Direct answer
The average cost to install a dishwasher is $1,000 to $1,500 all-in (typically around $1,200), including the appliance, for a standard replacement on existing hookups. Labor alone averages about $200, in a $150 to $300 range. A first-time install with no existing plumbing or electrical averages $1,350 to $1,700 all-in, with $300 to $700 in labor. The headline ranges you see quoted ($600 to $1,700) move mostly with the price of the appliance itself, not the labor.
Standard replacement
$250
Average labor only. Range $150-300.
First-time install
$480
Average labor only. Range $300-700.
Full cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Labor | Materials | Appliance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement (mid appliance) | $225 | $50 | $700 | $975 |
| Replacement (budget appliance) | $225 | $50 | $450 | $725 |
| New install + hookups (mid appliance) | $500 | $150 | $700 | $1,350 |
| New install + new electrical circuit | $800 | $200 | $700 | $1,700 |
What drives the average up or down
Location
Metro labor runs +20% to +35%; rural Southeast runs -15%.
Job complexity
New circuit, opened walls, or moving location can double labor.
Who you hire
Appliance tech $75-125/hr; plumber $75-150/hr; electrician $80-150/hr.
Time of year
January-February: rates 10-15% softer. May-August: peak demand, no discounts.
Appliance brand
Miele hardwire = +$100-200. Bosch on stone = +$50-100. Most others are flat.
Haul-away & permits
Haul-away $50-150. Permits $25-100, almost always required for new electrical.
Average by region
| Region | Replacement Total | New Install Total | vs National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $1,100 | $1,750 | +12% |
| West (CA / WA / OR) | $1,050 | $1,700 | +8% |
| Midwest | $900 | $1,400 | -3% |
| South | $800 | $1,250 | -12% |
How this fits in your home improvement budget
| Job | Total Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave install | $100-200 | 1-2 hrs |
| Garbage disposal | $250-400 | 1-2 hrs |
| Dishwasher (replacement) | $725-975 | 1-2 hrs |
| Dishwasher (new install) | $1,350-1,700 | 3-6 hrs |
| Water heater | $800-1,500 | 2-4 hrs |
Average cost: frequently asked
What is the average cost to install a dishwasher?
The average all-in cost is $1,000 to $1,500, typically around $1,200, when the appliance is included. Labor alone averages about $200, in a $150 to $300 range for a standard replacement on existing hookups. A first-time install with no existing plumbing or electrical runs $300 to $700 in labor and pushes the all-in total to $1,350 to $1,700.
What is the average cost to replace a dishwasher?
Replacing a dishwasher on existing hookups averages $725 to $975 all-in: roughly $225 in labor, $50 in materials, and $450 to $700 for the appliance. Labor alone is $150 to $300. This is the most common scenario, about 80% of dishwasher installation jobs.
What is the average cost of a new dishwasher installation with no existing hookups?
A first-time installation with no existing water, drain, or electrical averages $1,350 all-in for a mid-tier appliance, rising to $1,700 if a new dedicated electrical circuit is required. Labor alone is $300 to $700, or $600 to $1,200 when a new circuit is added by a licensed electrician. See first-time install.
How much is labor only to install a dishwasher?
Labor for a standard replacement averages about $200, in a $150 to $300 range. A first-time install averages $480 in labor, in a $300 to $700 range. Appliance technicians charge $75 to $125 per hour, plumbers $75 to $150, electricians $80 to $150. See the full labor cost breakdown.