How Much Does Installing a Light Switch Cost?
Installing a new light switch costs around $100 to $203, depending on the cost of materials and labor.
Don’t get left in the dark. Installing a light switch is a relatively affordable process, with an average price of around $152. According to HomeAdvisor, the cost to install a light switch is between $100 to $203. Installing a smart light switch can increase due to the cost of materials and a professional electrician’s labor fee to complete the project.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Light Switch per Switch Type?
When you hire a professional electrician to install a new light switch, they will charge you for the materials and the labor. Budget for between $50 and $100 per hour for labor. The cost for one light switch varies by type.
| Switch Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Traditional toggle and rocker light switches | $10 to $20 |
| Dimmer switches | $15 to $30 |
| Smart switches | $50 to $500 (depending on the features included) |
These costs are only for installing a new switch where new wiring needs to be installed, not replacing an old switch where wiring is already present.
Factors That Influence the Cost to Install a Light Switch
The cost to install a light switch is affected by a few things: the electricians per hour labor fee, the type of switch you’re having installed, and the location of the switch to be installed.
Labor
Your electrician will charge you a fixed price per hour for labor. Most electricians charge between a fixed price per hour ($50 and $150 an hour) regardless of the kind of work they’re performing. If your wiring is straightforward and your switches easy to install, your price will be lower than if your wiring needs a major overhaul before installing switches.
Materials
New wiring plus the cost of your switches will make up your materials cost.
The location of the switch will determine how much wire you need to power your fixture. Electrical wire costs between $0.50 and $1.00 per foot. Depending on the distance, wiring could increase your total cost by $20 to $30 or more.
Relocating Switches
If your electrician is moving a light switch from one location and installing it in another location, you’ll need to budget for a more complicated installation from beginning to end. To remove the switch, the electrician will need to detach and remove the old wiring.
Type of Light Switch
Your electrical needs will determine the type of light switch you choose, as different switches have different toggle and control features.
| Switch Type | Control Feature | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single pole | Controls one fixture from one location | $1 – $10 each |
| Single pole double switch | Features two switches to control two fixtures, like a ceiling fan and attached light | $10 – $20 each |
| Three-way light switch | Controls one fixture from two locations | $3 – $20 each |
| Four-way light switch | Controls one fixture from multiple locations | $10 – $20 each |
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Light Switch Yourself?
Installing a light switch is a straightforward DIY task—if you have significant electrical experience. Some variables such as wiring and load capacities if you’re installing multiple switches, make this project dangerous. You’ll save on the cost of labor should you decide this is a project you can tackle. An experienced electrician might cost a little more initially, but they will complete the work quickly and to code.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The type of switch you choose depends on its purpose. If you prefer to control the brightness of the light or the speed of the fan without using a cord pull, consider a dimmer switch. If you prefer to control a light and ceiling fan separately, a double toggle switch is a good choice. If you have a smart home and would like to control your light switch from your phone, a smart switch is what you need.
Single switch installs are quick DIY projects, but you should consider enlisting the help of a pro for more complicated replacements—like a smart switch or if you live in an older home with outdated wiring. Professional electricians are trained in the latest code regulations. They are also insured, licensed, and bonded.
If you’re installing new light fixtures and switches, you might uncover wiring issues that need addressing. Professional contractors are often required by law to update existing infrastructure to code before they can begin new work.
If your home is older, there’s a chance your wiring is no longer up to code and requires some circuit breaker maintenance before adding new circuits. Updating wiring costs about $2 to $4 per square foot, but many homeowners deem the expense worthwhile as it reduces the risk of fires caused by faulty wiring.
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