Electrical panel upgrade cost
What does a new breaker panel cost? Here are the public numbers, in plain words.
Quick answer
About $1,347[1] for a new electrical panel.
That is the U.S. average. Most jobs cost $518 to $2,193[1]. More amps, an old fuse box, or moving the panel costs more.
Your electrical panel is the gray metal box with the switches. It sends power to every room. It also shuts power off when something goes wrong.
Old panels can be too small for today's homes. Some old brands have a bad track record. This guide shows what an upgrade costs.
Every number links to its source. We show our math, so you can check it.
What each panel size costs
Panels are sized in amps. More amps means more power for big things like an AC, a stove or an electric car[1].
Price range for a panel upgrade, by amps (U.S.)
Going from 100 to 200 amps is a common job. It costs $750 to $2,000[1] when no new circuits are added.
Fuse boxes and risky panels
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Fuse box to breaker panel | $1,500 | $2,000 |
| Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel swap | $1,500 | $4,000 |
| Move the panel | $1,500 | $4,000 |
| New power supply and meter | $100 | $650 |
| Swap one breaker or fuse | $100 | $200 |
| Permit and drywall patch | $150 | $300 |
Source: HomeAdvisor[1]. A fuse box swap with a full wiring overhaul can reach $4,500.
Federal Pacific and Zinsco are old panel brands. If you have one, ask a licensed electrician to check it. Not sure what you have? The brand name is often on the panel door.
Parts and labor
The panel box itself is cheap: $100 to $500[1]. Most of the bill is skilled work. Typical labor is about $1,500[1]. Electricians charge $40.00/hr[1] to $250.00/hr[1].
Rewiring a whole house is a much bigger job. It runs $6.00/sq ft[1] to $10.00/sq ft[1] of floor.
How a panel upgrade goes
- PermitThe electrician pulls a permit.
- Power offThe power company may cut power at the meter.
- SwapOld panel out. New panel and breakers in.
- InspectA town inspector checks the work.
What electricians earn in every state
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks electrician pay in every state[2]. The U.S. middle was $30.38/hr[2] in May 2025. Where pay is high, quotes tend to be high too.
Electrician pay by state compared with the U.S. middle
Much higher
Alaska, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Higher
Indiana, Pennsylvania
About the same
Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
Lower
Alabama, Florida (our example state), Georgia, Kentucky, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas
Much lower
Arkansas
- Much lower
- Lower
- About the same
- Higher
- Much higher
All 50 states and DC, in one table
| State | Middle electrician pay | Pay score | Typical labor, moved by pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30.38/hr | 100% | $1,500 |
| Alabama | $26.78/hr | 88% | $1,322 |
| Alaska | $43.00/hr | 142% | $2,123 |
| Arizona | $29.36/hr | 97% | $1,450 |
| Arkansas | $23.59/hr | 78% | $1,165 |
| California | $36.62/hr | 121% | $1,808 |
| Colorado | $29.92/hr | 98% | $1,477 |
| Connecticut | $37.28/hr | 123% | $1,841 |
| Delaware | $30.63/hr | 101% | $1,512 |
| District of Columbia | $37.97/hr | 125% | $1,875 |
| Florida | $27.52/hr | 91% | $1,359 |
| Georgia | $28.04/hr | 92% | $1,384 |
| Hawaii | $46.38/hr | 153% | $2,290 |
| Idaho | $30.29/hr | 100% | $1,496 |
| Illinois | $47.87/hr | 158% | $2,364 |
| Indiana | $32.93/hr | 108% | $1,626 |
| Iowa | $29.26/hr | 96% | $1,445 |
| Kansas | $31.66/hr | 104% | $1,563 |
| Kentucky | $28.71/hr | 95% | $1,418 |
| Louisiana | $29.59/hr | 97% | $1,461 |
| Maine | $36.24/hr | 119% | $1,789 |
