Most homeowners spend an average of $150 to replace a light switch, but the final cost depends on the type of switch and labor rates.
Replacing a standard light switch that controls one light fixture costs between $50 and $150.
Installing a dimmer switch takes more time and costs between $80 and $200.
If you need timers and smart switches installed, hiring a pro is the best option, and electricians charge $50 to $100 per hour.
Want to light up your home with new light switches? The average cost to replace a light switch is $150. However, you could pay as little as $45 or as high as $450. The difference depends mostly on the type: standard, double, dimmer, transfer, or timer switch. Learn more about the cost of installing a light switch, when to hire an electrician, and how to install a light switch.
Cost to Replace Light Switches by Type
A big cost factor is the type of light switch you choose. The more elaborate, the more costly. So, a standard switch is your least expensive repair, while dimmers and timers land on the higher side.
Type of Switch
Average Cost
Standard
$1–$20
Double
$10–$20
Three-way
$3–$15
Four-way
$10–$25
Dimmer
$10–$25
Timers
$20–$150
Smart
$20–$100
Manual transfer
$100–$800
Automatic transfer
$300–$2000
Guide to Electrical Switches, Outlets, and Fixtures
Standard Light Switch Installation Costs
A single light switch is the standard “on and off” switch that controls one light fixture. Depending on your electrician, a simple light switch replacement can cost between $50 and $150. It’s the easiest switch to replace. This price is based on an electrician’s average hourly charge of $50 to $100 per hour.
Double, Three-Way, and Four-Way Light Switch Installation Costs
Double light switches operate two items. Three-way switches power one fixture at two locations, and four-way switches operate one fixture from three locations. They require slightly different wiring than a single switch and are a bit more expensive to replace. A typical electrician will charge between $75 and $175 for this repair.
Dimmer Switch Installation Costs
A dimmer switch can give you a range of illumination. However, these switches do require more time to install than standard switches. They usually run between $80 and $200.
Timers Installation Costs
Timer switches allow you to set lights to a schedule. Timer switches don't cost much more than a dimmer switch, typically between $85 and $200.
Like dimmers and timers, smart switch installation runs between $85 and $150 nationally. Note that this is the switch only. If you are doing hardwiring of smart devices, lights often come in a package deal with items such as outlets.
Transfer Switch Installation Costs
Transfer switches are installed near the main breaker of your home and direct power from a portable or standby generator to select appliances. Professional installation of a transfer switch averages $200 to $400. This is based on an electrician’s average hourly charge of $50 to $100per hour, since this is a three- to four-hour job.
The location of the switch will be a factor in the cost. The residential units range from $100 to $800 for a manual and $300 to $2,000 for an automatic.
Before you change to a different switch, check to make sure it is compatible with the type of light fixture you have.
Photo: Sidekick / Adobe Stock
Why You Should Hire an Electrician
Labor makes up most of the cost to install a light switch. A local electrician will usually charge their minimum rate for a single switch, while some will charge an hourly rate. You may be tempted to save money by doing this seemingly small job on your own, but DIY electrical work comes with a serious risk of injury or electrical fire.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an electrician
When installing a light switch, always hire a pro for the following reasons:
Working with live wiring comes with a risk of shock and injury.
Simple mistakes like using an incorrect wire gauge or loose connections can cause an electrical fire.
Professional electricians know the local electrical code and can install your outlet safely, efficiently, and in the correct location.
DIY electrical work can void your homeowners insurance or the manufacturer's warranty on your appliances.
Pros know how to avoid common issues like improper grounding or overloaded circuits, ensuring an added outlet won’t damage your electrical system or appliances.
Experts know how to choose the right outlet for the job, whether it’s a GFCI outlet or an outlet for 240V appliances.
Electricians have specialized testing tools that ensure proper installation.
Reputable pros carry insurance and might offer a warranty on their work.
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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An electrician will charge between$100 to $150 to install a new light switch. Whether you need to cut into the wall and repair drywall will determine your final project cost, as you can expect to pay $50 to $75 per square foot to repair drywall.
Hire an electrician the same way you would an employee. Ask questions and look for a good fit. Streamline the process by using these questions to ask an electrician. It's also common to ask for a quote in writing. Don’t forget to provide all the project details to ensure there are no surprises or opportunities for added fees.
DIYing your own light switch install is an easy project to tackle—especially if you’re replacing an existing switch. Rewiring a light switch yourself is also a quick 30-minute upgrade. For either project, you need to know how to isolate the circuit and operate some basic tools. Upgrading to a smart switch or dimmer switch gets a bit more intricate, so you may want to hire an electrician.
Bad switches are usually the result of loose wiring or overheating issues. In most cases, it’s not a fire hazard, but if you hear crackling, popping, or hissing sound when you flip the switch, this indicates live electricity inside the switch, which could pose a hazard if not remedied quickly.
Yes, you can put a dimmer on a three-way switch, but it can’t be the same kind of dimmer you’d put on a standard light switch. A three-way switch requires a three-way dimmer. If two switches control a single or multiple lights, then you need a three-way dimmer. The type of light bulb should also be compatible with your fixture and dimmer.
It usually takes 30 minutes or less to install a light switch, but the exact time commitment depends on the kind of switch you’re planning to put in. For example, installing a dimmer switch takes longer than a standard on-off switch. The actual swap of the hardware may take only about 15 minutes, but don’t rush your way through the safety protocols—be sure to turn off the breaker and carefully test that the switch has no power before you start.
Mariel is a writer from New York City who has a passion for helping renters and homeowners make their space unapologetically their own—and save a few bucks along the way.
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