Dishwasher Installation Cost by Job Type
The biggest price swing comes from where the dishwasher is going. Sliding a new unit into the space an old one just left is a short job. Putting a dishwasher where there has never been one means cutting cabinets and running water, drain and power, which can triple the labor bill.
| Job type | Labor only | Total with a mid-range unit | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement in the same spot | $150–$350 | $1,000–$1,650 | 1–2 hours |
| Replacement plus new outlet | $300–$700 | $1,150–$1,900 | 2–4 hours |
| New location, lines close by | $300–$1,300 | $1,150–$2,500 | Half a day |
| New location with new circuit and rough-in plumbing | $950–$2,800 | $1,800–$4,000 | 1–2 days, plus cabinet work |
National cost guides put the average installed price, unit included, at roughly $1,200, with most jobs between about $600 and $1,700. If you already own the dishwasher, a straight swap usually costs $150 to $500 in labor depending on who does it and how much reconnection work the old setup needs.
The high end of the table is really a small kitchen remodel. Once a cabinet has to be removed and new supply and drain lines run, the plumbing and electrical trades each bill separately, and many jurisdictions want a permit. If you’re planning bigger changes anyway, pricing it as part of a kitchen remodel often makes more sense than a stand-alone job.
Cost by dishwasher type
The unit itself is usually the larger share of the bill. Standard 24-inch built-ins are the cheapest to install because every cabinet opening and hookup is designed around them. Panel-ready, drawer and oversized models need more fitting time. Published ranges differ between cost guides, so treat these as ballpark figures.
| Type | Unit price | Installed cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 24-inch built-in | $350–$1,600 | $600–$1,700 | Fits standard cabinet opening |
| Compact 18-inch built-in | Usually below full-size | $500–$900 | Small kitchens, condos |
| Panel-ready (integrated) | $630–$3,000 | $1,000–$2,000+ | Custom panel costs extra |
| Double drawer | $750–$2,000 | $1,300–$2,200 | More fitting and leveling time |
| Portable or countertop | $250–$750 | $400–$800 | Connects to the faucet, little or no labor |
Portable and countertop models are the one case where professional installation is rarely needed, since they attach to the kitchen faucet with an adapter. Everything else is hard-plumbed to a hot-water supply and a drain, and wired to power.
Cost Breakdown: Materials vs. Labor
For a typical replacement with a mid-range unit, here’s where the money goes:
- Dishwasher: $400–$800 for entry-level models, $800–$1,200 for the popular mid-range, and $1,200–$3,000 for premium brands
- Installation labor: $150–$350 from a plumber, $120–$250 from a handyman
- Retailer installation service: roughly $130–$230 at the big appliance retailers, when the hookups already exist
- Installation kit (braided supply line, 90-degree elbow, power cord): $20–$50, often bundled with retailer installs
- Old unit removal and haul-away: $25–$150
- Permit, when required: $25–$250
Plumbers and electricians generally bill $75 to $150 per hour, with a minimum service charge in many areas. For more detail on how those rates are set, see our guides to plumber cost per hour and electrician cost per hour.
What a standard replacement includes
- Shutting off water and power, then disconnecting the old unit’s supply line, drain hose and wiring.
- Sliding out the old dishwasher and checking the floor and cabinet base for water damage.
- Connecting the new supply line, drain hose (with a high loop or air gap) and power.
- Sliding the new unit into place, leveling it and securing it to the countertop or cabinet sides.
- Running a test cycle and checking for leaks at every connection.
- Removing packaging and, if you paid for it, hauling away the old unit.
When quotes differ a lot, it’s usually because one includes the installation kit, haul-away and a new shutoff valve while another bills them separately. Ask for a line-item price.
Other Factors That Affect the Price
Plumbing condition
Connecting to existing hookups typically costs $150 to $250 in plumbing labor. If the shutoff valve under the sink is seized or leaking, or the old supply line is rigid copper that doesn’t line up, expect a little extra for a new valve and braided line. Running new water and drain lines to a fresh location starts around $400 to $600 for rough-in plumbing.
Electrical work
Dishwashers need a properly protected power source, and many local codes call for a dedicated circuit. Adding an outlet where one already has power nearby runs about $150 to $350. A new dedicated circuit from the panel typically costs $250 to $900, depending on the distance and how easy it is to fish wire through walls and floors.
Cabinet modifications
A new location means removing a base cabinet, usually 24 inches wide, and finishing the opening. Cabinet removal alone runs about $150 to $400. Matching the toe kick, side panels and countertop edge adds cost, especially with stone countertops. If you’re reworking several cabinets, our kitchen cabinet installation cost guide covers that side of the budget.
Haul-away and disposal
Removing the old dishwasher typically costs $25 to $150 depending on whether it’s bundled with delivery. Retailers generally do haul-away one-for-one only, and if you don’t buy their installation, you may have to disconnect and empty the old unit yourself before the delivery crew arrives.
Permits
A like-for-like replacement rarely needs a permit. A new location with new circuits or plumbing often does. Permit fees usually fall between $25 and $250, and some jurisdictions require the work to be done by a licensed plumber or electrician to pass inspection.
