Recessed lighting installation costs $125 to $300 per light in an existing ceiling, or $700 to $1,650 for a typical six-light room.2 Fixr’s per-light band runs $176 to $328, and a six-light project averages $1,467.3 Prices below are national averages* for 2026.
*National averages, not local quotes. Your price depends on fixture count, ceiling access, wiring runs, and whether you add dimmers.
$125 – $300
per light, existing ceiling, HomeGuide
$1,467
six-light average, Fixr
$75 – $200
labor per light, HomeGuide
$150 – $250
permit and inspection, Angi
Quick math: six lights at $125 to $300 each = $750 to $1,800, close to HomeGuide’s $700 to $1,650 six-light band, our arithmetic.2 Fixr’s $1,467 for six lights works out to about $244 each, inside its own per-light band, our arithmetic.3 Angi’s page labels a $1,900 to $2,500 figure “per fixture” in one bullet while giving a $1,800 project average elsewhere, so we cite only its labor and permit numbers.1
Cost per light by ceiling type (HomeGuide)
| Ceiling | Per light | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Existing ceiling (remodel housing) | $125 – $300 | Cut-in boxes, fishing wire |
| New construction (open joists) | $65 – $175 | No drywall to work around |
| Wiring around joists or ducts | add $200 per light | Extra labor |
Materials are the smaller half: builder-grade fixtures run $57 to $76 per light (Fixr) or $50 to $100 (HomeGuide); smart fixtures can hit $372 each (Fixr).23
Labor rates
| Pro | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $50 – $120 per hour | Angi |
| Electrician | $88 – $163 per hour | Fixr |
| Labor per fixture | $60 – $150 | Angi |
| Drywall repair (if needed) | $76 – $142 per hour | Fixr |
DIY vs pro
Swapping an existing can for a retrofit LED kit is a real DIY job; Fixr puts a DIY replacement as low as $20.3 Home Depot’s recessed lighting section lists current prices (plain link, not affiliate). New circuits, new wiring runs, and anything needing a permit belong with a licensed electrician.
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Electrician Cost
Drywall Installation Cost
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All cost guides
Sources
1. Angi — How Much Does It Cost to Install Recessed Lighting?
2. HomeGuide — Cost to Install Recessed Lighting
3. Fixr — Recessed Lighting Installation Cost