Backsplash installation costs $15 to $40 per square foot, or $480 to $1,500 for a typical 35-square-foot project.1 National averages sit at $1,000 (Angi and Fixr agree); HomeGuide’s band runs $500 to $1,700.23 Prices below are national averages* for 2026.
*National averages, not local quotes. Your price depends on material, square footage, pattern complexity, and how many outlets the installer cuts around.
$1,000
average, Angi & Fixr
$15 – $40
per sq ft, Angi
$5 – $20
labor per sq ft, Angi / HG
$6,000
high end, Fixr
Quick math: 35 sq ft at $15 to $40 per foot = $525 to $1,400, bracketing the $1,000 averages, our arithmetic.13 Fixr’s own average of $25 per square foot sits inside Angi’s band. Angi and Fixr agree on $1,000, which suggests a shared dataset, our reading.3
Cost by material
| Material | Cost per sq ft | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Basic tin or brick (low end) | from $10 | Angi |
| Wallpaper | $2 – $9 | HomeGuide |
| Tile (material only) | $1 – $65 | HomeGuide |
| Tile, installed | $10 – $50 | HomeGuide |
| Tile backsplash average | about $15 | Fixr |
| Slab backsplash average | about $30 | Fixr |
| High-end marble | up to $150 | Angi |
Labor and extras
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Install labor | $5 – $20 per sq ft | Angi / HomeGuide |
| Herringbone or mosaic work | about $100 per hour | Angi |
| Old backsplash removal | $2 – $6 per sq ft | Angi / HomeGuide |
| Labor share of total | 30% – 70% ($300 – $700) | Fixr |
Obstructions drive labor: every outlet, switch, window, or cabinet edge is a precise cut. Complex patterns like herringbone push rates higher (Angi).1
DIY vs pro
A simple tile backsplash is one of the more approachable DIY jobs. Home Depot’s tile section lists current tile prices (plain link, not affiliate). Natural stone slabs and full-height walls are better left to a pro.
Related guides
Grout Cleaning and Repair Cost
Tile Installation Cost
Quartz Countertops Cost
Kitchen Remodel Cost
All cost guides
Sources
1. Angi — How Much Does Kitchen Backsplash Cost?
2. HomeGuide — Backsplash Installation Cost
3. Fixr — Backsplash Installation Cost