How Much Does Dishwasher Installation Cost in 2025?

Average Dishwasher Installation Cost

Dishwasher Installation Cost Factors

The cost of a dishwasher and installation varies significantly depending on the type, brand, size, and other factors.

Dishwasher Quality Tier

Dishwashers fall into three price tiers: economy, mid-range, and luxury or high-end models. While each category performs basic functions—washing, sanitizing, and drying dishes—higher price points generally correlate with superior performance and more advanced features.

Economy

Ranging from $250 to $800, economy-tier dishwashers focus on standard washing and heated drying functionality. Most budget-friendly dishwashers feature fewer cycles, drying options, and overall features than higher-end options. Common characteristics of economy dishwashers include:

• Front panel controls

• Less insulation and higher noise level

• Low durability/limited warranty options

• Plastic interior tub

• Minimal rack adjustments

• Limited energy efficiency

Mid-Range

Mid-range dishwashers offer a balance of price and features, averaging $800 to $1,200, delivering reliable performance, energy efficiency, and durability without high-end cost. They’re often made with improved insulation, stainless steel tubs, and other materials and designs that help reduce noise, heat loss, odors, and stains. The upper-end of mid-range models may include extra features, such as:

• Front or top controls

• Standard capacity

• Adjustable rack

• Smart features and Wi-Fi connectivity

• Adjustable or extra racks

• Sanitize functions

• Multiple drying options

Luxury

Premium dishwashers start around $1,200 but sometimes exceed $3,500. These models don’t necessarily offer better washing or drying than mid-range options. Instead, this price point comes equipped with top-of-the-line features and technology, offering quiet operation, smart home functionality, and advanced water and energy efficiency. In addition to standard mid-range functions, expect these features from luxury models:

• Hidden control panels

• Interior lighting

• Multiple cycle options: wash, sensor dry, steam clean, and sanitize functions

• Specialized cycles for delicate or sensitive dishes and cookware

• Customized finishes

Dishwasher Type

Dishwasher prices vary depending on the type of dishwasher you choose. For example, countertop dishwashers can cost as little as $250, while fully integrated dishwashers can cost as much as $3,000.

Built-In

Built-in dishwashers cost between $350 and $1,600 and are the most common type found in homes. Generally featuring two racks and standard dimensions, built-in dishwashers give your kitchen a cohesive look.

Integrated

Ranging from $630 to $3,000, integrated dishwashers have a similar design as built-ins. Integrated models go a step further, however, by blending in with the surrounding cabinetry when closed. This seamless look usually requires a prefabricated kitchen design or additional customization, reflected in the high price point.

Drawer

Drawer dishwashers average $750 to $2,000. A modern design with growing popularity, drawer dishwashers usually feature two stacked drawers and one rack per drawer, which slide out instead of hinging downward.

Countertop

Countertop dishwashers average $250 to $400. Since they draw water from your kitchen faucet and don’t require rough-in plumbing, countertop models are relatively easy to install. They don’t technically have to be on the counter, but they must be near your sink and connected to a GFCI outlet. While easily packed up and moved, countertop models have limited capacity.

Portable

Portable dishwashers cost $300 to $750. These freestanding dishwashers have wheels for easy transportation and don’t require plumbing installation since they connect to the sink. While convenient, they typically have limited capacity and features.

Dishwasher Size

Dishwashers are available in different sizes to accommodate various spaces, and size has a direct impact on the installation process and requirements. For instance, replacing an existing dishwasher with a model featuring the same dimensions has minimal impact on costs, but adding a bigger or smaller unit may require modifying cabinetry. In most cases, smaller sizes carry the fewest features and lowest costs, around $250 to $300. In contrast, large sizes often correlate with more high-end makes and models, costing between $450 and $1,800.

Here are the features you can expect from different sizes:

• Small: Compact and portable, ideal for rentals or small spaces. Limited capacity.

• Slimline: Compact, suitable for small households and kitchens. Less capacity than standard. Typically less water or energy-efficient than other sizes.