| Maryland | $35.33/hr | 116% | $1,744 |
| Massachusetts | $38.18/hr | 126% | $1,885 |
| Michigan | $36.67/hr | 121% | $1,811 |
| Minnesota | $37.58/hr | 124% | $1,855 |
| Mississippi | $29.26/hr | 96% | $1,445 |
| Missouri | $31.45/hr | 104% | $1,553 |
| Montana | $36.90/hr | 121% | $1,822 |
| Nebraska | $29.24/hr | 96% | $1,444 |
| Nevada | $35.37/hr | 116% | $1,746 |
| New Hampshire | $30.21/hr | 99% | $1,492 |
| New Jersey | $37.14/hr | 122% | $1,834 |
| New Mexico | $28.07/hr | 92% | $1,386 |
| New York | $37.86/hr | 125% | $1,869 |
| North Carolina | $27.31/hr | 90% | $1,348 |
| North Dakota | $31.59/hr | 104% | $1,560 |
| Ohio | $31.11/hr | 102% | $1,536 |
| Oklahoma | $29.33/hr | 97% | $1,448 |
| Oregon | $48.71/hr | 160% | $2,405 |
| Pennsylvania | $32.50/hr | 107% | $1,605 |
| Rhode Island | $35.62/hr | 117% | $1,759 |
| South Carolina | $28.24/hr | 93% | $1,394 |
| South Dakota | $29.51/hr | 97% | $1,457 |
| Tennessee | $29.37/hr | 97% | $1,450 |
| Texas | $28.16/hr | 93% | $1,390 |
| Utah | $29.81/hr | 98% | $1,472 |
| Vermont | $30.49/hr | 100% | $1,505 |
| Virginia | $30.24/hr | 100% | $1,493 |
| Washington | $45.78/hr | 151% | $2,260 |
| West Virginia | $31.16/hr | 103% | $1,539 |
| Wisconsin | $36.80/hr | 121% | $1,817 |
| Wyoming | $36.59/hr | 120% | $1,807 |
Pay score is our math: the state's middle pay divided by the U.S. middle. The labor column is the U.S. range times that score. It is a rough guide, not a quote. Pay is what workers earn, not what a company bills.
Example: 100 to 200 amps in Florida
Say you live in Florida. Your home has an old 100-amp panel. You want 200 amps for a new AC. Here is the math.
| Upgrade, U.S. range | $750 to $2,000 |
|---|---|
| Permit and drywall patch | $150 to $300 |
| Total | $900 to $2,300 |
| Florida pay score | 90.6% |
| Typical labor, moved for Florida | $1,359 |
We do not cut the total for Florida, since no source splits it. But the last line shows that Florida labor runs a bit under the U.S. typical.
Ways to pay less
- Get three written quotes. Ask each to list the panel, labor, permit and any wall repair.
- Plan big buys together. Adding an AC or car charger soon? Size the panel once, not twice.
- Keep the panel where it is. Moving it costs $1,500 to $4,000[1].
- Ask if one breaker will do. A single bad breaker costs just $100 to $200[1].
Fix it or replace it?
A service panel can last about 60 years[3][3]. HomeAdvisor gives a shorter range of 25 to 40 years[1] and lists a panel over 25 years[1] old as a sign to upgrade[1].
If one breaker trips or fails, a swap may be all you need. If the panel is old, warm, buzzing, or too small, a new one is often the better deal. See our fix or replace guide for electrical panels.
What makes the price go up or down
- Amps. A 100-amp panel runs $800 to $1,500[1]. A 400-amp panel runs $2,000 to $4,000[1].
- The power line and meter. If the utility side needs work, add $100 to $650[1].
- Moving the panel. A new spot costs $1,500 to $4,000[1].
- Labor. Labor on a panel job is often about $1,500[1]. The panel box itself is only $100 to $500[1].
- Patching up. Permits and drywall repair add $150 to $300[1].
How many amps do you need?
More amps let you run more big things at once. A good electrician adds up what your home uses. This is called a load check.
- Small home, gas stove and gas heat? Your current panel may be fine.
- Adding a car charger, heat pump or electric stove? Ask about a bigger panel.
- Big home with many electric things? Ask if a larger service makes sense.
Do not pay for more amps than you need. Ask the electrician to show you the load math.
Questions to ask an electrician
- Did you do a load check? Can I see it?
