How Much Does It Cost to Install a Skylight?
$1,200 – $4,200
National average: $2,500 per skylight
Estimate your cost
Adjust the options for a tailored ballpark — figures and the regional adjustment are approximate estimates. Always confirm with local quotes before you budget.
A skylight floods a dark room with natural light and can add ventilation. Installation costs $1,200 to $4,200 per skylight in 2026, averaging around $2,500, with the type and your roof driving the price.
What you’re paying for
A skylight install is two jobs in one: cutting and flashing an opening in the roof, and finishing the light shaft through the ceiling inside. That’s why labor is the bulk of the cost — the unit itself can be as little as $150. Flashing and interior finishing are where quality (and leak-proofing) matter most.
Cost by type
The type sets the base price. The table below shows typical installed costs from a small tubular skylight to a solar-powered vented model.
Fixed, vented, or tubular?
A tubular skylight (sun tunnel) is a small, affordable way to light a hallway or closet. A fixed skylight is a sealed window to the sky — great for light, no ventilation. A vented skylight opens to release heat and moisture (manual, solar, or electric), ideal over kitchens and baths, at a higher price. Match the type to the room’s need.
The leak factor
Skylights have an undeserved reputation for leaking — almost always due to bad flashing, not the unit. Pay for proper flashing and an experienced installer, and your skylight will stay dry for decades. The cheapest place to cut corners is the most expensive place to fail.
How to save on a skylight
- Choose a tubular skylight for small spaces on a budget.
- Install during a roof replacement to share labor and flashing.
- Replace an existing skylight rather than cutting a new opening.
- Don’t skimp on flashing — it’s what prevents costly leaks.
| Component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skylight unit | $150 – $2,000 | — |
| Installation labor | $1,200 – $3,200 | — |
| Flashing & sealing | $150 – $600 | — |
| Drywall / shaft finishing | $300 – $1,500 | Light shaft through the ceiling |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tubular (sun tunnel) | $500 – $1,000 | Cheapest; small round light |
| Fixed skylight | $1,000 – $2,500 | — |
| Vented (manual) | $1,500 – $3,500 | — |
| Solar / electric vented | $2,000 – $4,500 | — |
What affects the price
- Type Tubular is cheapest; fixed is mid; vented and solar-powered models cost the most.
- Size Larger skylights cost more and require more framing and flashing.
- Roof material & pitch Tile, metal, and steep roofs are harder to cut and flash than asphalt.
- New vs. replacement Cutting a new opening (and a light shaft through the ceiling) costs more than swapping an existing skylight.
- Flashing & finishing Quality flashing and interior drywall finishing of the shaft add cost — and prevent leaks.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a skylight cost to install?
- Most skylights run $1,200–$4,200 installed, averaging about $2,500. Tubular skylights are cheapest ($500–$1,000); vented and solar models cost the most.
- Fixed vs. vented vs. tubular — which should I choose?
- Tubular skylights bring light to small spaces cheaply. Fixed skylights are a window to the sky with no opening. Vented skylights open for ventilation (manual, solar, or electric) at a higher price.
- Do skylights leak?
- Only poorly installed ones. Quality flashing and professional installation prevent leaks; most skylight leaks trace back to bad flashing or aging seals, not the unit itself.
- Does a skylight add home value?
- Skylights add natural light and appeal, which helps a home show well, especially in dark rooms. The return varies, but the comfort upgrade is real.
- Can I install a skylight myself?
- Cutting a roof opening and flashing it correctly is high-risk DIY — a leak can cause expensive damage. Most homeowners hire a roofer or skylight specialist.
- Should I add a skylight during a roof replacement?
- Yes — installing or replacing skylights while the roof is being redone shares labor and ensures fresh, integrated flashing.
How we estimate: ranges reflect typical U.S. pricing for materials and professional installation, compiled and cross-checked against the current (2026) industry sources listed below (see our data & methodology). Your actual cost depends on your location, project size, material grade, and local labor rates — always get multiple written quotes before you commit.
Sources
Cost ranges on this page were checked against current (2026) data from these industry sources: