How Much Does Ceiling Fan Installation Cost In 2024?

The price of labor to install a ceiling fan will vary depending on the difficulty of installation, type of fan, local labor cost standards, wiring and whether you add switches or other accessories. Below are typical labor costs you can expect when preparing to purchase a new ceiling fan. Lower costs reflect installs with existing wiring and switches, while higher costs are reflective of more complicated installs requiring new wiring and accommodation for additional features.

Different types and styles of ceiling fan will offer different price points, so the option you choose will have a major impact on the overall price of your project.

Standard

Standard ceiling fans are the most popular options for residential buildings. These fans typically have three to five blades and built-in lighting. They are customizable in terms of materials and lighting aesthetics, and typically hang from the ceiling on a fixture between 2 inches and 10 inches.

Most standard fans cost between $50 and $300. For an average, uncomplicated installation ($150 to $350), the price for installing a standard fan would be in the range of $200 to $650.

Low-Profile

Low-profile fans feature a mount rather than a downrod and are best suited to spaces with ceilings that are under 8 feet. This allows more clearance between the bottom of the fan and the living space.

Most low-profile fans run between $50 and $300. For an average, uncomplicated installation ($150 to $350), the price for installing a low-profile fan would be in the range of $200 to $650.

Hanging Propeller

Hanging propeller fans have a longer downrod and will ideally be mounted from a high ceiling (9 feet or higher) with about 7 feet of clearance between the bottom of the fan and the floor. Downrods are typically 2 to 4 feet in length but can be longer depending on the height of the ceiling.

Most hanging propeller fans run between $150 and $550. For an average, uncomplicated installation ($150 to $350), the price for installing a hanging propeller fan would be in the range of $300 to $900.

Directional

Directional ceiling fans are mounted on a downrod from the ceiling, but are designed to direct the air flow to wherever it is most needed in the room. Some look like traditional table fans (blades surrounded by a cage) that’s mounted to the ceiling, while others look more like a tilted standard fan with exposed blades.

Most directional fans run between $150 and $800, but may range higher. For a basic installation ($150 to $350), the total price for installing a directional fan would fall in the range of $300 to $1,150 but may range higher.

Rotational

Rotational fans, also commonly called dual-motor fans, hang from a downrod and have two sets of blades that can be adjusted as-needed and blow air in two different directions. This variety is well-suited to large or unorthodox spaces and patios where traditional fans might fall short.

Most rotational fans run between $200 and $1,500. For a basic installation ($150 to $350), the total price for installing a rotational fan would be in the range of $350 to $1,850 or more.

Outdoor

Fans made for outdoor use that can handle the elements generally cost quite a bit more than indoor ceiling fans. The price varies widely based on type, location, moisture-rating and wiring difficulty, and can be anywhere from $70 to upwards of $4,000.

Labor for installing outdoor fans can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500 or more, depending on the above factors. For example, if an outdoor fan costs in the range of $100 to $500, the estimated cost of installing an outdoor fan would be $200 to $2,000.

The two primary factors affecting the cost of your project will be the cost of the unit itself and the labor associated with the installation.

Unit

Ceiling fan units are diverse in both design and price. The price for a new ceiling fan can range from $50 to over $4,000, if you are looking at specialty units. Take into account the space you’re trying to ventilate, your preferred aesthetic and any applicable product warranties. Investing in a fan that suits your needs is better than buying the cheapest option and regretting the look or quality later on.

Labor

Labor costs for the installation of your fan are going to vary from contractor to contractor. If your install requires wiring and electrical work, you may want to hire an electrician to ensure that any circuitry is done to meet local building code requirements. Labor costs also vary from location to location, so you will need to check out the local or regional rate. We recommend getting quotes from three to four different contractors or other professionals before committing to a hire.

The average cost for labor to install a fan, as long as it’s in an accessible area with no additional wiring or switches, is $150 to $300. This cost will go up if the install takes longer than expected due to factors surrounding the project or if you have accessories or wiring that need to be installed as well.

