What do panel upgrade permits in Seattle show?
In Seattle, the middle half of panel upgrade permit values runs from $5,210 to $9,800, with a median of $7,080. That is from 407 permits issued October 2023 to October 2026, adjusted to today's dollars. Seattle is the only West city in our data for this job, so the regional range is the same.
Reviewed by Matt Kovalik, licensed Minnesota journeyworker electrician. License AJ703617 (verify). Updated October 2026.
Panel upgrade checker
Fair.
Your quote sits in the middle half of what these permits show.
What 407 permits in Seattle show.
Middle half: $5,210 to $9,800.
Across regions, the median permit value runs from $2,410 in Baltimore to $7,080 in Seattle.
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96 permits in the tallest bar
Permits in each value band
| Permit value | Permits |
|---|---|
| under $2,900 | 44 |
| $2,900 to $4,800 | 50 |
| $4,800 to $6,700 | 96 |
| $6,700 to $8,600 | 92 |
| $8,600 to $10,500 | 38 |
| $10,500 to $12,400 | 29 |
| $12,400 to $14,300 | 26 |
| $14,300 to $16,200 | 8 |
| $16,200 to $18,100 | 5 |
| $18,100 to $20,000 | 4 |
| $20,000 to $21,900 | 6 |
| $21,900 and up | 9 |
- 2023$6,59060 permits
- 2024$6,400164 permits
- 2025$7,630183 permits
Only years with enough permits for a stable median are shown. Values are adjusted to today's dollars.
Seattle is the only West city in our data for this job, so its range is the West range.
Questions to ask before you sign
Matt's list for this job.
- What service size are you proposing, and what loads did you use to choose it?Service capacity comes from the loads the house will carry, not a count of empty breaker spaces.
- Does this include the meter equipment, service wiring, grounding and bonding, and surge protection where your code requires it?The box on the wall may be new while the meter and wiring feeding it remain untouched.
- How will you coordinate disconnecting and reconnecting with the utility, and how long will the power be off?Disconnecting the service takes coordination. A missed utility appointment can leave the house dark longer than planned.
- What happens if you find damaged wiring or existing circuits that need changes to pass inspection?A panel swap can expose damaged wiring. Set the terms for approving repairs before the cover comes off.
- Will you trace the circuits and leave an accurate panel directory?When something trips, a directory that just says outlets leaves you guessing.
- What does your price cover for permitting, inspections, wall repairs, and hauling away the old equipment?Electrical completion can still leave drywall repair, debris, and inspection fees on your plate.
- What future equipment have you allowed for, and what would still require more work?A planned charger or workshop belongs in the sizing conversation now, while you can still shape the job.
Questions people ask
How wide is the range in Seattle?
The middle half of panel upgrade permits in Seattle runs from $5,210 to $9,800, and a tenth of permits sit below $2,670 while a tenth sit above $13,300. A quote outside the middle half is not wrong on its own, but it should come with a reason you can see in the scope, so compare it line by line.
Have Seattle permit values changed by year?
Among years with enough permits to report, the median panel upgrade permit value in Seattle was $6,590 in 2023 and $7,630 in 2025, after adjusting every value to today's dollars. We show only years with enough permits for a stable median, and we do not read a cause into the change.
Source and calibration
Seattle passed the city calibration check: its median AC replacement permit value, $8,880, is within 20% of the survey reference for its region.