How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Light Switch in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing a light switch costs an average of $152, with most homeowners paying between $100 and $203, depending on factors like switch type and labor. It's important to hire a professional electrician to ensure a safe and code-compliant installation.

Light Switch Replacement Cost Factors

Light switches of various types cost between $1 and $20 for standard models, and total replacement ranges from $60 to $300, averaging $150. While installing a light switch is a quick process, you'll still benefit from professional installation. Improper wiring or placement could lead to failed inspections and end up costing you more in the long run.

Installation

Expect a flat rate for labor, materials, and supplies. Labor adds $50 to $100 an hour. Some companies will allow homeowners to provide their own materials, but the cost of those materials will not vary greatly.

Replacement Cost

If your switch malfunctions or is out of date, it's time to replace it. A standard switch replacement costs $50 to $150. For switches like double, three-way, or four-way, you can expect to pay between $75 and $175. Dimmer switches can range from $80 to $200. More complex wiring, such as for double pole configurations, may incur additional costs.

Light Switch Replacement Cost by Type

The cost to install a three or four-way switch is different from 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 ranges from $75 to $175 per switch when you’re installing or replacing a double, three-way, or four-way light switch.

Standard

The most common kind of switch, standard (or single-pole) styles control a light (or several lights) from one location. Sometimes, standard switches also control appliances in addition to the light, such as a lamp or stereo system. Standard switches cost $1 to $20 each.

Double

A standard 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 in a hallway or mudroom. Standard double switches cost $10 to $20 each.

Three and Four-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 $15 each, while four-way switches run $10 to $25 each.

Dimmer Switches

Dimmer switches average $10 to $25 each, and installing or upgrading to this type ranges from $80 to $200.

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.

• Buying Dimmers: It's important to buy the right type for the job. For fixtures that are controlled at two locations, you will need to replace them 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 $20 to $100 for the device, and installation ranges from $85 to $150. They can be installed in place of a switch; there are also plug adapters that simply plug into outlets.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Electrician

Certified electricians stay current with local codes and the latest industry technology. They can help you maximize your upgrade or light switch replacement. While there are DIY guides available, an expert might catch issues that guides don’t mention. For example, your wiring might be old and need an upgrade to meet safety codes, which is difficult to diagnose without electrical experience.

Electricians charge an hourly rate between $50 and $100, so bundling multiple electrical projects together can save you money. If you're planning to upgrade several switches or have other electrical tasks, consider having them completed in one visit to reduce labor costs. Hiring a licensed electrician ensures your light switch is installed safely and correctly.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real 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.