, but it tells you something about how each electrician prices their work. Ask whether the quote includes a warranty on the work and whether they'll handle permits and inspections.
Breaker costs at supply houses versus home centers
Home Depot and Lowe's stock common breakers—Siemens, Square D, and Eaton models for standard panels—at prices between $15 and $50 for single-pole breakers. Electrical supply houses (sometimes called wholesalers) carry a wider range and may have specialty breakers for older panels, but they often require a contractor account or charge a small markup. If your electrician is sourcing the breaker, they usually buy from a supply house and mark it up slightly, which is normal and expected.
Do not buy a breaker yourself and ask an electrician to install it unless you've confirmed it's the right type and amperage for your panel. Bringing the wrong breaker to the job wastes time and money. Let the electrician source it—they know what fits your panel and can may provide it's correct.
When a breaker replacement is not the answer
If a breaker keeps tripping, the problem might not be the breaker itself. A tripping breaker usually means the circuit is overloaded—too many appliances running at once—or there's a short circuit or ground fault somewhere in the wiring. An electrician will test the circuit to find the real cause. If it's overload, you might need a new circuit instead of a new breaker. If it's a short, you need to find and fix the damaged wire.
A breaker that fails completely (does not reset at all) might be bad, but it could also signal a problem in the panel itself. An electrician's inspection will determine whether you need just a breaker or whether the panel needs service. This is why the diagnostic visit matters—it prevents you from paying for a breaker when you actually need something else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a breaker myself to save money?
No. A breaker panel carries live current that can cause fatal electrocution even when the main breaker is off. You also need a permit and inspection to make the work legal. Hire a licensed electrician—the cost of doing it right is much less than the cost of an injury or a fire.
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
A tripping breaker usually means the circuit is overloaded or there's a short circuit in the wiring. An electrician can test the circuit to find the cause. You might need a new circuit, not a new breaker, or the problem might be a damaged appliance plugged into that circuit.
How long does a breaker replacement take?
A straightforward breaker swap takes 30 minutes to an hour once the electrician is on site. If they need to diagnose a problem first or if the panel is hard to access, it takes longer. Most jobs are done in one visit.
What if my panel uses a brand I've never heard of?
Older panels sometimes use Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or Pushmatic breakers, which are no longer made. Replacement breakers are harder to find and cost more. Some electricians recommend replacing the entire panel if breakers are unavailable. Get a quote for both options before deciding.
Do I need a permit to replace a breaker?
Yes, in most places. A licensed electrician handles the permit and inspection as part of the job. Unpermitted electrical work can cause problems when you sell your home or file an insurance claim. The permit cost is usually small and included in the electrician's quote.