Kitchen and bathroom remodel costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Professional shower installation costs between $4,448 and $12,374, with most homeowners spending around $8,205 for your new bathroom project.
The shower type you select and the size of your installation space will determine your final project total.
You should account for demolition and prep work, permits, shower tiles, and post-construction cleanup when you create your budget.
Hiring a local plumbing professional prevents costly mistakes from improper plumbing or waterproofing and ensures your bathroom stays safe.
In 2026, the national average cost for shower installation is $8,205, based on 7,466 verified projects reported by Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $4,448 and $12,374, with the spread driven primarily by shower type, installation size, and the extent of plumbing or waterproofing work required. If you're planning a high-end custom build or a full bathroom overhaul, your total could climb well above the average range.
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.
The type of shower you choose is one of the biggest drivers of your total project cost, with walk-in showers ranging from $1,150 to $8,000 and tub-shower combos running from $1,500 to $8,500. Other options include steam showers, accessibility showers, and tub-to-shower conversions, each with its own cost range. Here is a breakdown of shower installation costs by type:
| Shower Type | Average Cost Range in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Walk-in shower | $1,150–$8,000 |
| Tub-shower combo | $1,500–$8,500 |
| Steam shower | $2,800–$7,100 |
| Accessibility showers | $1,750–$8,600 |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | $1,200–$8,000 |
Shower size affects installation costs: a standard 32-by-32-inch prefabricated walk-in shower costs around $1,150 ($210 per square foot). A larger tub-shower combo measuring 30 by 60 inches runs around $3,000 ($240 per square foot), reflecting both the added square footage and the fixture's complexity.
Labor accounts for 40% to 60% of your total shower installation cost. You may need a licensed plumber near you to add fixtures or relocate pipes, and, depending on your bathroom's layout and design, you might also bring in an interior designer, an electrician, an interior painter, or a handyperson. Hourly rates vary by trade:
Plumber: $45–$200 per hour
Interior designer: $50–$200 per hour
Electrician: $50–$120 per hour
Interior painter: $20–$50 per hour
Handyperson: $50–$150 per hour
Beyond the base installation price, several additional factors can meaningfully affect the cost of your shower project, including materials, demolition, permits, and finishing details. Here is a breakdown of common additional costs to plan for.
Materials: $2,000–$10,000 + premium for luxury materials, such as natural stone or imported tile
Demolition and prep: $50–$100 (or possibly higher if you need to demolish walls or remove and replace pipes)
Post-construction cleanup: $250–$700
Permits: $250 on average
Shower tiles: $1,800–$6,850, depending on type
Shower pan: $900–$2,300
Bathtub and shower liner: $2,700–$10,000
Custom jets: $900–$2,000 +
Custom drainage: $750–$1,250
Shower doors: $530–$1,400
Shower head: $100–$450
Tub faucet: $450–$1,000
Bathroom fan: $240–$560
Prefab shower kits are the more budget-friendly choice, costing around $250 to $2,900 before installation, while custom showers carry a much wider price range because materials are purchased individually. For a custom shower, materials alone run $1.25 to $200 per square foot, depending on what you select.
Professional labor adds $400 to $2,000 to your shower installation cost. While you may be tempted to save money with DIY installation, you should only install a shower yourself when using a shower or tub liner or a prefab shower kit. DIYing a liner costs around $500, including the liner and materials.
Here’s why you should hire a pro for shower installation:
Plumbing, tiling, and waterproofing require specialized skills, and mistakes can result in long-term damage.
Repairing this damage can be more expensive than hiring a professional, especially if there’s mold, rot, or structural issues.
Pros follow local building codes and obtain necessary permits.
A pro can complete the job quickly and effectively.
Most professional work is backed by a warranty.
Pros can anticipate and resolve hidden issues.
You’ll get a cleaner, polished finish by hiring experts.
You might consider a DIY shower installation in the following situations:
You’re installing a prefabricated kit
You’re an experienced DIYer with prior knowledge of plumbing, tiling, and waterproofing.
You’re familiar with local building codes and permit requirements.
You’re only handling demolition or basic prep work ahead of professional installation.
The project doesn’t involve moving or rerouting plumbing or drain lines, custom tiling, installing jets, structural repairs, or other complex tasks.
You have enough time to complete the project without rushing.
You can obtain the right equipment and use it safely.
Even if you’re confident in your DIY abilities, it’s smart to consult a pro before you start, especially for plumbing, waterproofing, or code-related questions.
Installing a shower can increase a home’s value, with an ROI ranging from 50% to 70%, depending on the project scope and market conditions. For example, tub-to-shower conversions often yield a 60% return, while walk-in showers average about 55%. A well-designed bathroom can appeal to potential buyers, especially if you’ve improved an outdated space.
You can save on shower installation costs with the following tips, keeping in mind that exact prices will vary.
Choose a prefab shower insert. A prefab shower insert costs between $300 and $500, while a kit that includes materials ranges from $400 to $2,000. This is the most budget-friendly type of shower, and it’s simple enough to install, which keeps labor costs relatively low.
Add a shower to your bathtub. Most commonly, people do this with a shower diverter valve that directs water to your tub’s spout or showerhead. This costs around $1,000, but you’ll also need to spend on the plumbing and labor.
Convert your tub into a shower. The average tub-to-shower conversion costs around $4,000 less than the average shower installation because you don’t have to reinstall plumbing and can match materials to your existing surround.
Don’t change your bathroom layout. Moving your shower often adds plumbing and finishing costs, including tiling, drywall, and painting. By keeping the shower in the same place, you can save between $1,000 to $5,000+.
Do some demolition yourself. You may not be able to install a shower on your own, but you can save $300 to $800 in labor by doing the demolition yourself.
Mind your materials. If you don’t want a prefab shower, keep costs down by using budget-friendly materials.
Skip the extra features. Choose the shower features and accessories you absolutely need. For example, you can save $600 to $1,300 on a shower door if you opt for a tension rod and curtain (but it depends on the design of your shower).
While hiring a bathroom remodel pro adds $400 to $2,000 to your shower installation cost, it’s highly recommended over DIY.
Pros can prevent costly mistakes that result in long-term damage, and they’re specialized in plumbing, tiling, and waterproofing.
You can save money by choosing a prefab shower insert, keeping your bathroom layout the same, avoiding luxury materials, and doing some of the demolition yourself.
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