How Much Does Microwave Installation Cost in 2025?

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

If you’re ready to boost your kitchen’s convenience, installing a microwave is a quick win. Homeowners spend an average of $153, with most bills ranging from $110 to $198. Build these costs into your budget upfront so surprises don’t pop up later. Then hire a licensed professional to handle the job safely and ensure everything is up to code.

Over-the-Range Microwave Installation Cost Factors

The cost to install a microwave depends on several factors, including the type of ductwork required, whether a hood replacement is necessary, and electrical fees.

Duct Installation

If your kitchen doesn’t already have ductwork, plan on spending $150 to $600 for the cost of ductwork installation. You could opt for a ductless model, but a ducted unit vents steam and smoke outside far more effectively.

Range Hood Replacement

Because an over-the-range microwave handles both cooking and venting, it’s an easy upgrade from a standalone hood—and it costs less to install than a separate range hood.

Electrical Upgrades

Factor in possible electrical upgrades when budgeting for microwave installation. Most over-the-range units require their own 120-volt, 20-amp circuit, which costs between $800 and $2,000 to install. Even if a handyperson mounts the microwave, bring in a licensed electrician for any wiring so everything passes inspection.

Built-In Microwave Cost Factors

Plan on paying $500 to $2,500 for a built-in microwave, depending on the level of cabinet customization required.

Cabinet and Drawer Installation

Tucking the microwave into a cabinet or drawer requires $400 to $500 in cabinet modifications—plus the cost of the appliance itself.

Microwave Mounting Kits

Mounting kits range from $20 to $50 and include the necessary brackets to secure the microwave to a wall or beneath a counter. Higher-end kits may consist of a shelf or additional hooks for utensils, providing you with a bit more storage space.

Additional Microwave Installation Cost Factors

Electrical work, cabinet tweaks, or even hauling away the old unit can also affect your final price either positively or negatively.

Adding an Outlet

The cost to install an outlet is $150 to $350. If you need a new one nearby, hire a local electrician to install it safely and securely.

Modifying Cabinets

Custom cabinet work costs $500 to $1,500 per linear foot and is often part of a built-in or under-cabinet install.

Disposal of the Old Unit

Hauling away the old microwave adds $20 to $50, although many pros roll that fee into the job.

Cost to Install a Microwave by Location

Where you park the microwave can make or break the budget. A simple countertop model is quick to set up, but a built-in takes more skill—and more cash—because of the extra carpentry and wiring. 

New Microwave Costs by Type

Microwave costs vary depending on the type of microwave. A basic conventional model with minimal features can cost as little as $60, while high-end combination microwaves can cost up to $5,000.

Conventional Microwave

A conventional microwave can cost anywhere from $60 to $100, depending on the brand and model. This is the standard microwave you'll find on most kitchen countertops and is the most budget-friendly option. Conventional microwaves perform basic functions, such as heating or defrosting food, but they can't be used for cooking.

Convection Microwave

Convection microwaves cost $2,000 and up. They heat food like a regular microwave but also have an extra heating element and fan that circulates hot air to brown or crisp food surfaces.

Combination Microwave

Combination microwaves cost between $2,500 and $5,000. Including labor, the total installation cost ranges from $2,600 to $5,200. These microwaves offer several cooking modes in one appliance, including conventional, convection, and steaming. You can use one mode at a time or combine them for faster cooking.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install a Microwave

Countertop units are plug-and-play, but once you start hanging a microwave under a shelf—or wiring a built-in or over-the-range model—it’s time to call a professional, especially when new wiring is involved.

Skip the guesswork—hire a professional appliance installer near you to ensure the microwave is mounted safely and runs smoothly.

Contact a professional now to ensure a safe and reliable installation.

Ways to Save on Microwave Installation

With thoughtful planning, you can reduce your microwave installation costs while still achieving professional results. Consider these money-saving strategies:

• Choose a countertop model instead of a built-in option to eliminate cabinet modification costs.

• Install your microwave near an existing outlet to avoid electrical work expenses.

• Look for floor models or open-box appliances at home improvement stores for discounted prices.

• Ask your installer about bundling services if you're updating multiple kitchen appliances.

• Time your installation during off-peak seasons when contractors may offer competitive rates.

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.