Lead figure A
Standard replacement
$250
Average labor only. Range $150-300.
Lead figure B
First-time install
$480
Average labor only. Range $300-700.
Full cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Labor | Materials | Appliance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement (mid appliance) | $225 | $50 | $700 | $975 |
| Replacement (budget appliance) | $225 | $50 | $450 | $725 |
| New install + hookups (mid appliance) | $500 | $150 | $700 | $1,350 |
| New install + new electrical circuit | $800 | $200 | $700 | $1,700 |
What drives the average up or down
Location
Metro labor runs +20% to +35%; rural Southeast runs -15%.
Job complexity
New circuit, opened walls, or moving location can double labor.
Who you hire
Appliance tech $75-125/hr; plumber $75-150/hr; electrician $80-150/hr.
Time of year
January-February: rates 10-15% softer. May-August: peak demand, no discounts.
Appliance brand
Miele hardwire = +$100-200. Bosch on stone = +$50-100. Most others are flat.
Haul-away & permits
Haul-away $50-150. Permits $25-100, almost always required for new electrical.
Average by region
| Region | Replacement Total | New Install Total | vs National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $1,100 | $1,750 | +12% |
| West (CA / WA / OR) | $1,050 | $1,700 | +8% |
| Midwest | $900 | $1,400 | -3% |
| South | $800 | $1,250 | -12% |
How this fits in your home improvement budget
| Job | Total Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave install | $100-200 | 1-2 hrs |
| Garbage disposal | $250-400 | 1-2 hrs |
| Dishwasher (replacement) | $725-975 | 1-2 hrs |
| Dishwasher (new install) | $1,350-1,700 | 3-6 hrs |
| Water heater | $800-1,500 | 2-4 hrs |