Expect $150–$300 for a soldered RAM upgrade — if you can find someone.

That’s the typical range for a professional rework service to go from 8GB to 16GB on a soldered board. The parts (RAM chips) cost maybe $20–50; the rest is labor, risk, and specialized equipment.

Most repair shops won’t touch soldered RAM because it’s delicate and easy to brick the board. The few that do charge for the risk. You’re paying for hot air rework, possibly BGA reballing, and a guarantee they don’t kill your laptop.

Also check: some laptops require a firmware config change or have the RAM permanently fused. Not all models are upgradeable, even with soldering.

My honest take? Unless the laptop is high-end or has sentimental value, this is rarely worth it. A used laptop with 16GB already soldered usually costs less than the upgrade service plus the anxiety.