The average business owner spends about $464 for sign installation. Depending on the specifications of signage, the average cost for commercial sign installation is between $181 and $804.
Getting the word out about your business is priceless. However, professional commercial sign installation costs $464 on average. With factors that include a sign's location and dimensions helping to determine pricing, the average commercial sign installation cost is between $181 and $804. Learn what determines how much your business might pay for some new signage.
There are hundreds of signage configurations to choose from when picking out a sign for a business or attraction. Signs with lighting or electrical components generally cost the most. In addition, handmade "commissioned" signage can also cost more than mass-produced options that are customized on demand.
Sign manufacturers and installers generally price signs based on materials, weight, special features, and the amount of customization needed. Overall, plastic and aluminum signs are less expensive than steel signs. However, if you'd like to make your signage more visible by adding LED lighting, neon lighting, or electronic components, the sign installation cost will be higher due to the added weight and complexity involved.
| Sign Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fabric | $200–$400 |
| Awning | $500–$5,000 |
| Punched metal | $100–$1,500 |
| Outdoor LED | $750–$30,000 |
| Outdoor digital | $750–$30,000 |
| Neon | $50–$800 |
| Outdoor electronic | $50–$30,000 |
| Vinyl lettering | $10–$100 |
| Channel letter | $4,000–$20,000 |
| Outdoor lit | $500–$5,000 |
| Pylon and pole | $20,000–$100,000 |
| Electronic billboard | $50,000–$200,000 |
If your business or venue requires something more substantial than traditional signage, you might consider hiring a company to create custom stone monuments, durable outdoor interpretive signs that are used at public parks, custom banners, or hand-painted artisan signage.
| Sign Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Banner | $40–$450 |
| Hand-painted | $200–$2,000 |
| Interpretive | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Monument | $5,000–$20,000 |
While the average cost for a business sign installation is $464, basic options that don't include installation might cost $10 to $100 per square foot instead of the traditional $150 to $300 per square foot for high-end products.
Digital church signs and marquees are often priced from $5,000 to $50,000. These signs can be programmed to provide custom messages announcing different church services or events. While signs with static lettering and basic backlighting cost the least, LED and digital models are on the higher side of the average. Large digital signs designed to be visible to passing traffic can cost as much as $20,000.
In general, installation for large and substantial signage costs between $2,000 and $5,000. The charge represents the effort needed to transport, install, wire, and mount a sign. When ordering a custom sign or banner that doesn't require a complicated installation, the cost for professional installation may be as low as $100.
Commercial signs need to be cleaned routinely. If a sign is in a high location that's inaccessible for employees, you may need to consider paying for a commercial cleaning service at a rate of $29 to $100 per hour every few weeks. Commercial signs can become homes for mice, hornets, and other critters. If you need to clear out a nest that's been built in the crevices of your commercial sign, a visit from a pest control expert may cost $150 to $300. If sign bulbs need to be replaced, the average cost is $125 to $225 per bulb, with labor and parts included.
Your business sign is the face of your business! That's why a good sign is considered one of the most important investments a business owner can make. If you want to have a professional sign created, the only way to get the job done is to hire a sign company capable of fabricating durable, permit-approved signs. While minor signage might be something you can tackle on your own, attempting to create an outdoor sign with lights or electrical parts isn't something the average business owner can do.
If you'd like to get a million-dollar sign for your business that doesn't decimate your budget, there are some ways to cut sign installation costs without reducing your new sign's wow factor. Here are some suggestions:
Choose a sign with LED or cool-running lights to reduce long-term energy costs at your business.
Select a stock sign that can be customized for your business instead of commissioning a custom sign.
Select a local sign company that offers free delivery instead of paying to have a large sign shipped to your business.
In many cases, a business owner will need to apply for a permit before a large sign can be placed on the exterior of their business. The process of getting signage approved sometimes involves submitting plans and specifications to your local zoning board. If this is required, you'll need to obtain a draft of the signage plans from your sign maker prior to finalizing the design and payment. On average, the cost to get a building permit for a large sign with lighting is between $400 and $2,500.
If you're ordering a sign with lighting or other interactive features, your sign maker may not include electrical wiring in installation costs. While some larger sign companies have licensed electricians on staff to help with complex installations, others might require you to hire your own electrician to get the project completed. Electrical wiring costs for commercial signs range from $560 to $2,300.
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Most towns and cities have regulations regarding sign dimensions for businesses. If you're opening a new business, contact the town or city's local zoning board to see the specifications you need to follow when getting your sign created. There may also be rules regarding how high your sign can sit. Be sure to learn about specifications before having your sign made. Sign companies generally won't offer refunds once custom signs have been fabricated.
This is a local zoning issue. Not every town allows digital signs and marquees. While the sign may be located on your private property, your business is still subject to zoning regulations.
Sunlight and moisture are two of the biggest issues business owners face when keeping signs preserved. In general, signs made from metal and heavy-duty plastic are resistant to fading. Most sign manufacturers offer UV-resistant ink to help prevent lettering from fading. In addition, signs can be maintained with UV-resistant sprays that stop fading. Sealants that protect signs from moisture can also be applied to extend signage life span.