- Is the permit and inspection in the price?
- Does the power company need to come out? Who sets that up?
- Will you need to cut any walls? Who fixes them?
- How long will my power be off?
Permits and inspections
Your town may want a permit for a new panel. If so, an inspector checks the work after. HomeAdvisor folds permits and drywall repair into one cost of $150 to $300. Ask your local building office what applies to you.
This is not a do-it-yourself job. Panel work can shock or start a fire if done wrong.
Expert sources we relied on
These are public building codes, laws, license boards, and trade and maker guides. We used them for the rules on this page. None of these groups has looked at or backed Home Repair Report. We just point to what they published.
- Government, law or building code Appliance and electrical fire safety (U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), Page last reviewed May 4, 2023; checked ; source [4])
What it supports here: how many home electrical fires happen, and outlet safety tips - Government, law or building code Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board: certified and registered licenses (Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Web page, as checked; checked ; source [5])
What it supports here: Florida electrical contractor license types and the license lookup
Questions people ask
How much does a new electrical panel cost?
HomeAdvisor puts the U.S. average at $1,347[1]. Most jobs cost $518[1] to $2,193[1].
What does it cost to go from 100 to 200 amps?
About $750[1] to $2,000[1] if no new circuits are added, says HomeAdvisor.
Should I replace an old fuse box?
Many homeowners do. Swapping a fuse box for breakers costs $1,500[1] to $2,000[1]. With a full wiring overhaul, it can reach $4,500[1].
How long does a panel upgrade take?
An average upgrade with no rewiring takes about 4 to 8[1] hours. Your power will be off for part of that time.
Can I do it myself?
No. Panel work can kill. In Florida, electrical contracting needs a state license. Look it up before you hire. Labor alone often runs about $1,500[1].
How we made this page
A computer helper (AI) found the public data. It also wrote the first draft.
Then we checked each number against its source. Each number links to that source.
The AI did not make up any number. We did not make up any person or quote.
We do not show experts or reviewers. We show the math, so you can check it.
Read how we check numbers, our rules for writing and how we fix mistakes. See a mistake? Tell us.
Sources & how we calculated this
How we calculated this
Prices by amps, special jobs, parts and labor are HomeAdvisor's published ranges, shown as written. Fire numbers come from the U.S. Fire Administration. Life spans come from the InterNACHI chart.
The state labor column is our math: HomeAdvisor's typical panel labor times the state's pay score. The pay score is the state's middle electrician pay divided by the U.S. middle (BLS, May 2025). We do not move the full job price, because no source splits it into parts.
The full method is on our methodology page. See a mistake? Read our corrections policy.
Every figure on this page (90), with its source and the date we checked it
| Figure | Value | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical panel replacement, national average cost | $1,347 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Electrical panel replacement, typical range, low | $518 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Electrical panel replacement, typical range, high | $2,193 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Typical labor on a panel job, about | $1,500 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Hours for an average panel upgrade (no rewiring) | 4 to 8 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Typical life expectancy (InterNACHI): service panel | 60 years | InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) | |
| 100-amp panel upgrade, low | $800 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| 100-amp panel upgrade, high | $1,500 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| 150-amp panel upgrade, low | $1,300 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| 150-amp panel upgrade, high | $1,600 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| 200-amp panel upgrade, low | $1,300 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| 200-amp panel upgrade, high | $2,000 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| 400-amp panel upgrade, low | $2,000 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| 400-amp panel upgrade, high | $4,000 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Upgrade from 100 to 200 amps, low (no new circuits) | $750 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Upgrade from 100 to 200 amps, high (no new circuits) | $2,000 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Fuse box to breaker panel, low | $1,500 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Fuse box to breaker panel, high | $2,000 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel replacement, low | $1,500 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel replacement, high | $4,000 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Moving a panel, low | $1,500 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Moving a panel, high | $4,000 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| New power supply and meter, low | $100 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| New power supply and meter, high | $650 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Replace one breaker or fuse, low | $100 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Replace one breaker or fuse, high | $200 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Permits and drywall repair after a panel job, low | $150 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Permits and drywall repair after a panel job, high | $300 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Fuse box to breaker panel with a full wiring overhaul, up to | $4,500 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| The panel itself (part), low | $100 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| The panel itself (part), high | $500 | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Electrician hourly rate, low (HomeAdvisor) | $40.00/hr | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Electrician hourly rate, high (HomeAdvisor) | $250.00/hr | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Rewiring a house, per sq ft, low | $6.00/sq ft | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Rewiring a house, per sq ft, high | $10.00/sq ft | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Electricians, national median hourly wage | $30.38/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Alabama, median hourly wage | $26.78/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Alaska, median hourly wage | $43.00/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Arizona, median hourly wage | $29.36/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Arkansas, median hourly wage | $23.59/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, California, median hourly wage | $36.62/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Colorado, median hourly wage | $29.92/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Connecticut, median hourly wage | $37.28/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Delaware, median hourly wage | $30.63/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, District of Columbia, median hourly wage | $37.97/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Florida, median hourly wage | $27.52/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Georgia, median hourly wage | $28.04/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Hawaii, median hourly wage | $46.38/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Idaho, median hourly wage | $30.29/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Illinois, median hourly wage | $47.87/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Indiana, median hourly wage | $32.93/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Iowa, median hourly wage | $29.26/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Kansas, median hourly wage | $31.66/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Kentucky, median hourly wage | $28.71/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Louisiana, median hourly wage | $29.59/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Maine, median hourly wage | $36.24/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Maryland, median hourly wage | $35.33/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Massachusetts, median hourly wage | $38.18/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Michigan, median hourly wage | $36.67/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Minnesota, median hourly wage | $37.58/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Mississippi, median hourly wage | $29.26/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Missouri, median hourly wage | $31.45/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Montana, median hourly wage | $36.90/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Nebraska, median hourly wage | $29.24/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Nevada, median hourly wage | $35.37/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, New Hampshire, median hourly wage | $30.21/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, New Jersey, median hourly wage | $37.14/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, New Mexico, median hourly wage | $28.07/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, New York, median hourly wage | $37.86/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, North Carolina, median hourly wage | $27.31/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, North Dakota, median hourly wage | $31.59/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Ohio, median hourly wage | $31.11/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Oklahoma, median hourly wage | $29.33/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Oregon, median hourly wage | $48.71/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Pennsylvania, median hourly wage | $32.50/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Rhode Island, median hourly wage | $35.62/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, South Carolina, median hourly wage | $28.24/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, South Dakota, median hourly wage | $29.51/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Tennessee, median hourly wage | $29.37/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Texas, median hourly wage | $28.16/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Utah, median hourly wage | $29.81/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Vermont, median hourly wage | $30.49/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Virginia, median hourly wage | $30.24/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Washington, median hourly wage | $45.78/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, West Virginia, median hourly wage | $31.16/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Wisconsin, median hourly wage | $36.80/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Electricians, Wyoming, median hourly wage | $36.59/hr | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
| Breaker panel life with care (HomeAdvisor) | 25 to 40 years | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Panel age HomeAdvisor lists as a sign to upgrade (over) | 25 years | HomeAdvisor (Angi) | |
| Home electrical fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2021 (estimate) | 24,200 | U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) |
Sources
- HomeAdvisor (Angi). How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade or Replace an Electrical Panel?. Sample/coverage: HomeAdvisor says it surveyed over 10,000 customers about their project costs (site-wide statement on the page).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025: plumbers (47-2152), HVAC mechanics (49-9021), electricians (47-2111), carpenters (47-2031) and floor layers (47-2042), national and state. Sample/coverage: BLS employer survey; the May 2025 estimates combine six semiannual panels from a sample of about 1.1 million establishments across all occupations. Median hourly wage by state, pulled through the free BLS Public Data API (v1). Wages are what workers are paid, not what a company bills. BLS does not publish floor layer pay for 7 states.
- InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors). InterNACHI's Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes. Planning estimates under normal conditions, not warranties. InterNACHI notes hot climates sharply shorten asphalt shingle life.
- U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA). Appliance and electrical fire safety.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board: certified and registered licenses.
