Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost in California
$1,150 – $3,500We estimate electrical panel upgrade in California at $1,150 to $3,500 for a replacement main panel, up to 200 amps, without utility fees. The national estimate is $1,000 to $3,150. California electrician pay is 21% above the national median, ranking 15 of 51.
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and materials (our assumption) | $400 | $1,500 |
| Labor hours (our assumption) | 8 | 12 |
| Billed labor rate per hour | $92 | $165 |
| Estimated total | $1,150 | $3,500 |
Our estimate, not a quote. Billed rate is the California median wage from BLS (2025, $36.62 an hour) times 2.5 to 4.5 to cover payroll costs, overhead, travel and profit. How we estimate
What other publishers report
| Publisher | Low | High | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Old House | $1,300 | $3,000 | 100 to 200 amp upgrade. Page dated March 2026. |
| Bob Vila | $522 | $2,082 | Panel replacement, citing Angi and HomeAdvisor. Page dated April 2024. |
| Today's Homeowner | $2,000 | $3,000 | 200-amp service upgrade. Page dated April 2025. |
Cities in California
| Metro area | Median wage | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $35.49 | $1,100 | $3,400 |
| San Francisco | $44.63 | $1,300 | $3,900 |
| Riverside | $35.00 | $1,100 | $3,400 |
| San Diego | $36.62 | $1,150 | $3,500 |
Who can legally do this in California
Electrical contractors are licensed by the Contractors State License Board under the C-10 Electrical Contractor classification.
Check a license with CSLB Check A License
Compared with neighboring states
Other electrician jobs in California
Electrical Panel Upgrade cost in every state · California home repair guide
Sources
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.