Skylight Installation Cost: Everything You Need to Know [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,008 - $2,791
Skylight installation costs $1,898 on average, with costs ranging from around $1,008 to $2,791 based on the size of the skylight, the brand, material type, and other factors.
The average skylight installation cost for a U.S. homeowner is $1,898. Depending on the type of skylight you choose, the shape of your roof, and many more factors, costs can potentially range from $1,008 to $2,791.
These “roof windows” are a unique and attractive way to let in warmth and natural light. Installation costs vary, but skylights almost always add significant value to a home. If you’re thinking about installing a skylight, explore our comprehensive cost breakdown to start planning your budget.
- Average
- $1,898
- Low end
- $450
- high end
- $5,100
Skylight Installation Cost Breakdown
Several factors will play into your total skylight installation cost. Expect labor to take up the bulk of your project budget, but other factors like the size, shape, and type of skylight you choose are also important. Decide if you want any finishes or other customizations before starting, and find out if you’ll need a permit for installation before you reach out to a contractor.
Cost by Type
The cost of skylight installation varies considerably by type. The chart below shows you the typical cost of materials for common types of skylights.
Remember that you'll also need to add in labor costs of between $300 and $2,500 when working out your budget.
| Type of Skylight | Cost Range* | Average Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Tubular | $200–$500 | $350 |
| Fixed | $200–$900 | $500 |
| Ventilated | $400–$2,000 | $1,200 |
*Materials only
Tubular
A tubular skylight costs an average of $350, plus a typical installation cost of $430. Tubular skylights cost less than other types because they're not traditional skylights. Although pros install them on the roof, they look more like lights than skyward-facing windows.
They don't offer a view of the sky because they're composed of a small light aperture and a series of directional reflective surfaces. The roof unit captures sunlight and directs it through a series of reflectors to the aperture installed in the ceiling below.
Fixed
Fixed skylights cost an average of $500 for materials alone. If you're putting a fixed skylight into a pitched roof, expect to pay between $200 and $900 for materials, but if the skylight is going into a flat roof, you may pay somewhere between $700 and $1,200. Labor for a fixed skylight on a pitched roof ranges from $850 to $1,000, while flat-roof installation costs between $1,000 and $2,500 in labor.
Fixed skylights are simple and require no mechanical or electrical components, making them a great choice if you live in a cold climate because they help heat your home via passive heat. However, if you live in an area with hot summers, this can be a problem and increase your utility bills, as your air conditioner will need to work harder to eliminate the extra trapped heat. You can minimize heat transfer by installing blinds or choosing a glass or glass coating like low-E.
Ventilated
Ventilated skylights cost an average of $1,200 for materials. A manually operated ventilated skylight costs between $400 and $1,200. If you plan to have an electric or solar-powered ventilated unit, expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,000 for materials.
For a pitched-roof installation, you'll need to allow $1,000 to $1,250 for labor costs. If your ventilated skylight is going onto a flat roof, expect labor costs to be around $1,250 to $2,750.
Cost by Size
The size of the skylight is a significant cost factor. A bigger skylight means more time spent on labor and more money spent on materials, therefore increasing the price. Most commonly, skylights are 25 inches wide because that's the standard width between trusses on a trussed roof, which pros cannot cut to make way for larger skylights.
If you have a stick roof, which uses rafters, you’ll have more size and customization options because there's usually a bigger gap between the rafters. In most cases like this, a skilled installer can strategically cut a rafter to make way for a larger skylight.
Check out how much it costs, on average, for the materials to install different skylight sizes. Remember that you'll need to add labor costs to your project total.
| Size of Skylight | Cost Range* | Average Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 25" x 25" | $150–$500 | $325 |
| 25” x 41” | $325–$650 | $450 |
| 33” x 33” | $300–$800 | $550 |
| 49" x 49" | $500–$1,900 | $1,200 |
| 33" x 57" | $500–$2,000 | $1,250 |
*Materials only
Cost by Frame Material
The frame material you choose for your skylight also plays into the overall cost. Each of the three main material choices—vinyl, metal, and wood—has advantages and disadvantages.
| Frame Material | Cost Range* | Average Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $150–$1,000 | $570 |
| Metal | $200–$1,500 | $850 |
| Wood | $300–$2,500 | $1,400 |
*Materials only
Cost by Mount Style
There are two installation styles: a curb mount and a deck mount. Curb mounts are the least expensive option, but they’re also the most noticeable, as they're raised on a protruding frame, giving them less curb appeal.
Deck-mounted skylights cost more but are more visually appealing because they're mounted flush with your roof. A deck-mount installation is more challenging and time-consuming, so expect to pay more in labor.
Manufacturers prefabricate curb-mounted skylights, so a pro can simply affix them to a hole they make in your roof. Pros construct deck-mounted models on-site, increasing installation time and complexity, hence a higher labor cost.
| Style | Cost Range* | Average Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Curb Mount | $150–$1,500 | $820 |
| Deck Mount | $150–$2,500 | $1,320 |
*Materials only
Cost by Shape
The shape of your skylight impacts cost because some shapes pose unique challenges. Take a look at the most common skylight shapes and their typical costs without labor.
| Shape | Cost Range* | Average Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Circular | $400–$1,000 | $700 |
| Square | $150–$2,000 | $1,070 |
| Rectangular | $150–$2,000 | $1,070 |
| Oval | $600–$2,500 | $1,500 |
| Triangular | $400–$3,000 | $1,700 |
| Custom | $1,500–$5,000 | $3,200 |
*Materials only
Cost by Glass Type
You've got three common options for glass type. Acrylic is a popular choice for domed and triangular units but can suffer discoloration and scratches over time. Tempered glass is a good compromise concerning durability, longevity, and price. It's not the most energy-efficient, but it's strong enough to withstand hail storms and high winds.
