How much does a business sign cost?
How much does a business sign cost?
$2,000 – $5,000 average installed cost
Average business sign cost
A business sign costs $2,000 to $5,000 installed on average, but prices go as low as $100 for an A-frame sign to attract customers walking by to as high as $200,000 for a lighted, double-sided pylon business sign visible from the highway. Business signage costs depend on the size, materials, and design features.
| National Average Cost | $3,500 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $200,000 |
| Average Range | $2,000 to $5,000 |
Installing a new business sign has the potential to attract new customers and increase sales by 7% to 10%.
Research shows over 75% of consumers have visited stores based on their signs, and almost the same percentage of consumers have told someone else about a business purely because of the sign.
Business signage cost by type
Business sign prices vary significantly due to the wide range of types and sizes available. In general, most outdoor storefront signs cost more than indoor signs. The best type of sign for your business depends on your location, business type, budget, and design preferences. The table below covers the prices and details for popular sign types.
| Sign type | Average installed cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| A-frame sign | $100 – $500 |
|
| Awning sign | $500 – $5,000+ |
|
| Channel letter signs | $2,000 – $20,000+ |
|
| Digital / electronic message signs | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
|
| LED-lighted sign | $2,000 – $20,000 |
|
| Monument sign | $5,000 – $20,000+ |
|
| Neon sign | $1,000 – $30,000 |
|
| Pylon signs | $10,000 – $200,000+ |
|
| Vehicle signs | $250 – $5,000 |
|
| Wall sign | $500 – $5,000 |
|
| Window sign | $100 – $1,000 |
|
Consult with your local zoning commission to confirm what regulations and requirements apply to your business. This preemptive step can prevent unexpected fines and costly corrections down the road, saving both time and money.
Awning signs
Awning signs cost $500 to $5,000+ installed and offer a simple design, with graphics either painted or sewn into the fabric of the awning on the building's exterior. These cost-effective signs advertise your business while also providing rain cover for customers entering your building.
Pylon signs
Pylon signs cost $10,000 to $100,000+ installed, depending on the size and materials. These outdoor signs are typically quite large. They're often installed near highways or busy roads, lit from the inside, and double-sided so they are visible from both directions any time of the day or night.
Pylon signs are common for strip plazas, grocery stores, hospitals, and other large businesses.
Large pylon signs often need concrete foundations to support them.
Monument signs
Monument signs cost $5,000 to $20,000+ installed and are often referred to as a ground-mounted pylon sign. They are typically made with masonry or wood and have a low-profile design, with surrounding landscaping and no open space between the sign and the ground.
Business office parks often used monument signs, with slots for each business name on the structure.
Monument signs work well placed for businesses not visible from the street.
Business sign cost by material
The type of material used affects both the upfront and long-term costs. Fabric signs are cheaper to ship and install, but they lack durability and typically need replacement sooner than other materials. Metal signs cost more but last much longer.
| Sign material | Average price range* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Painted plywood | $50 – $500+ |
|
| Fabric | $100 – $1,000+ |
|
| Punched metal / metal lettering | $250 – $2,000+ |
|
| Neon | $200 – $1,000+ |
|
*Materials only; not including installation.
Commercial sign installation cost factors
In addition to the type of sign, many other factors affect the cost of business sign installation, including:
Size & height: The larger and taller the sign, the more materials and labor are required, increasing the cost.
Location & placement: Businesses benefit from both interior and exterior signage. Exterior signage helps attract new customers, while interior signage can prompt impulse purchases.
Labor rates, local building and zoning laws, and logistical challenges can impact the total cost.
Outdoor signs typically require additional permits, more durable materials, and sometimes special installation techniques, increasing the cost.
Quantity: Installing multiple signs will increase your total cost, but some companies may offer a discount for purchasing more than one.
Design complexity: More complex designs require more time to create and install, increasing the cost. Using multiple colors also increases costs due to the need for additional paint and vinyl.
Lighted vs. non-illuminated: Lighted signs cost more as they require additional electrical components and installation. Choose LED over traditional neon lighting for the most eco-friendly and cost-effective sign lighting.
Temporary vs. permanent: Temporary signs typically cost less than permanent signs due to the use of less durable materials and simpler installation methods.
