How much does it cost to install a light fixture?
How much does it cost to install a light fixture?
$70 – $300 cost to install a recessed, track, wall, or ceiling light
$100 – $300 cost to install a pendant light
$220 – $3,400 cost to install a chandelier
Install light fixture costs
Light fixture installation costs $100 to $650 on average, depending on the type and size. Lighting fixture prices are $50 to $400+,while labor to add a new light costs $50 to $250. Electricians typically charge more to hang a chandelier or pendant light from a high ceiling.
| Fixture type | Cost per fixture | Total cost installed (each) |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling lights | $30 – $100 | $70 – $250 |
| Recessed lights | $50 – $100 | $130 – $300 |
| Pendant lights | $50 – $250 | $100 – $300 |
| Chandeliers | $120 – $1,400 | $220 – $3,400 |
| Track lighting | $50 – $150 | $100 – $300 |
| Wall-mounted lights | $30 – $100 | $100 – $250 |
| Fluorescent lights | $30 – $120 | $80 – $220 |
| Light bar | $20 – $150 | $200 – $500 |
| LED strip | $20 – $50 | $70 – $400 |
Average cost to install light fixture
The following table shows the average cost to install a light fixture.
| National Average Cost | $400 |
| Minimum Cost | $60 |
| Maximum Cost | $6,500 |
| Average Range | $100 to $650 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Cost to install light fixture by type
Chandelier installation cost
A chandelier costs $220 to $3,400 per fixture with installation or $120 to $1,400 for the light alone, depending on the size and material. Standard 5-light fixtures are the cheapest, while crystal chandeliers often exceed $1,000. Installation costs increase when hanging from a high ceiling in a foyer or stairwell.
Cost to install ceiling lights
Ceiling light installation costs $70 to $250 including labor or $30 to $100 for the fixture alone. Ceiling lights, also called overhead lights, are the most common and affordable lighting option. This fixture type typically is either flush against the ceiling or semi-flush.
Recessed lighting installation cost
Recessed lighting costs $130 to $300 per light with installation or $50 to $100 per light for the fixture alone. Recessed lights are also called can lights, downlights, pot lights, and high hats. DIY retrofit kits cost $5 to $40 and can be used to update old lighting.
LED light installation cost
LED light strip installation costs $70 to $400 for the lights and labor or $20 to $50 on average 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 type available.
Cost to install pendant lights
The cost to install pendant lights is $100 to $300 with labor or $50 to $250 each for the fixture alone, depending on the size and design. Luxury pendant lights, like chandeliers, often exceed $1,000 and may require ceiling reinforcement.
Wall light installation costs
Wall lighting costs $100 to $250 per light with installation or $30 to $100 per light for the fixture itself, depending on the size and design. Wall-mounted lights, also called wall sconces, are popular in hallways and bedrooms.
Cost to install track lighting
The cost to install track lighting is $100 to $300 with labor or $50 to $150 for the fixture alone, depending on the track length, number of bulbs, and material quality. Track lighting is typically hung above a kitchen island.
Cost to install a light bar
A light bar costs $200 to $500 with installation or $20 to $150 for the fixture itself. Light bars are typically installed underneath cabinets or in workshop spaces. New kitchen cabinets cost $160 to $380 per linear foot on average, depending on the material and design.
Fluorescent light installation costs
Fluorescent lighting costs $80 to $220 on average with installation or $30 to $120 for the fixture alone. Fluorescent tube lighting is popular in commercial settings and garages but prioritizes function over style.
Holiday light installation
Professional Christmas light installation costs $2 to $5 per linear foot, depending on the house size, number of stories, light quality, and if additional tree lights are included.
Light installation cost factors
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $50 – $400 |
| Labor cost | $50 – $250 |
| Total cost | $100 – $650 |
The following factors affect the cost to install lighting:
Materials / fixture type – A simple fixture with a single light costs less than pendant lights or chandeliers made with crystals or other premium materials.
Fixture size /weight – Large, heavy fixtures may require ceiling reinforcement, which increases the installation cost.
Ceiling height – Most light fixtures cost more to install in tall or vaulted ceilings because they require extra labor and equipment.
Labor cost – Labor for light fixture installation costs $50 to $250 on average.
Existing lights / house’s age – Removing existing fixtures or updating outdated wiring increases final costs.
Permits – An electrical permit costs $30 to $50 on average and up to$350 when combining multiple projects. Light fixture replacement typically does not require a permit. However, running wire for a new fixture requires a permit in some cities.
Finishes – Ceiling painting costs $1 to $2 per square foot including labor. Drywall repair costs $50 to $100 per square foot for small fixes around the light.
Electrician cost to install lights
Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour on average, depending on their experience and the job complexity. Some light fixture installations may require a new circuit breaker or an electrical panel upgrade.
| Project | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Add a switch | $100 – $300 |
| Add a light fixture | $100 – $650 |
| Add a dimmer switch | $80 – $200 |
| Add a ceiling junction box | $100 – $300 |
| Add an outlet | $150 – $350 |
| Update electrical panel | $850 – $1,700 |
| Rewire a fixture | $7 – $10 per linear foot |
Electricians typically charge a $100 to $200 service call fee. Consider combining electrical projects when possible to minimize fees.
Labor cost to replace light fixtures
Replacing a light fixture costs $50 to $300 on average for labor fees alone, depending on the job length, complexity, and whether the project requires new wiring. Contractors often reuse existing wiring if it is in good condition.
| Wiring | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|
| Existing wiring | $50 – $250 |
| New wiring | $250 – $600 |
*Labor only.
Light fixture repair cost
Light fixture repair costs $50 to $200 total on average, depending on the problem. Contractors typically recommend replacing defective fixtures, outlets, and switches instead of repairing them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an electrician to install or replace a light fixture?
A handyman can install or replace a light fixture if the existing wiring is usable. Adding or replacing wiring requires a permit and should be done by an electrician.
Who installs chandeliers?
Hire an electrician to install a chandelier if the project requires new wiring or structural support. A handyman can install a chandelier if the existing wiring and supports are already in place.
How long does it take to install a light fixture?
Installing a new light fixture takes 1 to 2 hours on average. Replacing old wiring or removing old fixtures increases the job length.
How many lights do I need per square foot?
Most rooms need one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of space. For other fixtures, make sure to have 10 to 20 lumens per square foot.
Does the age of my house affect the cost of light fixture installation?
Yes, the house’s age affects the cost of light fixture installation. Older houses may need new wiring, outlets, or circuit breakers installed or an electrical panel upgrade.
Getting quotes from light installers
Before you hire a handyman or lighting contractors near you to install a light, be sure to:
Get three estimates to compare. Confirm the estimates include comparable fixtures.
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 quote 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 installation?
How long will the installation take?
Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it cover?