Recessed lighting installation cost: four, six or eight lights, by state
Six recessed lights: about $600 to $775, typically $675. That's new canless LED recessed lights up to 8 inch, wired together with a new switch, plus the contractor's overhead, profit and sales tax. A new circuit or panel work, dimmers, patching and painting the ceiling, and permits are extra.
Anthony Hicks30+ years in construction. Updated November 5, 2026.
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What it costs
| Job | Cost |
|---|---|
| Four recessed lights | $475 to $650 |
| Six recessed lights | $600 to $775 |
| Eight recessed lights | $750 to $1,000 |
Totals include the contractor's overhead and profit (20%) and the state's average sales tax. Prices as of November 2026.
What’s in these numbers
Each total is a typical job, priced the way a contractor’s estimate is priced:
| Four lights | Six lights | Eight lights | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lights | Canless LED, up to 8 inch | Same | Same |
| Wire | About 8 feet of 14/2 between each light | Same | Same |
| Switch | One new wiring run, box and switch | Same | Same |
On top of the work:
- Overhead and profit: 20%, the standard markup on a contractor’s estimate.
- Sales tax on the materials, at the state’s average rate.
Not in them: a new circuit or panel work, dimmer switches, recessed cans with housings, patching and painting the ceiling, and permits.
Canless or cans
A canless LED light is a thin fixture that clips into a round hole in the ceiling, with its driver in a small box beside it. A can light has a metal housing above the ceiling that takes a separate trim and bulb. These totals use canless lights.
In an insulated ceiling
Where the lights go in a ceiling between the house and an unconditioned attic, the energy code calls for recessed lights that are IC-rated, labeled for an air leakage rate of no more than 2.0 cfm under the ASTM E283 test, and sealed with a gasket or caulk to the ceiling (IECC R402.4.5). An IC-rated light can be in direct contact with the insulation.
What moves the price
- How many. Each light adds its fixture, wire and a hole.
- The ceiling. Open joists from an attic above make the wiring quick; a finished ceiling with a floor above means fishing wire between joists.
- Controls. Dimmers and smart switches cost more than a plain switch.
- Where you live. Pick your state in the box above.
Common questions
How much does it cost to install recessed lighting?
About $600 to $775 for six canless LED lights on a new switch, typically $675.
How much are four recessed lights installed?
About $475 to $650, typically $550.
How much are eight recessed lights installed?
About $750 to $1,000, typically $850.
Do recessed lights need to be IC-rated?
In the building’s thermal envelope, yes: the energy code calls for IC-rated, labeled, sealed recessed lights (IECC R402.4.5).