There’s also double-paned glass. The cost to install double-paned glass is higher than other options, but that’s because it’s the most energy-efficient, as it minimizes heat transfer. Double-paned skylight windows are also sturdy enough to use in any climate.
| Glass Type | Cost Range* | Average Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic plastic | $150–$1,000 | $570 |
| Tempered Glass | $200–$1,500 | $800 |
| Double-Pane Glass | $300–$3,500 | $1,900 |
*Materials only
Cost by Number
The more skylights you’re planning to purchase, the more you’ll spend on skylight installation cost. Prices range from around $450 to $5,000 per skylight, so you can multiply the cost by the number of windows you need. If you’re planning to install more than five skylights at one time, you may be able to score discounts or qualify for rebates, depending on the manufacturer.
| Number of Skylights | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $450–$5,000 |
| 2 | $900–$10,000 |
| 3 | $1,350–$15,000 |
| 4 | $1,800–$20,000 |
| 5 | $2,250–$25,000 |
Cost by Brand
Costs can vary slightly by brand, especially considering some brands may offer different types of skylights than others. Costs generally range from around $200 to $3,800 across brands. The following common skylight brands have varying cost ranges to suit just about any budget, so consider getting quotes for different brands to find the right skylight to suit your needs.
| Brand | Cost* |
|---|---|
| Pella | $200–$2,000 |
| Sun-Tek | $300–$3,000 |
| Farko | $400–$3,000 |
| Velux | $600–$3,800 |
*Materials only
Ongoing Expenses
Skylights require regular upkeep, just like any other window. From cleaning the glass to prepping the skylights for winter, you can expect the following ongoing costs of maintaining a skylight.
Cleaning
Window cleaning costs about $150 to $300, but this cost can be even more for skylights, which are more difficult to access. Skylights will need to be cleaned at least once or twice per year. Even DIY cleaning a skylight window can cost up to $400, but this step is essential to making sure your windows don’t develop a hazy layer of dirt on the glass.
Winterizing
Winterization costs about $3 to $20 per square foot for windows. This process helps boost insulation before cold temperatures creep in, which can ultimately save you money on energy costs.
Repairing
If you notice a skylight leak, it’s important to repair it ASAP to avoid major water and roof damage. Repairing a skylight leak costs about $300 to $800, but quick repairs will save you money in the long run. Fortunately, with proper installation, you won’t have to worry about leaks until the skylight is nearing the end of its life span, usually over 10 to 15 years.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a skylight is a complex and dangerous project that most people don’t have the necessary construction experience to complete properly. The windows themselves are large, heavy, and unwieldy. Measurements for your window need to be precise so that cuts in the ceiling and roof line up perfectly.
Mistakes in this area can lead to poorly sealed weatherproofing and skylight leaks. For this reason, we don’t recommend that you DIY skylight installation unless you have extensive experience in window installation projects. If you do have experience, you may be able to attempt a DIY skylight installation for $500 to $1,000 using a tubular skylight that comes with its own light well. However, hiring a pro skylight installer near you is the best way to avoid injury from working on a roof or having to pay a lot more after an installation error leads to roof or other home damage.
5 Ways You Can Save Money While Installing Skylights
Consider the following tips to reduce the cost of your skylight installation:
Think long-term: Don’t cut corners with low-quality materials or labor. You’ll spend less energy and money on maintenance and repairs over time by investing in a quality skylight that a pro has installed well.
Get multiple quotes: When shopping around for a roofing contractor to install your skylight, get more than one quote to compare prices and get the best deal. Make sure to take your contractor’s experience into account when considering their prices.
Compare brands: Consider your needs and your home setup when comparing products from different skylight brands to find the best combination of cost and quality.
Ask your installer: An experienced pro will have the best idea of what products and features will work well and cost the least.
Consider your climate: Your local climate plays a huge role in how your skylight impacts energy costs. You may want skylight shades or a UV-blocking glaze in a warm, sunny climate. In colder climates, you may want double-paned glass.
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
Local window and door specialists, glaziers, and roofers should all install skylights. You can also do an internet search to find companies that specialize in skylight installation near you. Keep in mind that skylight installation is very complex and can be dangerous without the proper tools and safety precautions, so we don’t recommend this as a DIY project.
Yes, if you maintain and clean your skylights often, they will undoubtedly add value to your home. With the right frame material and glazing material for your climate, a skylight is attractive to buyers because it increases natural light and helps to reduce energy bills. With both aesthetic and monetary bonuses, skylights are a no-brainer for many people.
Yes, if you have ventilated skylights, you can install insect screens on them. Insect screens for skylights cost $10 to $50 each, depending on their size and quality. Most pros highly recommend insect screens for ventilated skylights because they keep pests outside of your home while allowing fresh air inside.
Pros of installing a skylight include the fact that you will get much more natural light in your home, skylights can make your room look bigger than it actually is, and your home may increase in value. Cons include difficult upkeep (you may have to get on a ladder to clean and maintain them), higher installation costs, and, potentially, too much heat gain from all the extra sunlight.