How much does it cost to replace or repair a light fixture?
How much does it cost to replace or repair a light fixture?
$80 – $350 Replace recessed, track, wall, or ceiling light
$100 – $1,750 Replace chandelier or pendant light
$50 – $200 Repair a light
Cost to replace a light fixture
Light fixture replacement costs $100 to $700 on average, depending on the type, ceiling height, and job complexity. The labor cost to change or replace a light fixture is $50 to $300, while lighting fixtures cost $50 to $400 alone. Electricians charge $50 to $200 for light fixture repair.
| Project | Total cost |
|---|---|
| Replace a light bulb | $20 – $120 |
| Replace a simple light fixture | $80 – $220 |
| Replace a light bar | $100 – $200 |
| Replaced a recessed or can light | $100 – $400 |
| Replace a chandelier or pendant light | $100 – $1,750 |
| Change a ceiling light to a pendant light | $100 – $550 |
| Change a pendant light to a chandelier | $220 – $3,400 |
| Change track lighting to recessed lights | $100 – $400 |
| Rewire a light fixture | $7 – $10 per linear foot |
Average cost to change a light fixture
The following table shows the average cost to change a light fixture.
| National Average Cost | $350 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,750 |
| Average Range | $100 to $700 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Light fixture replacement costs by type
Light fixture replacement costs $70 to $1,750 including labor, depending on the fixture type. Pendant lights and chandeliers are the most expensive option due to their weight and high material costs.
| Fixture type | Cost per fixture | Total replacement cost (each) |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling light | $30 – $100 | $80 – $400 |
| Recessed light | $50 – $100 | $100 – $400 |
| Pendant light | $50 – $250 | $100 – $550 |
| Chandelier | $120 – $1,400 | $220 – $1,750 |
| Track lighting | $50 – $150 | $100 – $450 |
| Wall-mounted light | $30 – $100 | $80 – $400 |
| Fluorescent light | $30 – $120 | $80 – $420 |
| Light bar | $20 – $150 | $70 – $450 |
| LED strip | $20 – $50 | $70 – $350 |
Cost to replace a ceiling light fixture
Replacing a ceiling light costs $80 to $400 with labor or $30 to $100 for the fixture alone. Ceiling lights, or overhead lights, are the most common and affordable lighting option. Flush ceiling lights are standard but are not considered as stylish as semi-flush lights or other fixture types.
Chandelier replacement costs
Replacing a chandelier costs $220 to $1,750 per fixture with labor or $120 to $1,400 for the light alone, depending on the size and material. Standard 5-light fixtures are the cheapest, while crystal and antler chandeliers often exceed $1,000. Replacement costs increase when hanging from a high ceiling.
Pendant light replacement costs
Pendant light replacement costs $100 to $550 with labor or $50 to $250 for the fixture alone, depending on the size and design. Like chandeliers, luxury pendant lights often cost over $1,000 and may require ceiling reinforcement.
Cost to replace track lighting fixtures
Track lighting replacement costs $100 to $450 with labor or $50 to $150 for the fixture alone, depending on the track length, material quality, and number of bulbs. Track lighting is popular in kitchens and dining rooms.
Recessed lighting replacement costs
Replacing recessed lighting costs $100 to $400 per light with labor or $50 to $100 per light for the fixture itself. Recessed lights are also called can lights, downlights, pot lights, and high hats. LED retrofit kits cost $5 to $40 and can be used to update old recessed lights.
Cost to replace fluorescent light fixtures
Fluorescent lighting replacement costs $80 to $420 on average with labor or $30 to $120 for the fixture alone. Fluorescent tube lighting is popular in commercial settings and garages but prioritizes function over style. Replacing a fluorescent light with an LED bulb costs $50 to $250 total.
Cost to replace a kitchen light fixture
Replacing a kitchen light fixture costs $70 to $450 total on average, depending on the fixture type, size, and material. The most common fixture types used in a kitchen are track, ceiling, light bar, and recessed.
Light bar replacement costs
A light bar replacement costs $70 to $450 with labor or $20 to $150 for the fixture itself. Bar lighting is commonly used underneath cabinets or in workshop spaces.
