A single circuit breaker costs between $15 and $100, depending on the type and amperage

The price you pay depends on three things: the amperage rating, whether it is a standard or specialty breaker, and where you buy it. A basic 15-amp or 20-amp breaker from a home improvement store runs $15 to $25. A 30-amp breaker costs $20 to $35. Double-pole breakers (which handle 240 volts for large appliances) run $25 to $50. Specialty breakers — arc-fault detection (AFCI) or ground-fault protection (GFCI) types — cost $40 to $100 each because they have built-in safety electronics.

Electrical supply houses often charge less per unit than big-box retailers if you buy several at once, but they may require a contractor account or a minimum order. Online retailers like Amazon carry standard breakers at competitive prices, though shipping can add $5 to $15 to your total. If you need the breaker today, a local hardware store or home center is your fastest option, even if the per-unit cost is slightly higher.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard single-pole breakers (15 or 20 amps) cost $15 to $25 at most retailers.
  • Double-pole breakers for 240-volt circuits cost $25 to $50 depending on amperage.
  • AFCI and GFCI breakers with built-in safety features run $40 to $100 because of their electronics.
  • Electrical supply wholesalers often undercut home improvement stores on price if you buy multiple breakers or have a contractor account.
  • Installation by a licensed electrician typically costs $100 to $300 per breaker, on top of the breaker itself.

Where to buy breakers and what to expect to pay

Home Depot and Lowe's stock the widest range of standard breakers in most areas. A 20-amp single-pole breaker at either store usually costs $18 to $24. Menards, if you have one nearby, often runs similar prices and sometimes offers rebates on electrical supplies. These stores let you buy one breaker at a time, which matters if you only need to replace a single failed unit.

Electrical supply houses like Wesco, Anixter, or local independent suppliers typically charge $12 to $18 for the same 20-amp breaker, but many require you to have a contractor license or a business account to shop there. Some will sell to homeowners without an account, but you may pay a small upcharge or face a minimum order. Call ahead to confirm their policy.

Amazon and other online retailers offer breakers at $15 to $30, with free or low-cost shipping on orders over a certain amount. The trade-off is that you wait two to five days for delivery. If your main panel is already open and you need the breaker today, this is not the right option.

Why the price varies so much between breaker types

A standard breaker is a straightforward mechanical switch that flips off when current exceeds its rating. It costs manufacturers very little to make, which is why a 20-amp breaker sells for under $25. An AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) breaker contains a microprocessor and sensors that detect dangerous electrical arcs — the kind that start fires in walls. That extra circuitry adds $30 to $60 to the cost. A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) breaker detects when electricity is leaking to ground (a shock hazard) and cuts power in milliseconds. GFCI breakers cost $35 to $75.

Some breakers are rated for specific panel brands. A Siemens breaker will not fit a GE panel, and vice versa. This means you cannot shop purely by price — you must match the breaker to your panel manufacturer. If you buy the wrong type, you will have to return it and buy the correct one, which wastes time and money.

Tandem breakers (two circuits in one slot) cost $25 to $40 and are useful if your panel is full and you need to add a new circuit without upgrading the whole panel. However, not all panels accept tandem breakers, so check your panel manual or ask an electrician before you buy.

What you need to know before you buy

Find out your panel brand and the amperage you need. Open your main electrical panel and look at the breakers already installed — the brand name is printed on the toggle. Write it down. Then identify the amperage of the breaker you are replacing or adding. The number is stamped on the breaker itself (15, 20, 30, 40, etc.). Do not guess or assume.

If you do not know your panel brand or you cannot open the panel safely, call a licensed electrician for a 15-minute inspection. The cost is usually $50 to $100, and it saves you from buying the wrong breaker. Some electrical supply houses will also identify your panel brand over the phone if you describe it or email a photo.

Check whether your local electrical code requires AFCI or GFCI protection in the circuit you are working on. Most jurisdictions now require AFCI breakers in bedrooms and living areas, and GFCI breakers in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets. If you install a standard breaker where code requires a specialty breaker, your work will fail inspection and you will have to replace it anyway.

Installation costs if you hire an electrician

A licensed electrician will charge $100 to $300 to replace or install a single breaker, depending on your location and whether the panel is straightforward to access. This fee covers the labor only — the breaker itself is extra. In rural areas or places with high demand, the cost can run higher. Some electricians charge a flat rate per breaker; others charge hourly labor plus a service call fee.

If you need multiple breakers installed, ask whether the electrician offers a discount for the second and third breaker. Many will install a second breaker for $50 to $100 additional labor because they are already at your panel. If you need four or more breakers, some electricians will quote a flat rate for the whole job instead of per-breaker pricing.

Get a written estimate before the work starts. The estimate should list the breaker type, amperage, and labor cost separately so you know exactly what you are paying for. If the electrician discovers your panel is damaged or the wiring is unsafe, they will tell you before proceeding, and the cost may go up.

Buying used or refurbished breakers

Used breakers are sometimes sold online or at salvage yards for $5 to $15 each. Avoid them. A breaker that has tripped many times or been exposed to heat may not trip reliably the next time there is an overload, which defeats its purpose as a safety device. The small savings is not worth the risk of a fire or electrocution. Buy new breakers only.

Refurbished breakers sold by authorized distributors are different — these are tested and warranted by the manufacturer. They cost about 20 percent less than new breakers and are safe to use. However, they are harder to find at retail. Call your local electrical supply house to ask whether they stock refurbished breakers and whether they carry the brand you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a breaker myself, or do I have to hire an electrician?

Most jurisdictions require a licensed electrician to install breakers because the work involves opening a live electrical panel. Working inside the panel is dangerous — even with the main breaker off, some parts remain energized. Check your local building department to confirm the rule in your area. If you are allowed to do it yourself, you will still need a permit and a final inspection.

Why is my breaker so expensive compared to what I see online?

You may be looking at a specialty breaker (AFCI or GFCI) when you need a standard one, or vice versa. You may also be comparing prices at a retail store to prices at a wholesale supplier that requires a contractor account. Call the store and confirm the exact breaker type and amperage before you assume the price is wrong.

Do I need to replace the breaker, or can I just reset it?

If a breaker trips once and resets normally, you do not need to replace it — something just overloaded that circuit. If a breaker trips repeatedly even when nothing is plugged in, or if it will not stay in the on position, it has failed and needs replacement. A breaker that trips constantly is a sign of a short circuit or ground fault, so have an electrician inspect the wiring before you install a new breaker.

What is the difference between a 15-amp and 20-amp breaker?

A 15-amp breaker trips when current exceeds 15 amps; a 20-amp breaker trips at 20 amps. The difference matters because 20-amp circuits can safely handle larger loads. Kitchen and bathroom outlets must be on 20-amp circuits by code. Do not install a 20-amp breaker on a circuit that was originally 15-amp unless an electrician confirms the wiring is heavy enough to handle it.

Can I use a breaker from a different brand than my panel?

No. A Siemens breaker will not fit a GE panel, and using the wrong breaker can cause a fire. Some panels accept breakers from multiple manufacturers, but only if they are on an approved list. Check your panel manual or ask an electrician before you buy. Using the wrong breaker voids your panel warranty and may violate electrical code.