How Much Does It Cost to Install a Light Fixture?

Cost to Install Light Fixture by Fixture Type

The cost to install lighting is largely dependent on the type of fixture. A simple fixture can cost less than $100, but like all types of decor, there’s a huge range of prices. Ornate fixtures or designer fixtures will always cost more, but some fixtures are more difficult to install by design which drives up labor costs. Fixtures like recessed lighting or a chandelier could cost more than $1,000 to install.

Ceiling Lights

The cost of ceiling light installation is typically between $180 to $460, but it can cost as little as $75 or as much as $1,200. This job takes an electrician one to two hours per fixture, and you can cut down costs by using an inexpensive ceiling light. Luxury fixtures will always be in the high end, but you can purchase a basic ceiling light for as little as $20.

Recessed Lights

Recessed lighting is lighting that’s installed directly into the ceiling. The cost of recessed lighting is typically $100 to $500 per fixture, installed. The average homeowner pays about $360 per fixture, and it’s recommended you install six pot lights every 250 square feet. Installing six recessed lights in a room could cost anywhere from $1,450 to $2,900.

Pendant Lights

On top of the one to three hours of labor for installation, pendant lights come with a huge range of potential costs. The average homeowner spends $2,300 on the fixture alone, but there are budget options for as little as $20 each. Materials and professional installation will cost anywhere from $70 (or the contractor minimum) for a basic pendant light to more than $6,500 for a heavy, luxury fixture that’s similar to a chandelier. There’s a pendant for every budget.

Chandeliers

Electricians charge between $100 and $200 to replace an existing chandelier with a new one. Unfortunately, chandeliers are heavy and can be difficult to install from scratch. The cost to install a chandelier in a new location is typically $300 to $2,000, plus $100 to $4,000 for the actual light fixture.

Track Lighting

Expect to spend an average of $350 per fixture to install track lighting. A replacement, which can cost less than $100, is usually more affordable than a new installation. Depending on the type of fixture and electrical work required, new track lighting could cost more than $800 to install.

Wall Mounted

Sconces and other wall-mounted lights are popular because they give a room or hallway an added ambiance as well as safely illuminate otherwise dark areas. The price depends on the work required. Generally, installing wall-mounting lighting costs between $180 and $250, but it could cost as much as $950 depending on the complexity of the job and the quality of the fixture. A brand new installation can take a contractor three hours, so labor adds up.

Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent tube lights are popular in offices and other commercial settings. You can buy one of these fixtures for $25 to $125 each, and it will take a contractor anywhere from one to three hours to replace or install them. In total, you can expect to spend $75 (or the contractor minimum) to $425 for parts and labor to install each fluorescent fixture.

Light Bar 

A light bar is a specific type of under-cabinet lighting, and most light bars cost between $20 to $300 for the fixture itself.  The average cost to install under cabinet lighting is $265 per fixture, but it really depends on the fixture and the electrical work required.

LED Light Strip 

LED light strips are fairly affordable and there are DIY options with adhesive backing that are simple to install on your own. If you want a professional to install an LED light strip, you’ll pay anywhere from $70 (or the contractor minimum) to $400 (for a high-end strip). Most strips are sold in rolls of 10 linear feet.

Light Fixture Installation Cost Factors

The cost to install a light fixture typically depends on materials and labor. There’s a huge range of prices among different fixtures, but unless you’re installing a luxury option, labor is typically the most significant cost. Here are some factors that affect your project’s total price.

Materials

The cost of the light fixture is the most obvious expense. You can find budget fixtures at your local hardware store for less than $20, while a high-end, designer fixture could cost more than $4,000. It is not uncommon to see a crystal chandelier that costs more than $10,000, though that’s far from what the typical homeowner spends. 

In addition to the fixture, there are other material costs. You may also need to purchase light bulbs or install a new light switch. The cost of light switch installation could add $100 to $200 to your project. A light bulb could cost as little as $1 for a basic bulb or around $50 for a Wi-Fi-enabled Edison bulb. 

Permits

Most of the time, installing a new fixture using existing wiring does not require a permit. If you want to add a fixture that requires new wiring, a permit is probably necessary. This can add anywhere from $20 to more than $100 to the total cost of your project.

Labor

Unless you purchase a designer or luxury light fixture, labor accounts for most of the cost of installation. The cost to hire an electrician is typically between $50 and $100 per hour, and light fixtures usually take anywhere from one to three hours to install. Since most contractors have a minimum, you can save money by installing multiple fixtures at one time.

Electrician vs. Handyperson

The price difference between an electrician and handyperson isn’t actually all that different. A handyperson usually costs$55 to $75 per hour, but may charge more than $125 per hour if they’re part of a larger company. Similarly, an electrician typically charges $50 to $100 per hour depending on their skill level. So, why would you choose one over the other?

A handyperson may be able to replace a fixture as long as they don’t have to change or install any wiring. Some people prefer to hire a local handyperson to swap out fixtures if they’re doing other upgrades that are out of an electrician’s scope (like hanging pictures or making small home repairs). Just remember, a shoddy electrical job could be a fire hazard, so check references and qualifications.

Most of the time, though, you should hire an electrician to install a new light fixture. In fact, it’s typically a legal requirement any time you’re changing old wiring or installing new wiring in your home. When in doubt, contact an electrician near you to discuss your project and figure out which options work best.

Replacement vs. New Installation

The cost to replace a light fixture is typically less than the cost to install a new light fixture because it doesn’t usually require extensive electrical work. Hiring an electrician to install electrical wiring could add $550 to $2,300 to your project, especially if you have an older home and need to upgrade an outdated electrical panel. Something as seemingly simple as installing a new wall sconce could end up requiring drywall repairing and painting to hide the wire, all of which increase labor costs.

FAQs

Do I need an electrician to install a light fixture?

Most of the time, if you’re adding or replacing wiring in your home, you will need to hire a licensed electrician to get a permit. If you're just swapping out an old light fixture for a similar model, you probably won’t need a permit and a handyperson may be able to handle the task. Just make sure your handyperson has electrical experience.

How much does it cost to remove a light fixture?

Removing a light fixture can be simple or complicated depending on the location and layout of your home. It can take as little as 15 minutes to detach a simple pendant light. If it is more complicated, a contractor could take up totwo and a half hours (including disposal and capping the disconnected wires). Based on current labor costs, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $50 to $250 to remove a light fixture.

How much lighting do I need?

How much lighting you need really depends on your preference. Typically, a living room requires one recessed light for every 4 to 6 square feet of ceiling. You may also choose a combination of lighting to create a different ambiance in different situations. For example, a kitchen may have the standard amount of recessed lighting to use while cooking, with the addition of pendant lights over the kitchen island.