Most homeowners pay $1,000–$4,000 to install a new skylight, with reported averages of about $1,900–$2,900 per unit. Tubular skylights (sun tunnels) cost $500–$2,100, and replacing an existing skylight in the same opening runs about $800–$2,400 (Angi and HomeGuide data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 2 more. National US estimates.
A skylight can brighten a dark hallway, bathroom or kitchen without adding a wall window. New installation means cutting a hole in the roof, framing the opening, flashing it into the roofing and, in most houses, building a drywall light shaft down through the attic to the ceiling.
Below are installed prices by skylight type, size and roof type, a line-item breakdown and ways to keep the project on budget. Because a skylight is a roof penetration, flashing quality matters; our roof flashing repair cost guide explains what fixes cost if one leaks later.
Average cost
Typical installed costs per skylight, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tubular skylight (sun tunnel) | $500–$2,100 | No framing changes; installs in a few hours |
| Standard fixed or manual vented skylight, pitched roof, short shaft | $1,000–$4,000 | Most common; Angi average $1,920, HomeGuide average $2,900 |
| Large, electric or solar-powered, custom or flat-roof skylight | $2,400–$5,700 | Bigger openings, more framing, motorized units |
| Replacing an existing skylight (same opening) | $800–$2,400 | Reuses the framed opening and shaft |
Skylight cost by type
| Skylight type | Unit price | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tubular sun tunnel | $150–$500 | $500–$2,100 |
| Fixed | $150–$800 | $1,200–$4,000 |
| Manual vented | $300–$1,200 | $1,600–$3,900 |
| Electric vented | $1,100–$1,600 | $2,500–$4,600 |
| Solar-powered vented | $1,100–$2,000 | $2,400–$4,700 |
| Custom | — | $2,500–$5,500+ |
Skylight cost by size
| Size (inches) | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| 10–14 (tubular) | $900–$1,600 |
| 21 × 38 to 30 × 30 | $1,400–$4,200 |
| 30 × 46 to 33 × 33 | $1,500–$4,300 |
| 46 × 46 | $1,700–$4,600 |
| 48–72 | $2,500–$5,000+ |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for installing one mid-size fixed or manual vented skylight in a pitched asphalt shingle roof, with a short drywall light shaft. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Skylight unit & flashing kit | $150–$1,200 | Fixed units $150–$800; manual vented $300–$1,200 |
| Installation labor | $500–$2,000 | Cutting the roof, framing, flashing; Angi reports $500–$1,500, HomeGuide up to $3,200 |
| Interior finishing | $200–$600 | Drywall shaft finishing and paint |
| Permits & inspections | $50–$400 | Building permit; electrical permit for motorized units |
| Contingency | $100–$400 | Extra framing around rafters or trusses, disposal |
| Estimated total | $1,000–$4,600 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor and interior finishing usually cost more than the skylight itself, which is why a tubular skylight is so much cheaper.
What affects the price
- Skylight type (fixed, vented, tubular). Tubular skylights are the cheapest at about $500–$2,100 installed; fixed units run $1,200–$4,000, vented units $1,600–$3,900, and electric or solar-powered vented models $2,400–$4,700.
- Size. Small 10–14 inch units cost about $900–$1,600; standard sizes up to 46 × 46 inches run $1,400–$4,600, and very large units can exceed $5,000.
- Roof type and pitch. Asphalt shingle and flat roofs are the simplest to work with; tile or metal roofs need extra labor and materials. HomeGuide puts flat-roof installs at $2,100–$4,800 versus $1,600–$4,200 for pitched roofs.
- Framing changes. If the skylight is wider than the rafter spacing, the opening must be reframed; Angi lists $300–$800 for a carpenter and the same for a structural engineer when trusses are involved.
- Electrical or solar-powered operation. Electric vented skylights need wiring, with an electrician at roughly $100–$350 for the hookup and sometimes an electrical permit. Solar-powered units avoid the wiring but cost more to buy.
- Interior finishing. Building and finishing the light shaft adds drywall at about $1.50–$3.50 per sq. ft. plus paint; finishing work alone often runs $200–$600. Attic installs with a long chase tunnel average $2,600–$5,700.
Ways to save
- Consider a tubular skylight for hallways, closets and bathrooms. It delivers daylight for a fraction of a full skylight because no framing or drywall shaft is needed.
- Choose a standard size that fits between existing rafters to avoid reframing and engineering costs.
- Install the skylight when you replace your roof; the roof is already open, and the installer can flash it with the new roofing.
- Ask your utility and state energy office about rebates for ENERGY STAR skylights. The federal 25C tax credit ended for products installed after December 31, 2025, so don't count on it for a 2026 project.
- Get at least three written quotes that specify the model, size, flashing kit, shaft finishing and permit, so you're comparing the same scope.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three licensed, insured roofers or skylight installers for written quotes after a site visit. Tell them:
- Which room the skylight is for, the ceiling type (vaulted or flat with attic above) and the size you want.
- The type (fixed, manual vented, electric, solar-powered or tubular) and any glazing or blind options.
- Your roof material, pitch and age; if the roof is near replacement, ask about coordinating the work.
- Ask what is included: framing, flashing kit, light shaft, drywall finishing and paint, permits, disposal and the leak warranty.
FAQ
Do skylights leak?
A properly flashed skylight shouldn't. Most leaks come from failed flashing or sealant, and a skylight leak repair typically costs $300–$800. Using the manufacturer's flashing kit and an experienced installer is the best prevention.
How long does skylight installation take?
A tubular skylight can go in within a few hours. A new standard skylight takes about 1–3 days including framing and finishing, while replacing an existing unit takes about 3–5 hours.
Do I need a permit to install a skylight?
Usually yes for a new opening, because it involves cutting the roof structure. Permits typically cost $50–$400, and inspections can add $100–$250.
For the big picture, start with our complete roof replacement cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Skylight Installation Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Sep 8, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does a Skylight Cost to Install? (2026) (Aug 29, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Angi — How Much Does Roof Repair Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Aug 3, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all exterior cost guides.