Garbage disposal connection
Most dishwashers drain through the garbage disposal or a dedicated sink tailpiece. If you’re putting in a brand-new disposal at the same time, the knockout plug inside the disposal’s dishwasher inlet has to be removed, or the dishwasher will back up. Doing both jobs in one visit saves a second trip charge; see our garbage disposal installation cost guide for those prices.
Location and access
Labor rates are higher in large metro areas, and tight kitchens, tile floors that lock the old unit in place, or countertops installed low over the opening all add time. Floors that were raised after the old dishwasher went in are a common reason a pro has to remove the countertop brackets and work the unit out slowly.
Before you hire: get at least three written, itemized quotes from licensed and insured local pros. Prices for the same job often differ by 30% or more, and comparing line items is the fastest way to spot padding or missing work.
Retailer Installation vs. Hiring a Plumber
Big-box stores and appliance retailers offer flat-rate installation when you buy the dishwasher from them. Typical labor prices are roughly $130 to $220 at Home Depot, $200 to $230 at Lowe’s and $200 to $215 at Best Buy, before any parts kit or haul-away fees. Promotions sometimes reduce installation to free or a discounted rate with a qualifying purchase.
These services are designed for straightforward swaps. Lowe’s, for example, describes its basic installation as connecting the appliance to an existing water source, then leveling and testing it, and notes that delivery teams can’t connect appliances to copper water lines. Retail installers generally won’t add outlets, run new lines or cut cabinets.
A local plumber costs a bit more for a simple swap but can replace a bad shutoff valve, correct a drain without a high loop and handle any surprises in one visit. For a new location, you’ll usually need a plumber and an electrician, or a general contractor who coordinates both.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Replacing a dishwasher in the same spot is a reasonable DIY project for someone comfortable with basic plumbing and electrical connections. The main risks are slow leaks that rot the subfloor, a drain hose without a high loop that lets dirty sink water flow back, and loose wiring connections in the junction box.
Hire a pro when the dishwasher is going in a new location, when you need a new outlet or circuit, when the home has old or corroded plumbing, or when your local code requires licensed work. Electrical work beyond plugging into an existing outlet should go to a licensed electrician. Also check the manufacturer’s warranty terms, since some brands expect professional installation for full coverage.
Repair or Replace?
Most dishwashers last about 8 to 15 years with regular filter cleaning. Common repairs usually run $100 to $300, with parts like an inlet valve ($80 to $170) or drain pump ($100 to $400) on the cheaper side, while a motor ($350 to $500) or control board ($200 to $600) can approach the price of a new entry-level unit.
- Repair if the unit is fairly young and the fix is a single part like a pump, valve or latch.
- Replace if the repair would cost more than about half the price of a new unit, the dishwasher is over 8 years old and needs repeated fixes, or it needs a motor or control board.
For current repair pricing on this and other appliances, see our appliance repair cost guide.
How to Save Money on Dishwasher Installation
- Stick with the same location. Moving a dishwasher can add $1,000 or more in plumbing, electrical and cabinet work.
- Measure before you buy. Confirm the opening’s height, width and depth so you don’t pay for countertop or cabinet trimming.
- Watch for bundled install deals. Retailers regularly run promotions on installation or haul-away with a qualifying dishwasher purchase.
- Buy the installation kit with the unit. Kits cost $20 to $50 and save a pro from billing for a parts run.
- Bundle plumbing jobs. Replace an old shutoff valve, faucet or disposal in the same visit to avoid a second service call.
- Get two or three quotes for any new-location install, and make sure each lists permits, electrical and cabinet work separately.
- Check utility rebates. Some utilities and water districts offer small rebates on ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers; availability varies by area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to have a dishwasher installed?
Labor for a straightforward replacement typically costs $150 to $500. With a mid-range dishwasher included, most homeowners pay around $1,200 total, and most jobs land between $600 and $1,700.
How much do Home Depot and Lowe's charge to install a dishwasher?
Retail installation for a replacement with existing hookups typically runs about $130 to $220 at Home Depot and $200 to $230 at Lowe’s, before parts kits or haul-away. These services cover connecting to existing water, drain and power, not new lines or outlets.
How much does it cost to install a dishwasher where there wasn't one?
Expect roughly $1,800 to $4,000 with a mid-range unit once you add a new circuit, rough-in plumbing and cabinet removal. Labor alone for a new-location install usually runs $300 to $1,300, before electrical and plumbing rough-in.
How long does dishwasher installation take?
A replacement in the same spot usually takes 1 to 2 hours. A new installation that needs new water, drain and electrical connections can take 6 hours or more, plus time for cabinet work and any permit inspection.
Can a handyman install a dishwasher?
In many areas a handyman can replace a dishwasher when the water, drain and power are already in place, typically for $120 to $250. New circuits and new plumbing lines often have to be done by licensed trades, so check your local rules.
Do I need a permit to replace a dishwasher?
A like-for-like replacement usually doesn’t need a permit. Adding a dishwasher in a new location with new circuits or plumbing often does, with fees typically between $25 and $250.
Does a dishwasher need a dedicated circuit?
Many local codes and manufacturer instructions call for a dedicated, properly protected circuit for a dishwasher. If yours shares a circuit or has no power nearby, an electrician can add one, typically for $250 to $900.
