How Much Does Electrical Box Replacement Cost in Austin? [2025 Data]

Austin’s intense heat and fast-growing tech landscape make reliable electricity a must, so you may need to replace your electrical panel if it’s struggling to keep up with the demand. The average electrical box replacement cost in Austin is $1,090, with most homeowners spending between $444 and $1,844. 

Your final price will depend on the type of panel you need, the condition of your current wiring, and whether you're upgrading amperage or relocating the panel. Permit fees and labor rates in Austin can also influence the total cost, so use this guide to gauge what to expect from your budget for electrical box replacement in ATX.

Electrical Panel Replacement Cost Factors

Not sure whether you should upgrade your electrical panel? Understanding the key cost factors and project scope can help you make an informed decision and plan your budget accordingly.

Size and Amperage

Many older homes in Austin still run on outdated 60- or 100-amp panels, which aren’t designed to support modern energy demands like EV chargers, upgraded HVAC units, or full smart-home setups. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel versus a 100-amp panel (or higher) improves your system’s capacity and helps your home stay current with Austin’s evolving tech landscape.

Panel Type

In Austin, the type of panel has a major impact on your total replacement cost, especially if you're upgrading to support high energy use during the city’s scorching summers.

Permits and Inspections

Replacing an electrical panel in Austin requires permits, inspections, and sometimes plan reviews, especially if the work involves significant upgrades or structural changes. The City of Austin’s Development Services Department (DSD) has a range of permitting fees depending on the project scope. 

For electrical panel replacements, you may encounter:

• Permit fees and tech surcharges based on the type of work and project value

• Electric service application and inspection fees, such as a $200 base application fee and an $109.80 inspection fee (plus technology surcharges)

• Plan review or revision fees if changes to existing plans are required, ranging from $81.09 for minor revisions to $513.16 for major ones

• Reinspection or after-hours inspection fees if additional site visits are needed

While your total permit and inspection costs will vary by project complexity, location, and accessibility, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars or more for these administrative and regulatory requirements in Austin. You can review the City of Austin’s residential building plan review and permit fees or consult your licensed electrician to confirm which fees apply to your specific job.

Accessibility and Home Layout

A lot of older homes in Austin align perfectly with the “keep Austin weird” mantra, as they often come with quirky layouts and tight utility spaces that can make an electrical panel more challenging to access. Panels might be located in low-clearance garages, crawl spaces, or tucked behind interior walls. If your electrician faces limited access or structural obstacles, this will drive up labor costs for the replacement.

Add-On Services

One of the most common electrical panel upgrade questions is whether the job will require additional work, such as rewiring or patching drywall. In many cases, these extra tasks are necessary to meet code and safety standards. Here’s what you can expect to pay for these common add-on services:

• Move electric panel: $1,500–$4,000 

• Installing new drywall: $1.50–$3 per square foot

• Adding outlet: $125–$200

• Replacing faulty wiring: $600 to $4,500

Electrician Pro Costs

When planning an electrical panel replacement, here’s what to look for when choosing a qualified Austin electrician.

Licensing and Insurance

Before hiring an electrician in Austin, make sure they’re properly licensed and insured. Electrical contractors must be licensed by the state and have a Master Electrician on record to oversee the work. 

They’re also required to carry liability insurance and either provide workers’ compensation coverage or officially opt out. Asking for proof of licensing and insurance helps protect you from potential liability and ensures the work meets local code and safety standards.

Hourly Rates and Taxes

Local electricians in Austin charge an average of $50 to $150 per hour for labor, and most panel replacements take 20 to 30 hours to complete. That puts the average labor cost between $1,000 and $4,500, depending on the complexity of the job. With Texas’s combined sales tax rate of around 8.25% in Austin, your final cost may be higher once taxes on materials and services are included.

Tipping

While tipping is not expected, you can offer a 10% gratuity for exceptional service if you feel compelled to give a little extra for a job well done. However, leaving them a five-star review online and recommending them to friends and family often goes even further than cash.

Warranties

Most electricians offer warranties on both labor and materials, typically lasting between one and five years. These standard warranties usually protect you from issues related to installation mistakes or defective components. If an extended warranty is available, be sure to compare it with the manufacturer's existing coverage to decide if the added cost makes sense.

Does Electrical Panel Replacement Increase Home Value?

One of the key benefits of upgrading your electrical panel is the potential boost in your Austin home’s resale value, especially in older neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Travis Heights, and Bouldin Creek. 

Buyers are drawn to the city’s charm and character, but they still expect reliable infrastructure to handle EV chargers, smart-home devices, and energy-efficient systems. Upgrading to a modern panel helps assure potential buyers that the home is ready for today’s energy demands.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.