How Much Does Skylight Installation Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing a skylight costs most homeowners between $1,010 and $2,816, with an average cost of $1,912. Prices start at $450 for a small, fixed-roof window and go up to $5,300 for larger options. The skylight’s size, style, customizations, and your roof type will determine the total cost. Professional installation—which is essential for proper placement and to prevent costly leaks—will add $300 to $2,500 to your project's total cost.

Skylight Installation Cost Factors

Several factors will affect the cost of installing a skylight in your home, such as the size, type, and window finish you choose.

Size

The size of your skylight will significantly impact the overall cost of your project. Larger skylights are more expensive due to both the materials and installation labor required, as they are more complex and necessitate increased effort to install them safely and securely. While smaller skylights are less costly, they may not provide enough natural light for your larger rooms. Choosing the right size is crucial to balance cost and functionality in your home.

Below is a table outlining the different types of skylights, categorized by size and their associated costs.

If your roof opening doesn’t fit one of the standard sizes listed above, expect to pay at least 25% more for a custom-sized skylight. Oversized or uniquely shaped skylights will not only increase material costs but also labor costs due to the additional work required during installation.

Choosing a skylight of the appropriate size is essential. A skylight that is too small may not provide sufficient natural light, while one that is too large could lead to increased energy loss or potential leaks if not installed correctly.

Type

Skylights range from $200 to $2,000, depending on the type you choose. Fixed skylights tend to be the least expensive, while high-quality, branded skylights cost more but last longer. If you're interested in additional features, like ventilating skylights, expect to spend more than on basic models.

Fixed skylights are simple glass structures that act like a window in your ceiling. These skylights cannot be opened, but they are among the least expensive to install. As the name suggests, ventilating skylights can be opened to increase airflow. Tubular skylights are a unique type—they are small tubes that reflect light into the home through a tiny opening, making them the most cost-effective way to add a skylight to your home.

Roof Type

If you have a flat roof, you’ll pay more to install a skylight than on a pitched roof because it requires more drywall work. Skylights for flat roofs or Spanish tiled pitched roofs may also cost more due to the added protection against leaks.

A deck-mounted skylight, which ranges from $150 to $2,500, is more commonly used for pitched roofs with angles ranging from 15 to 85 degrees. This type of skylight mounting allows the window to sit flush with the roof. Curb-mounted skylights are best for roofs with a pitch of at least 60 degrees but may require more time for installation, making this mounting style more expensive.

For roofs with trusses, smaller skylights can often be installed without issue. However, wider skylights may necessitate hiring a structural engineer to widen the truss to accommodate the skylight.

Customizations

Custom skylights cost between $1,500 and $5,000, excluding labor. You can opt for unique shapes and sizes or choose particular glass patterns or colors, such as stained or etched glass. Some skylight brands even offer optional retractable shades in a variety of colors.

Custom skylights may be the best option if you have an irregular roof or if you install them during construction on a new home or commercial building rather than inserting them into a standard, existing roof.

Due to the complexity of installing custom skylights, labor costs for this type of project can range from $2,500 to $ 3,000.

Labor

Installing a skylight involves several professionals who contribute to different aspects of your project. Here's who you might need:

• Roofers: They'll cut the roof opening, install the skylight unit, and ensure your roof is properly sealed to prevent leaks. Roofing labor costs range from $50 to $100 per hour.

• Carpenters: They handle any necessary framing adjustments and interior finishing around your skylight. Carpenters charge between $40 and $80 per hour.

• Window Installers: Specializing in the installation of skylights and other windows, they ensure your skylight is fitted correctly and sealed. Their rates range from $30 to $60 per hour.

• Electricians: If your skylight features electrical components, such as remote-controlled vents or blinds, you will need an electrician to handle the wiring. Electricians charge between $50 and $100 per hour.

The total cost to hire a skylight installation professional near you can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the job, with prices ranging from $300 to $2,500. Factors influencing labor costs include the type of roof (flat, pitched, or steeply sloped), skylight size, and any additional features that require electrical work.

Regional market variations can also affect labor costs. For example, labor rates in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living tend to be higher than those in rural areas. Additionally, seasonal demand can impact the availability and pricing of professional services, so scheduling your installation during the off-peak season may result in reduced costs.

Electrical Work

Vented skylights with remote controls may require electrical work. If you opt for these skylights, include the cost of hiring an electrician in your overall budget, as most installers do not lay wiring. Some skylight brands offer a built-in solar panel, enabling the vented skylight to operate without requiring any additional electrical work.

Does Installing a Skylight Increase Home Value?

While skylights are a beautiful addition to your home, they don't always directly add value as you might expect. Some potential buyers will love the extra light and energy efficiency a skylight offers, while others may not consider it a high priority. Therefore, consider installing a skylight for your own enjoyment, rather than solely for the sake of increasing your home's value.

Budgeting for the Cost of Putting in a Skylight

Adding a skylight to your home can get expensive quickly, but there are ways to save on this home improvement project:

• To add light as inexpensively as possible, consider choosing a tubular skylight over a traditional glass one.

• Invest in a quality skylight, along with high-quality materials and labor, to save on future glass replacement costs and other issues.

• Pay upfront for smart glass installation costs and other energy-efficient features for long-term savings.

• Choose a traditional, square-shaped skylight over a more expensive dome or triangle style to keep costs down.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.