Wall-mounted light replacement costs
Wall-mounted light replacement costs $80 to $400 per light with labor or $30 to $100 per light for the fixture itself, depending on the size and design. Wall-mounted lights, or sconces, are common in bedrooms and hallways.
LED lighting replacement costs
LED light strip replacement costs $70 to $350 with labor or $20 to $50 for the fixture alone. LED strips are easy to install DIY and come with self-adhesive backing and a remote control. LED lighting is the most energy-efficient category on the market.
Cost to change a light fixture
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $50 – $400 |
| Labor cost | $50 – $300 |
| Total cost | $100 – $700 |
The following factors affect the cost to replace a light fixture:
Materials / fixture type – A simple fixture with a single light costs less than pendant lights or chandeliers made with crystals or other premium materials. Changing the fixture type to a large, heavy chandelier may require costly ceiling reinforcement.
Number of lights – The replacement price per fixture may be lower when replacing multiple lights at the same time.
Ceiling height – Light fixtures located in tall or vaulted ceilings require extra labor and equipment.
Labor charge – Labor to replace a lighting fixture costs $50 to $350 on average.
Permits – An electrical permit costs $30 to $50 on average and up to$350 when combining multiple projects. Replacing an existing fixture typically does not require a permit if the existing wiring is usable. However, most cities require a permit for running new wiring.
House’s age and condition – Updating unsafe wiring or electrical panels increases total costs.
Finishes – Ceiling painting costs $1 to $2 per square foot for labor and materials to touch up areas around the light fixtures. Drywall repair costs $50 to $100 per square foot for small fixes around the light.
Labor cost to replace a light fixture
An electrician or handyman charges $50 to $300 for labor to replace a light fixture on average, depending on the job length, complexity, and whether the project requires new wiring. Contractors can often reuse existing wiring if it is in good condition.
| Wiring | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|
| Reuse existing wiring | $50 – $250 |
| Remove and replace old wiring | $250 – $600 |
*Labor only.
Electrician cost to replace a light fixture
Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour on average, depending on the job complexity and their experience level. Electricians typically charge a minimum service call fee of $75 to $125. Consider combining several electrical projects to minimize fees.
| Project | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Replace a light switch | $50 – $250 |
| Replace a dimmer switch | $80 – $200 |
| Replace a junction box | $100 – $300 |
| Replace an outlet | $80 – $200 |
| Replace an electrical panel | $850 – $1,700 |
| Replace old wiring | $7 – $10 per linear foot |
Cost to move a light fixture
Moving a light fixture costs $100 to $900 on average, depending on the distance and whether the electrician replaces any wiring. Moving a fixture requires drilling a new hole in the drywall and repairing the existing hole.
Light fixture repair costs
Light fixture repair costs $50 to $200 total on average. Contractors typically recommend replacing defective fixtures, outlets, and switches instead of repairing them.
| Project | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Repair a fixture | $50 – $200 |
| Repair an outlet | $80 – $200 |
| Repair an electrical panel | $70 – $300 |
| Rewire a light fixture | $7 – $10 per linear foot |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to change a light fixture?
Changing a light fixture takes 1 to 3 hours on average, depending on the fixture type and whether the electrician needs to replace any wiring. A simple ceiling light takes less time to replace than a large chandelier or pendant light.
Do you need an electrician to replace a light fixture?
A handyman or experienced individual can replace a light fixture if the existing wiring is usable. Adding or replacing wiring requires a permit and should be done by an electrician.
When should I replace a light fixture?
Consider replacing a light fixture when it is damaged, not working properly, outdated, or if it would cost more to repair than a new fixture.
Does the age of my house affect the cost of light fixture replacement?
Yes, the house’s age affects the cost of light fixture replacement. Older houses may need updated wiring, electrical panels, or outlets.
Can you run a second light fixture from the same switch?
Yes, it’s possible to control more than one light with the same switch. However, contractors often recommend separate switches because they’re easier and less expensive to install.
Hiring someone to repair or replace a light fixture
Before you hire a handyman or an electrician near you to repair or replace a light fixture, be sure to:
Get three estimates to compare.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid hiring the company with the lowest bid as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the job is complete. Work out a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Do I need to replace any existing outlets or wiring?
Do you handle the permits and inspection process?
Are all permit fees included in the estimate?
What additional costs might come up during the replacement?
How long will the replacement take?
Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it cover?