Skylight installation costs $1,080 to $5,332 a job in 2026
Skylight installation costs $1,080 to $5,332 a job in 2026. HomeGuide puts the national average at $2,900, with most jobs at $1,600 to $4,200. Homeyou lists an average near $3,604. Fixr lists a lower $1,523 average. The type of skylight, the roof, and the labor move the price. A tubular skylight costs far less than a fixed or ventilating one.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide (edited August 29, 2025) says the national average is $2,900, with most new installs at $1,600 to $4,200 and labor at $1,200 to $3,200. |
| Fixr | Fixr (updated January 31, 2025) lists an average of $1,523, a range of $1,080 to $1,966, and unit prices of $229 to $417 for tubular and $574 to $1,044 for ventilating. |
| LawnStarter | LawnStarter lists an average unit price of $2,115, a typical range of $1,185 to $3,170, and labor of $350 to $550 for tubular and $1,300 to $3,725 for ventilated. |
| Homeyou | Homeyou says skylight installation costs between $1,703 and $5,332 in 2026, with an average near $3,604. |
Skylight installation price by type
| Type | Installed price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tubular skylight | $500 to $1,000 | HomeGuide |
| Fixed skylight | $1,500 to $4,000 | HomeGuide |
| Ventilating skylight | $1,600 to $4,700 | HomeGuide |
| Replace an existing skylight | $800 to $2,400 | HomeGuide |
| Electric skylight | $2,900 to $6,955 | Homeyou |
| Flashing installation | $592 to $1,844 | Homeyou |
| Drywall repair, extra | $300 to $1,500 | HomeGuide |
| Permit, extra | $100 to $500 | HomeGuide |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of skylight | HomeGuide lists tubular at $500 to $1,000 installed, fixed at $1,500 to $4,000, and ventilating at $1,600 to $4,700. |
| Size | Bigger units cost more and need more labor. Fixr lists a 44 by 46 inch skylight at $564 to $1,027 for the unit alone. |
| New cut or replacement | HomeGuide says replacing an existing skylight costs $800 to $2,400, less than a new installation because the roof is already open. |
| Labor | HomeGuide says labor runs $1,200 to $3,200. LawnStarter lists $350 to $550 for tubular and $1,300 to $3,725 for ventilated. |
| Extra work | HomeGuide lists drywall repair at $300 to $1,500, an electrician at $100 to $350, and permits at $100 to $500. |
What the price includes
The price usually covers the skylight, flashing, and labor to cut the roof and set the unit. It often does not cover drywall repair, painting, a light shaft, wiring, permits, or a structural engineer. Electric and solar models cost more. Ask if the quote lists each of these items. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
DIY or hire a pro
A skylight means cutting a hole in your roof, so most people hire a pro. A mistake can cause leaks, rot, or a weak roof. A small tubular unit is easier to set than a large one, and it costs less to install, at $500 to $1,000 by HomeGuide. For a fixed or ventilating unit, HomeGuide lists labor at $1,200 to $3,200. Larger openings may need a structural check. Many cities ask for a permit, so check yours first. Ask any pro for proof of insurance.
How to tell you need it
You may want a skylight if a room is dark and you cannot add a window on a wall. You may need a replacement if the old one leaks, has fogged glass, or has a cracked frame. Water stains on the ceiling near the skylight are a warning sign. Fix leaks soon, because water can harm the roof, the drywall, and the framing.
How to judge your quote
- Ask for the skylight type, size, and brand in the quote.
- Ask if flashing, drywall, paint, and permits are in the price.
- Ask how the pro will seal the roof and what the leak warranty covers.
- Get at least three written quotes before you pick.
- Compare the total with the range above: $1,080 to $5,332 per job for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Think about a tubular skylight. HomeGuide lists them at $500 to $1,000 installed, far below the $1,500 to $4,000 for a fixed unit.
- Choose a fixed skylight if you do not need to open it. HomeGuide lists ventilating units at $1,600 to $4,700.
- Replace an old skylight at the same spot. HomeGuide says replacement costs $800 to $2,400, less than a new cut.
- Get three quotes with each item written out. LawnStarter shows labor can run from $350 to $3,725 depending on the type.
- Plan the drywall and paint yourself. HomeGuide lists drywall repair at $300 to $1,500 or more, which a quote may add.
Why this costs more in 2026
Trade labor now runs about $75 to $150 an hour in most of the US. Lumber, steel, copper, PVC and concrete all cost more than in 2024, and freight went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Skylight jobs cost more in 2026 because roofing labor, flashing, and glass have all gone up in price.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from HomeGuide, Fixr, LawnStarter and Homeyou. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to install a skylight?
HomeGuide says the national average is $2,900, with most jobs at $1,600 to $4,200. Homeyou lists an average near $3,604.
How much is labor to install a skylight?
HomeGuide says $1,200 to $3,200. LawnStarter lists $350 to $550 for tubular and $1,300 to $3,725 for ventilated.
Is a tubular skylight cheaper?
Yes. HomeGuide lists tubular at $500 to $1,000 installed, compared with $1,500 to $4,000 for fixed.
Is replacing a skylight cheaper than a new one?
Yes. HomeGuide says replacement costs $800 to $2,400, while a new installation averages $2,900.
What extra costs should I plan for?
HomeGuide lists drywall repair at $300 to $1,500 or more, an electrician at $100 to $350, and permits at $100 to $500.