• Standard: Most common size, with a capacity that handles up to 12 place settings. Fits under standard countertops.

• Large: Suitable for large households and handles up to 16 place settings. Dual motor design.

Brand

Dishwasher brands vary widely in price, which is often reflected in the dishwasher’s quality, features, reliability, and design. Affordable brands such as Whirlpool and Frigidaire carry models ranging from $330 to $990, aiming for essential function and reliability. Brands with top-end prices may offer superior performance, extended warranties, and luxury features but sometimes require specialized installation, repairs, and maintenance that add costs over time. 

Keep in mind that brand isn’t always an indicator of overall quality. Models from different brands may offer identical specifications and features but widely different price points. In these instances, homeowners are more likely to pay for the brand name prestige or customer service features rather than enhanced performance.

Labor

Hiring an appliance installation contractor for a brand-new electrical and plumbing installation ranges from $1,270 to $3,200. If the installation involves cabinetry removal and replacement, costs start at $1,900 or $100 to $1,200 per linear foot.

The average homeowner pays $200 for dishwasher replacement labor. Depending on the brand, existing plumbing and electrical configurations, and site prep, costs can range from $110 to $500 for basic replacement. Contractors usually build the cost of removal and disposal into a replacement job, which otherwise ranges from $120 to $150. 

Account for other potential costs, such as:

• Replacement for water-damaged floors: $400

• Delivery charges for remote areas: $60

• Permits: $10–$500

Other Dishwasher Installation Cost Factors

Factors influencing dishwasher installation costs include additional electric or plumbing work, kitchen remodeling, and customization.

Plumbing

Standard installation or replacement involves connecting the dishwasher to existing water and drainage lines, but various factors may increase plumbing labor and material costs. For example, adding water connections, drains, and other plumbing costs $600 to $1,600 per fixture. In general, additional plumbing cost factors include:

• New drain lines

• New hot water line

• Air gap installation

• Disposal connection

• Plumbing repairs

Electrical

New dishwashers may require various electrical installations and upgrades. GFCI outlets or circuits are mandatory for all kitchen appliances and cost $130 to $300 to install. Depending on the age and condition of your home’s electrical system, you may also consider circuit rewiring or panel upgrades and replacements. 

Kitchen Remodeling

Some homeowners use dishwasher installation as an opportunity to tackle other kitchen remodeling projects. Removing or replacing cabinets costs $1,900 to $8,300, installing countertops costs $50 to $150 per square foot, and a new kitchen island costs anywhere from $900 to $6,500 or more.

Customization

Some dishwashers allow for additional features or customizations to better suit your home’s needs or preferences for convenience or performance.

Finish

Dishwasher finish affects the general aesthetic and cost, but it’s also an important decision factor relating to durability and maintenance. For instance, bisque and white finishes are often affordable, versatile, and widely available, but low-quality models may yellow or lack the durability of higher-end finishes. In comparison, high-end stainless steel has a modern effect but is easily smudged with fingerprints or grease, requiring frequent upkeep.

Dishwasher Replacement vs. Repair

Deciding between dishwasher replacement or repair involves several factors that influence upfront and lifetime costs. If your dishwasher is relatively new (less than five years old), minor appliance repairs ranging from $50 to $400 are typically cost-effective. Some warranties may cover eligible repairs or replacements.

In other instances, replacement may cost more upfront but offer net savings in the long term, especially for older models with limited efficiency. Consider replacement if your dishwasher experiences these issues:

• Poor water and energy efficiency

• Frequent or recurring issues

• Costly repairs

• Corrosion, rust, or other deterioration

• Over 10 years old

Budgeting for Dishwasher Installation

Try these strategies to manage your budget without compromising on the quality of your dishwasher installation:

• Get detailed estimates from multiple contractors to find the best value.

• Inquire about promotional rates or package deals.

• Research tax credits or other incentives for water or energy-efficient appliance upgrades.

• Avoid unnecessary costs, such as luxury brands or features.

• Shop seasonally—appliances may go on sale or clearance throughout the year.

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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.