How Much Does It Cost to Install a Light Switch?

Light Switch Installation Costs

Light switches of various types average $5 to $15 each and $100 to $200 to install. It’s a quick process, though you will still benefit from professional installation. Improper wiring or placement could lead to failed inspections and could end up costing you in replacement work. 

Installation Costs

Expect a flat rate for labor, materials and supplies. Typically, $70 to $100 covers the basic expenses of a service call. Then you have labor, which adds $50 to $100 an hour. On top of that, the switch itself may only be $5, but supplies like mounting hardware and fittings add $5 to $10 more. Some companies will allow homeowners to provide their own materials, but the cost of those materials will not vary greatly.

Cost to Replace

When a switch malfunctions or is out-of-date, you should replace it. The replacement cost is between $50 to $150. Fixes or upgrades to other styles will carry that rate upward, both in price of materials and labor fees. Double pole styles, for example, have more detailed wiring and will demand more time and work. The same goes for dimmers. These styles can cost closer to $200 to replace. The price will be similar if a single pole type is being upgraded to another style, such as dimmer or double pole.

Moving or Relocating

Relocating a light switch costs between $100 to $150, depending on if the electrician needs to cut into the wall or do any repair to the drywall. Some homeowners move these units for added convenience or to adapt to a new layout in their home. Others do so during a remodel, especially if they are removing or adding a new wall.

Light Switch Costs by Type

The cost to install a 3 or 4-way switch is different than the cost to install a standard one. The more complicated the style you pick, the more expensive the labor and materials will be. The total charge will average $100 to $200 per switch.

Single Pole

The most common kind of switch, single pole styles control a light (or several lights) from one location. Sometimes, single pole switches also control appliances in addition to the light, such as a lamp or stereo system. Single pole switches cost $1 to $15 each.

A single pole double switch controls two different fixtures from one single location; there are two toggles on one switch to allow this. You may have seen these styles near the front of many homes, with one toggle controlling a porch or outside light and the other controlling an indoor light of a hallway or mudroom. Single pole double switches run $10 to $20 each.

3- and 4-Way

Three-way switches allow you to control a light from two different locations, such as at the top and bottom of the basement stairs. Four way switches take things a step further, and let you control one light from three or more locations in your home. Four-way switches are useful in very large rooms with several doors, such as a living room or a dining room, where you might want to walk in one door, turn on the light, and walk out of another, turning it off. Three way switches cost $3 to $20 each, while four way switches run $10 to $25 each.

Dimmer Switches

Dimmers average $10 to $25 each, though there are styles that cost up to $50. Installing new or upgrading to this type will range from $100 to $200. With these, light can be adjusted to soft or bright. 

This upgrade shouldn't involve much adjustment to the wiring or placement of the switch. However, there are a few things to be aware of:

• Wiring Code: This may be a good opportunity to bring the wiring up to code. The electrician may recommend doing so if it seems necessary.

• Box Size: A professional may recommend a larger box size to accommodate new safety standards. This box houses the essential wiring. Electrical panel upgrades cost between $500 and $1,700.

• Buying Dimmers: It's important to buy the right type for the need. For fixtures that are controlled at two locations, you will need to replace with a three-way dimmer. For single pole designs, you only need a single pole dimmer.

• Bulb Compatibility: Not all bulbs will work with dimmers. LED bulbs, for example, must be the "dimmable" kind in order to function properly with them. Some fluorescent bulbs are either incompatible or require a special brand or type of dimmer.

Smart Switches

Smart switches allow you to program and control the switch using an app on a smart device, such as a phone or tablet. The apps usually allow you to set a lighting schedule, dim the light, and sometimes offer geofencing, which uses your device’s location data to automatically turn on or off lights. Smart switches cost $45 to $150 on average, though can be as high as $500 if they include other smart home features. They can be installed in place of a switch; there are also plug adapters that simply plug into outlets. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Certified electricians keep up with local codes and the latest technology in the industry. They can help you to maximize on your upgrade or your installation. There are DIY guides for performing this work, but an expert may catch something that the guides don’t mention. For example, your wiring may be old and need an upgrade to meet safety codes. This is particularly difficult to diagnose if you don't have electrical experience. Research and reach out to trusted local electricians for a faster, safer and more efficient install.

Bundling the Job

Most electricians work on an hourly rate of $50 to $100, on top of a flat fee of $70 to $100. Considering this, it's smart to bundle as many electrical jobs as you have into one trip. If you're changing all of your light switches out for dimmers or to decorative kinds, it would be smart to do all of them at once. Popular bundles include the installation of 6 basic types for $100 to $200 and that of 5 dimmers for $150 to $250. The best way to find out how you can combine services like this is to contact reputable electricians in your area. Find out what their basic service fee is and how much you could save by bundling.

Make sure to pick a licensed electrician. Research and talk to at least three pros before deciding on one. Once you find a good option, consider getting all of your electrical work done at once to save money in the long run.