As you plan your ceiling fan installation project, it’s important to be aware of any potential or additional costs.

Wiring

Replacing an old ceiling fan is a lot cheaper than adding one into a bare ceiling. If a ceiling fan or other electrical appliance has never been installed on the space in question, you will likely need to pay for wiring and circuitry to your new fan. This can be a costly endeavor, since wiring alone can cost upwards of $350. If circuits are needed, that’ll be an additional $1,000 to $2,000. Replacing a regular overhead light with a ceiling fan will likely cost $100 to $300 for the additional wiring.

Switches

If you want separate switches for controlling the fan and the light connected to your new fan, you will likely need to install additional wiring for a separate switch. This will cost you an extra $100 to $200, but is usually worth it for the convenience.

Accessories

Smart accessories, remote controls and aesthetic choices on blades and light fixtures will impact the cost of your project. The more customized and accessorized your ceiling fan is, the more it is likely to cost. If you’re planning on having a decked-out ceiling fan, then make sure you’re incorporating the cost of accessories and customization in your budget and estimates.

Indoor or Outdoor

Indoor fans tend to cost less than outdoor fans, due to the need for moisture-rating on the latter version. These fans need to be able to withstand the elements, including uncontrolled humidity in covered areas and precipitation in uncovered areas. If your install is outside, make sure to choose a fan with an appropriate moisture-rating, even though it’s more expensive. Otherwise you could find yourself facing deterioration and electrical issues pretty quickly, which can both be dangerous and expensive to repair or maintain.

Multiple benefits can reward installation of a ceiling fan or fans in your home.

Ventilation

Anyone who’s ever had a ceiling fan knows that they can make all the difference in a stuffy room. Even if the space in question has windows, the ventilation they provide will be enhanced with the movement created by a ceiling fan. Say goodbye to oppressive, stuffy rooms and hello to a lovely breeze to keep you cool and comfortable.

Cost and Environmental Efficiency

Ceiling fans are a lot more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than air conditioning units. Though they don’t actually cool air, the movement of air can work wonders in a hot or sticky room. Fans are particularly superior when it comes to cooling a single space. If you don’t need the entire house cooled down, consider saving your money and helping out the planet by using a ceiling fan instead.

Aesthetics

Ceiling fans are quite customizable and can really tie a room together depending on stylistic choices like the blades, lights and hardware. Use ceiling fans to add an aesthetically pleasing element to a room and, especially if you are performing other minor upgrades or larger renovations, potentially increase your home’s overall value and marketability.

While installing your ceiling fan yourself could save you an average of $150 to $350 on a basic install, we highly recommend hiring a professional to ensure that it’s done properly for safety reasons. If a fan is not mounted correctly it could fall and injure someone, and wiring not done to code is a tremendous fire hazard.

Forbes Home highly recommends hiring a professional contractor or licensed electrician (especially if you need wiring done) for the installation of your ceiling fan.

Repair, Don’t Replace

Repairing an existing ceiling fan could potentially save you money depending on what needs to be replaced and the extent of damage. If your reason for purchasing a new fan is device malfunction, be sure to evaluate whether or not the damage is repairable before committing to a whole new fan.

Choose Your Location Carefully

If you’re able to choose a location in the room that has existing or nearby wiring, which you can then adapt for or connect to your ceiling fan, you can end up saving a lot on the cost of your project. New wiring can be one of the highest expenses in your install, so checking for wiring beforehand can be very beneficial.

Find a Deal

There are often seasonal deals on ceiling fans (prices may be lower in cooler seasons), and contractors might give you a discount if you pay to install multiple fans at once. It’s worth looking into potential sales and discounts to help make your install more affordable.

Get Multiple Quotes

We recommend getting quotes from three to four contractors and associated professionals before making a commitment. Getting multiple price estimates will help you spot any outlier who may be trying to rip you off and help you come up with a good estimate for what the job should cost. Seek out trained and experienced professionals that will give you a fair price for the work.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed two providers and four cost databases on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.