How Much Does It Cost to Install Light Switches? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $60 - $300
The cost to replace a light switch is $150 on average, but it often costs between $60 and $300, depending on the switch type and labor cost.
Want to light up your home with new light switches? The average cost to install a light switch is around $150. The low end of that average is $60, and the high end is $300. The difference depends mostly on the type: standard, double, dimmer, or timer switch. Learn more about the cost of installing a light switch, when to hire an electrician, and how to install them.
- Average
- $150
- Low end
- $45
- high end
- $450
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Light Switches by Type?
A big cost factor is the type of light switch you choose. The more elaborate, the more costly. So, a standard switch is your least expensive repair, while dimmers and timers land on the higher side.
| Type of Switch | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard | $1 – $20 |
| Double | $10 – $20 |
| Three-way | $3 – $15 |
| Four-way | $10 – $25 |
| Dimmer | $10 – $25 |
| Timers | $20 – $150 |
| Smart | $20 – $100 |
| Manual Transfer | $100 – $800 |
| Automatic Transfer | $300 – $2000 |
Standard Light Switch Installation Costs
A single light switch is the standard “on and off” switch that controls one light fixture. Depending on your electrician, a simple light switch replacement can cost between $50 and $150. It’s the easiest switch to replace. This price is based on an electrician’s average hourly charge of $50 to $100 per hour.
Double, Three-Way, and Four-Way Light Switch Installation Costs
Double light switches operate two items. Three-way switches power one fixture at two locations, and four-way switches operate one fixture from three locations. They require slightly different wiring than a single switch and are a bit more expensive to replace. A typical electrician will charge between $75 and $175 for this repair.
Dimmer Switch Installation Costs
A dimmer switch can give you a range of illumination. However, these switches do require more time to install than standard switches. They usually run between $80 and $200.
Timers Installation Costs
Timer switches allow you to set lights to a schedule. Timer switches don't cost much more than a dimmer switch, typically between $85 and $200.
Smart Light Switch Installation Costs
Like dimmers and timers, smart switch installation runs between $85 and $150 nationally. Note that this is the switch only. If you are doing hardwiring of smart devices, lights often come in a package deal with items such as outlets.
Transfer Switch Installation Costs
Transfer switches are installed near the main breaker of your home and direct power from a portable or standby generator to select appliances. Professional installation of a transfer switch averages $200 to $400. This is based on an electrician’s average hourly charge of $50 to $100 per hour, since this is a three- to four-hour job.
The location of the switch will be a factor in the cost. The residential units range from $100 to $800 for a manual and $300 to $2,000 for an automatic.
Before you change to a different switch, check to make sure it is compatible with the type of light fixture you have.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Light Switch Yourself?
If you DIY replacing a light switch, it will save you the $50 to $100 per hour cost of an electrician. As long as you take the necessary safety precautions, changing a straightforward switch should be a simple DIY project.
To do the job yourself, you will need:
The new switch (see above for average costs)
Phillips tip screwdriver
Standard slotted-tip screwdriver
Work light
Voltage tester
Continuity tester
Needle-nose pliers
Wire strippers
You can also DIY a dimmer switch, but it is recommended that timers and smart switches be installed by a local licensed electrician.
A popular add-on when changing out light switches is replacing outlets. Since you will have the power off and all the tools at the ready, it will save time you might take later to install an upgrade. Another idea is to install a new light fixture or ceiling fan. Again, you already have the tools you need and the power off. The only thing missing is the new fixture.
Hannah Rail contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
An electrician will charge between $100 to $150 to install a new light switch. Whether you need to cut into the wall and repair drywall will determine your final project cost, as you can expect to pay $50 to $75 per square foot to repair drywall.
Hire an electrician the same way you would an employee. Ask questions and look for a good fit. Streamline the process by using these questions to ask an electrician. It's also common to ask for a quote in writing. Don’t forget to provide all the project details to ensure there are no surprises or opportunities for added fees.
DIYing your own light switch install is an easy project to tackle—especially if you’re replacing an existing switch. Rewiring a light switch yourself is also a quick 30-minute upgrade. For either project, you need to know how to isolate the circuit and operate some basic tools. Upgrading to a smart switch or dimmer switch gets a bit more intricate, so you may want to hire an electrician.
Bad switches are usually the result of loose wiring or overheating issues. In most cases, it’s not a fire hazard, but if you hear crackling, popping, or hissing sound when you flip the switch, this indicates live electricity inside the switch, which could pose a hazard if not remedied quickly.
Yes, you can put a dimmer on a three-way switch, but it can’t be the same kind of dimmer you’d put on a standard light switch. A three-way switch requires a three-way dimmer. If two switches control a single or multiple lights, then you need a three-way dimmer. The type of light bulb should also be compatible with your fixture and dimmer.
It usually takes 30 minutes or less to install a light switch, but the exact time commitment depends on the kind of switch you’re planning to put in. For example, installing a dimmer switch takes longer than a standard on-off switch. The actual swap of the hardware may take only about 15 minutes, but don’t rush your way through the safety protocols—be sure to turn off the breaker and carefully test that the switch has no power before you start.