Brakes
Brake pad replacement (rear): what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $55 | $120 |
| Labor: 1.2 to 1.8 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $132 | $270 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $25 |
| Total, rounded | $180 | $420 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
Worn rear brake pads are replaced. Rear pads usually last longer than front ones, but they still need replacing when they are thin or noisy.
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What is usually included
- New rear brake pads
- Clean and lubricate caliper hardware
- Inspect rotors or drums
- Retract or reset the electronic parking brake if equipped
- Test drive
What moves the price
- Electronic parking brake needing a scan tool
- Whether the rear rotors are resurfaced or replaced
- Ceramic, semi-metallic or economy pad material
- Seized caliper pistons
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Does my car have an electronic parking brake, and is that reset included?
- Are the rotors inspected?
- What pad type and warranty do you use?
- Will the parking brake be adjusted?
Can you do it yourself?
A fair DIY on cars with a manual parking brake; electronic parking brake models need a tool or procedure that adds risk.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
How long do rear pads last?
Rear pads often last 50,000 to 70,000 miles because the front brakes do most of the stopping. Hard braking, hilly roads and heavy loads wear them faster.
Why does the job cost more on some cars?
Cars with an electronic parking brake need a scan tool to retract the pistons. That adds time and sometimes a shop fee.
Can I replace just the rear pads?
Yes. Brakes are replaced per axle, so you can do the rear without the front, as long as they are wearing evenly.
How much does brake pad replacement (rear) cost?
A typical range across the US is $180 to $420. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $200 to $460 |
| New York City area | $190 to $450 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $190 to $460 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $190 to $430 |
| Houston area, Texas | $180 to $410 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $180 to $410 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $180 to $420 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $190 to $430 |
| Miami area, Florida | $180 to $420 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $200 to $460 |