Average Dishwasher Installation Cost in 2026
The average dishwasher installation cost is $250 for a standard replacement or $480 for a first-time install. The wide ranges you see quoted online ($600-$1,700) include the dishwasher itself.
Direct Answer
- Average replacement (labor only)$225
- Average new install (labor only)$480
- Average appliance cost (mid-range)$700
- Average total (replacement, mid appliance)$975
Full Cost Breakdown by Scenario
| Scenario | Labor | Materials | Appliance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement (budget appliance) | $225 | $50 | $450 | $725 |
| Replacement (mid appliance) | $225 | $50 | $700 | $975 |
| New install (hookups needed, mid) | $500 | $150 | $700 | $1,350 |
| New install + new electrical (mid) | $800 | $200 | $700 | $1,700 |
6 Factors That Drive the Average Up or Down
Location
+20% to +30%NYC, SF, Boston metros pay significantly more for contractor labor than the national average.
Job complexity
Up to +$800A simple replacement is $150-300. Adding a new circuit or running plumbing through walls can add $500-800.
Who you hire
-$50 to +$150Home Depot/Lowe's bundle is cheapest ($99-150 with purchase). Independent plumber is most expensive for simple jobs but necessary for new installs.
Time of year
-15% to +10%January-February is contractor slow season. May-August is peak demand - rates are higher and availability is worse.
Appliance brand
+$50 to +$100Bosch requires special mounting brackets on stone countertops. Miele requires a licensed electrician due to hardwired installation.
Haul-away included
+$50 to +$150Removing and disposing of the old dishwasher adds $50-150 if not included in the quote. Always ask.
Average Total Cost by Region
| Region | Avg Total (replacement) | Avg Total (new install) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, MA, CT) | $1,100 | $1,700 | Highest labor rates + NYC permit costs |
| West Coast (CA, WA, OR) | $1,050 | $1,600 | SF/LA markets drive up average |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI) | $900 | $1,350 | Chicago above average; rural areas below |
| South (TX, FL, GA) | $800 | $1,200 | Most competitive contractor market |
How Dishwasher Installation Compares to Similar Jobs
| Job | Typical Labor Cost | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher replacement | $150-300 | Low - 1-2 hrs, beginner DIY |
| Garbage disposal installation | $150-300 | Low - similar complexity |
| Dishwasher new install | $300-700 | Medium - plumber required |
| Microwave installation (OTR) | $100-200 | Low |
| Water heater installation | $300-800 | Medium |
| Tankless water heater | $600-1,500 | High - plumber + electrician |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost to install a dishwasher?
The average dishwasher installation cost is $250 for a standard replacement or $480 for a first-time install. The wide range quoted online ($600-$1,700) includes the dishwasher appliance itself, which adds $400-$1,200 depending on brand and tier. If you already own the appliance, budget $150-300 labor for a replacement or $300-700 for a new install.
Why is the quoted range for dishwasher installation so wide?
The range is wide because two completely different jobs get grouped together: a simple swap ($150-300 labor) and a first-time install with no existing plumbing or electrical ($300-700+ labor). The appliance cost also varies from $300 for a budget model to $1,800 for a premium one. When you see "$600-$1,700" that is typically a mid-range replacement all-in, not just labor.
How long does dishwasher installation take?
A replacement with existing hookups takes 1-2 hours. A first-time installation with new plumbing takes 3-6 hours. A new installation requiring a new electrical circuit plus plumbing can take a full day or require two separate contractor visits (plumber and electrician on different days, each with their own call-out minimum).
Why is dishwasher installation so expensive for new installs?
For a replacement, the cost is not high - $150-300 is competitive for a licensed professional spending 1-2 hours. The cost becomes significant for first-time installations because three trades may be involved: a plumber for water and drain lines ($200-400), an electrician for a new circuit ($250-900), and sometimes a carpenter if walls need opening. Each trade has a minimum call-out fee regardless of how long the work takes.