(single-pole toggle switch with one circuit, no rewiring)
(touch control smart switch with Wi-Fi, programmable features, requiring new wiring)
Cost to install a light switch varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from electricians in your city.
The average cost of installing a light switch is $125.
Installing a light switch is an easy and convenient project. Light switches are an obvious necessity in every home, and convenient placement can make a big difference in easily navigating in the dark.
There are quite a few different options depending on your needs. The average cost to install a three-way toggle light switch at the top and bottom of a staircase without rewiring is $125.
When installing a light switch you’ll need to consider all the costs associated with it. Besides a wall plate, you might also need hardware and fittings, additional wiring, or upgrades to the type of switch. The average cost to install a common toggle light switch is $75 to $255.
While you should hire a professional to install new light switches because it requires rewiring electrical components, there are things you can do to prepare for the installation ahead of time.
You might think it’s simple to choose a basic light switch for your installation, however, there are many different switches to consider based on your needs.
Toggle switches turn on and off by flipping the switch to an up or down position; similarly, rocker switches rocks up and down to turn on or off. They come in single pole, double pole, three-way, and four-way options. These are the most common switches with an average price between $2 and $12.
Switch type | Characteristics | Cost |
---|---|---|
Single-pole | Controls one circuit Two terminals turn the one circuit on or off Controls one light from one single location Controls a voltage of 120 volts | $2 |
Four-way | Similar to three-way, but with four terminals The least common type of light switch ex.: in larger rooms that have multiple switches and entry points | $5 |
Double-pole | Like a single-pole, but with four terminals Usually found in factories Controls larger voltage such as 240 volts | $7 |
Three-way | Controls one circuit from two different locations Three terminals turn on or off with two light switches Flipping up or down turns it on or off | $11 |
Rocker switch | An alternative type of toggle switch Considered decorative as it lays flatter against the wall Broad lever activated with a “rocking” motion Single-pole and three-way options | $12 |
Dimmer switches are also known as a “selector light switches” or “dimmer controls.” They offer multiple positions for different levels of illumination. The circuit allows you to change the brightness by reducing or increasing the voltage of the bulb.
Using energy-saving programmable switches and dimmers instead of manual toggle switches can help you save money on energy costs. Dimming light bulbs, for example, reduces the output and wattage. The average price for a dimmer ranges between $7 and $23.
Dimmer switches work with most halogen and incandescent light bulbs as long as they are rated for the same wattage and voltage as the electrical switch. Some new bulbs will say they are specifically compatible with dimmer switches.
There’s a variety of dimmer switches to choose from:
Switch type | Characteristics | Cost |
---|---|---|
Rotary dimmer | Most common Rotating the knob allows you to turn the light brighter or dimmer | $7 |
Sliding dimmer | Instead of rotating, slides up and down or side to side to change brightness Sometimes has an on/off toggle button | $12 |
Switch dimmer | Looks like a single-pole toggle switch Has a smaller, less prominent slider next to the toggle switch The best option for setting brightness and leaving it | $23 |
Smart switches are usually rocker switches or button controls. They include Wi-Fi options and programmable options, often allowing you to control them from your smart device. They also come in single-pole or three-way options. The switch usually comes in a rocker style or touch style. The average price for a smart switch is between $20 and $30.
Type | Characteristics | Cost |
---|---|---|
Amazon Alexa- or Google Home-Integrated | Integrates with Amazon Alexa or Google Home In-wall timer Remote Wi-Fi control from a smartphone No hub needed | $20 |
Dimmer switch | Works wirelessly to control, adjust, and schedule brightness and on/off controls Allows control from your smartphone when not home Some are Amazon Alexa Compatible with Alexa hub | $30 |
Smart switch with multiple controls | For use with lights, ceiling fixtures, and other plugged in fixtures Control from your smartphone Automatic adjustment to the sunrise and sunset Includes timer settings for when you are away | $30 |
Touch control lighted switch | Turns on and off with a touch Lighted for easy seeing Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to turn lights off with your voice Control remotely from a smartphone | $40 |
Installing a single light switch is a relatively easy and quick process if rewiring is not needed. First, the electrician will shut off the current to the room where the light switch is or will be located. He will remove the switch cover plate and then test the wires connected to the switch with a non-contact voltage tester to make sure they are not live. If the tester lights up, the switch is still live. Once he knows the wires are dead, he will unscrew the old switch, pull it from the switch box nestled in the wall, loosen the terminal screws, and unhook the wires.
If the wires have rough ends or damage the electrician will clip off the damaged areas and then strip a ½-inch of the insulation to expose the wire, create a hook in the exposed wire, wrap it around the new terminal screws on the new switch, push the new switch back into the box, and replace the wall cover. Lastly, he will turn the power back on and check it again with the voltage tester to make sure it’s working. The entire process, without replacing wires, is very quick, about 15 minutes for one switch.
Unless you are a licensed electrician, or you thoroughly understand electrical code, you should not perform this job by yourself. It is dangerous to play around with electrical components if you don’t know what you’re doing due to the risk of accidental electrocution.
Electricians usually charge by the hour. They will usually charge a minimum fee for one hour, however, some may provide a free estimate and not charge you until they perform the installation. Even if a simple replacement only takes an electrician a few minutes, some of them may still charge you for the hour, that is why you may want to consider adding on multiple switches or other projects to increase the value. They may then provide an entire project price rather than charge by the hour. They may give an estimate or project price if you have more than one light switch to install. Electricians charge either by the hour $65-$85 per hour, or by the project, which can cost anywhere from $200-$750.
Prices in some states are more competitive than others, such as in a larger metropolis where more electricians work compared to rural areas where there are fewer. Prices are also considerably higher in cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia than they might be in Texas or Florida.
Be aware of the following additional costs and considerations before installing or replacing a light switch.
It costs between $75 and $255 on average.
Installing a new electrical outlet costs from $200-$750 on average.
You should hire an electrician who understands the electrical code and is licensed to perform these tasks.
An electrician charges between $65 and $85 per hour on average.
Yes, some wires are for turning on and off and some are for grounding the light.
The light switch will not work properly and you could blow a fuse.
There are two or more terminal points on the back of the light switch that the wires are screwed into.
Yes, light switches can become old and worn or stop working.
Cost to install a light switch varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.