New vs. existing building: Material and installation costs vary depending on whether you're adding a sign to an existing structure or incorporating signage into the cost of new commercial construction. Adding or updating exterior signs on an existing building may involve extra costs for siding repair and painting.
Project management costs: A business sign installation that requires coordination with vendors, contractors, and often several industry professionals can add hundreds or thousands to the total cost, depending on the project size and scope.
Price factors vary greatly depending on the specific details of your sign installation project. Discuss these factors with your contractor to ensure you understand all the potential costs.
Design & engineering costs
The design you choose will affect how your present and future customers view your business. Research shows over 60% of consumers believe signage is an indicator of the quality of a business's products or services.
Design costs: Hiring someone to design your business sign adds to the cost but may result in a better-looking product than designing one without the assistance of a professional.
Graphic designers charge $50 to $150 per hour, depending in their level of experience.
A professional logo design costs $1,000 to $5,000 on average.
Engineering cost: Structural engineers charge $500 to $3,000 for engineering design plans and drawings. In some cases—typically with monuments, pylons, roof signs, and some wall signs—codes require stamped structural engineering drawings to ensure the sign is safe and structurally sound.
Installation costs
Business sign installation costs range from hundreds to thousands, depending on the type, size, and difficulty. Installing a small window sign on the first floor costs much less than mounting a large, lighted, exterior sign on a high-rise building, requiring a bigger crew, advanced equipment, and extra safety measures.
Additional installation costs include:
Zoning & permit costs:
Installing a business sign typically requires one or more permits, depending on the local building codes, laws, and whether the sign is indoors or outdoors.
Electrical wiring:
Lighted signs take more time and materials to install than non-lighted ones. For some outdoor signs, an electrician may also need to run electrical wiring underground from your building to the sign. The average cost to run power underground is $10 to $25 per foot installed.
Business sign FAQs
Where can I put my business signs?
Your options for business sign location depend on the type of sign, your business's structure and location, and local zoning laws and regulations on sign size and placement. In general, the best place for business signage is where it will be seen the most.
Who makes business signs?
Many sign shops, commercial printers, and graphic designers create custom business signs. Look for a company with experience installing business signs in your area to ensure they are knowledgeable of all the relevant permit and installation requirements.
What does a business sign design cost?
The average cost for a business sign design is $1,000 to $5,000 for logo design services from a professional designer. Freelance graphic designers charge $300 to $1,500 for a logo or $3,000 to $10,000 for larger signage design projects. Prices vary depending on the location, designer experience, and the design complexity.
Do I need a permit for a business sign?
Most cities require permits for business signs over a certain size or height. Contact your local planning or zoning department to confirm the restrictions and requirements for your area.
Getting estimates from business sign companies
Installing a business sign can have a massive impact on your company's community presence. Finding the best pricing is ideal, but don't sacrifice quality on something that can prove to be a significant component of your business profile. Here are some guidelines to follow when searching for a qualified business sign company near you:
Check the company website, social media pages, and read their customer reviews on platforms like HomeGuide and Google.
Check out the company’s portfolio to see examples of their previous business sign installations.
Ask for references from past clients to get some insight into the company's work quality and customer service standards.
Looks for a licensed and insured sign company with solid history.
Confirm the company offers the services you need. Some companies may only offer graphic design services, while others may be a one-stop-shop for the sign design, manufacturing, and installation.
Inquire about the types of materials they use and their longevity in your local climate.
Get a detailed estimate that includes all costs, such as design, materials, permitting, installation, and any additional fees.
Ask for a timeline for when the sign will be designed and installed.
Questions to ask a business sign installer
The right signage in the right place can attract new customers and help retain your existing customer base. Be sure to ask plenty of questions so you can feel confident you're hiring the most qualified and suitable pro for the job. Here are some questions to ask:
How long have you been making and installing signs in this area?
Do you have any industry certifications?
Do you belong to any industry-related professional organizations?
Is the company licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you offer design and installation services?
What type of sign and what materials do you recommend for my business?
What size options do you offer?
How do you determine the pricing?
Do you charge a separate fee for installation?
Is there a discount if I'm buying more than one sign?
How does adding additional colors or other design elements affect the cost?
What maintenance and cleaning will the sign require?
Do you offer a maintenance plan? If so, what does it cost?
Do you offer a warranty, and what exactly does it cover?
What is the typical project timeline from design to installation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.