How Much Does Microwave Installation Cost? [2026 Data]

Microwave Installation Cost Factors

Your cost to install a microwave depends on the cost of the microwave itself, as well as any labor and custom work to your cabinets. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect.

New Microwave

Depending on the type and brand, a new microwave costs between $60 and $5,000. If you’re looking for a standard countertop microwave, it costs $60 to $100.

On the other hand, you might be looking for a microwave with all the bells and whistles. A high-end stainless steel microwave and convection oven combo can cost upward of $2,000, while a sleek, smart microwave and wall oven combo ranges between $2,000 and $5,000.

Generally speaking, microwaves on the higher side come with smart features. These can include apps to control your microwave or features and sensors that sync your microwave with other smart appliances in your kitchen.

Microwave Mount

The cost to mount your microwave will depend on where you plan to mount it and if you need additional work. For example, if you already have an electrical outlet for the microwave, a sturdy wall to work with, and a model that doesn’t require ventilation, you may be able to DIY the job for the cost of the mounting kit. The mounting kits range between $20 and $50.

Labor 

In most cases, you’ll need to hire a pro to install your microwave. Most microwave installations take one to three hours. You can expect to pay $50 to $80 per hour for a basic microwave replacement. If you need contractors other than the microwave installer (like someone to help with ductwork), it costs $40 to $100 per hour for electricians and $40 to $80 per hour for cabinet installers.

Electrical Wiring

When installing your new microwave, it’s important that your electrical wiring is in good working order. If you live in an older home, you may need to get electrical work done before you can plug in your microwave. This might mean upgrading an old outlet, which costs $65 to $150, or upgrading your electrical panel, which costs $800 to $2,000.

Even if your electrical system is in good shape, you might need to install a new outlet near your microwave, which costs $150 to $350.

Modifying or Updating Cabinets

Built-in and drawer microwaves may require you to modify your cabinets. Modifying one cabinet to fit your microwave costs $400 to $500. You might also need to install new cabinetry for your microwave, which costs $500 to $1,500 per linear foot. A cabinet specialist can quote you for the modifications. 

Ventilation

For vented over-the-range microwaves, you may need to spend $150 to $600 to install new venting ductwork. It’s best to install a direct vent to the outdoors since you can’t vent into your attic or crawl space, nor can you connect it to common ductwork. 

Removal and Disposal of an Old Microwave

When you hire a pro to install your new microwave, they may haul away your old one for free. But if the quote doesn’t include microwave disposal, you can expect to pay $20 to $50.

Average Cost to Install a Microwave by Type

Do you need a microwave so you can pop a bowl of popcorn occasionally on the weekends, or do you need a combo unit that also doubles as a convection oven? Depending on what you need, there are different types of microwaves to choose from, each with varying price points.

Countertop 

Countertop microwaves are the easiest to install. Labor is free if you opt to do it yourself, or it can cost up to $80 if you get the unit delivered and professionally installed.

With countertop units ranging between $50 and $500, the total cost of labor and materials is $100 to $580.

Over-the-Range

Over-the-range microwaves help you save precious counter space and double as a range hood vent. Over-the-range microwaves cost $150 to $600, but the total cost with installation is $250 to $1,200. This style of microwave is best for people who don’t need a full-sized vent hood—so if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, consider another option.

Installing an over-the-range microwave costs $100 to $300 for labor, although that price can increase to $200 to $600 or more if you need to install new ducting.

When it comes to the type of microwave installation most homeowners want, the choice is overwhelmingly clear. Based on the responses of 4,800 Angi customers, 85% of all microwave installation requests are for over-the-range microwaves. This is most likely due to their ability to save counter space and act as a ventilation fan for the stovetop.

Built-In

Built-in microwaves are a good alternative to over-the-range microwaves for the passionate home cook. These microwaves cost $400 to $2,000, so after labor costs, the installation will run you $500 to $2,500. This style saves counter space while getting the sophisticated custom look of built-in appliances.

Labor costs $100 to $300, although it can reach $500 or more if you need cabinetry work—it’ll depend on your kitchen layout. For many people, it’s as simple as replacing one cabinet with a microwave.

Drawer

Drawer microwaves, sometimes called under-counter microwaves, are top-loading and go into bottom cabinets. The installation runs from $260 to $430. After the unit cost, which is $1,000 to $2,000, you can expect to spend $1,260 to $2,430 on a drawer microwave. It’s a modern, sleek option because the microwave is out of sight and easy to access.

Combo Oven

Wall oven and microwave combinations are a good investment if you’re doing a kitchen remodel or furnishing a new kitchen from scratch. Labor for installing these is $100 to $200 on average. After the cost of the unit, which is $2,500 to $5,000, you can expect to pay $2,600 to $5,200 for a combo oven. These units are very modern-looking and great for people with a busy schedule who also enjoy baking on the weekends.

Microwave Installation Cost by Location

In most states, installing a microwave costs between $100 and $200, based on actual project costs reported by over 1,600 Angi members. However, Connecticut and Hawaii both see this cost breaking the $200 mark. Remember that it’s always best to get an exact quote from a pro for accurate budgeting.

Why You Should Hire a Microwave Installation Pro

You won’t need to call in a local microwave installation pro if you purchase a countertop model that simply sits on the surface, and mounting one is within reach for most DIYers. However, unless you're a home-improvement guru, built-in microwaves—or any setup that needs cabinet modifications or venting—are best left to the pros. This avoids costly carpentry blunders or a microwave that overheats thanks to poor airflow.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a microwave installation pro

Not sure if it’s worth paying a pro to put your microwave in place? These reasons might nudge you in that direction:

• Pros know how to pick the right size and type of microwave to fit your cabinetry or over your range.

• You don’t have to worry about moving or damaging a heavy appliance.

• They’ve got the know-how to fit the microwave neatly while still allowing enough airflow to prevent overheating.

• DIY mistakes can lead to costly cabinetry, countertop, or wall repairs.

• In some cases, your built-in microwave’s warranty will only be valid if a professional handles the fitting.

If you want to DIY microwave installation

For built-in microwave installations that are out of your DIY league, you can save the pros some time—and maybe reduce your bill—by tackling these tasks in advance of their visit:

• Clear your kitchen counters and around the installation area.

• Remove and dispose of any old microwave safely.

• Hold onto old hardware that’s in good condition, as the pros may be able to reuse it.

• Buy the right microwave ahead of time, especially if you want to bag a bargain sale model. 

How to Save on Microwave Installation Costs 

The best way to save on microwave installation costs is to choose a unit that’s easy to install. Countertop microwaves usually don’t require anything more than clearing off space and a good, working outlet.

If you’ve decided on an over-the-range microwave and don’t have existing ductwork, going with a recirculating unit will save installation costs. Also, if you’re handy, you may be able to remove the existing hood vent on your own to save on labor costs.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to plan which appliances you want built in before you install any cabinetry. This is only possible for kitchen remodels or new construction, but if you know what you want beforehand, you can prep the cabinets for your appliances.

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 [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.