Installing a microwave costs about $155 for a basic job, and $380 for an over-the-range model.1,2,3 The price climbs when the job needs new ductwork, a new circuit or cabinet changes.1,2 Prices below are national averages* for 2026.
*National averages, not local quotes. Your price depends on the microwave type, existing venting and wiring, and local labor rates.
$155
typical install (Angi, HomeAdvisor)
$380
over-the-range average (Fixr)
$150–$600
new ductwork
$20–$50
mounting kit
What sources say
| Source | Average or range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Angi | $155 average, $120 – $222 typical | Based on 1,765 Angi Pro projects; labor and mounting |
| HomeAdvisor | $155 average, $120 – $222 typical | Prints the same figures as Angi, so treat them as one dataset |
| Fixr | $380 average, $290 – $870 range | Over-the-range model; its low end is about $140 for a below-cabinet unit |
The gap is mostly job type. Angi and HomeAdvisor cover typical installs, including simple ones, while Fixr’s average is for an over-the-range unit.1,2,3
Total cost by microwave type (Angi)
| Type | Total with install |
|---|---|
| Countertop | $100 – $580 |
| Over-the-range | $250 – $1,200 |
| Built-in | $500 – $2,500 |
| Drawer | $1,260 – $2,430 |
| Wall oven and microwave combo | $2,600 – $5,200 |
These totals include the appliance. Angi lists installation alone for a drawer microwave at $260 to $430.1
Extras that add to the bill
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ductwork for a vented model | $150 – $600 |
| Cabinet modification | $400 – $500 |
| New cabinetry | $500 – $1,500 per linear foot |
| New outlet nearby | $150 – $350 |
| Outlet upgrade (Angi) | $65 – $150 |
| Dedicated 120V, 20A circuit (HomeAdvisor) | $800 – $2,000 |
| Mounting kit | $20 – $50 |
| Old microwave removal | $20 – $50 |
Angi puts labor at $50 to $80 per hour for basic replacement, with most jobs taking one to three hours. Electricians run $40 to $100 per hour and cabinet installers $40 to $80.1 Angi also says venting into an attic, crawl space or shared ductwork is not permitted, so a vented unit needs a direct path outdoors.1
Microwave prices (Fixr)
| Type | Appliance price |
|---|---|
| Conventional | $50 – $400 |
| Steam | $200 – $600 |
| Inverter | $200 – $600 |
| Convection | $200 – $2,000 |
| Combination | $1,500 – $5,000 |
DIY or hire
A countertop unit needs only an outlet. An over-the-range unit is a heavier job: it mounts to wall studs and cabinet, and Angi’s DIY guide calls it worth doing yourself if you are comfortable and have a helper, citing pro installs up to $185.4 Hire an electrician for any new wiring. Home Depot’s over-the-range microwave category shows the models and their mounting needs.
Related guides
Microwave Repair Cost in 2026: Prices by Part, Problem, and Brand
Wall Oven Installation Cost
Range Hood Installation Cost
Electrician Cost
Kitchen Remodel Cost
All cost guides
Sources
1. Angi — Microwave Installation Cost
2. HomeAdvisor — Microwave Installation Cost
3. Fixr — Microwave Installation Cost
4. Angi — How to Install an Over-the-Range Microwave