How Much Does It Cost to Install Dishwasher? (Price Guide)

Most of what you pay for a new dishwasher goes to the appliance. Installation labor is a smaller line, and it stays fairly predictable as long as the new unit goes into the same spot as the old one, using the existing water line, drain, and power. Costs rise when the kitchen has never had a dishwasher, or when you want it somewhere else.

Here you will see the price by dishwasher style and brand tier, what installers charge for labor and extras, and when repairing an old machine makes more sense than replacing it.

The style of dishwasher has the biggest effect on the total. Figures below include the unit and installation.

A standard built-in dishwasher, the familiar 24-inch model that slides under the counter, averages $1,000 installed. It is the default choice for most kitchens and the easiest to replace, since cabinets are already sized for it.

Drawer dishwashers average $1,800. They come as one or two pull-out drawers that run separately, which suits small households or kitchens designed around them, and they cost more to buy and fit.

Portable models on wheels average $900. They connect to the kitchen faucet when in use and roll away after, so they work for renters or kitchens without cabinet space. Countertop units, at $400, are the cheapest option and need no permanent plumbing, though they hold fewer dishes.

Within the built-in category, brand and feature level separate budget models from luxury ones.

Budget-friendly brands such as Frigidaire, Whirlpool, and Samsung run $900 – $1,200 installed. High-end brands such as Thermador and Miele run $1,500 – $2,000. Moving up the range usually buys quieter operation, stainless steel tubs, third racks, better drying, and panel-ready designs that match your cabinets. Panel-ready models need a custom cabinet panel, which is a separate cost from a cabinetmaker or the cabinet supplier.

Installation labor alone runs $150 – $300. For a straight swap, the installer disconnects the old unit, connects the new one to the existing hot water supply, drain, and electrical connection, levels it, secures it to the counter or cabinets, and tests for leaks.

Delivery costs $100 – $200 if the retailer charges for it, and haul-away of the old unit runs $100 – $250. Many appliance retailers bundle delivery, installation, and haul-away into a package price, so compare that bundle with hiring a plumber or handyman separately. Small parts such as a new supply line, drain hose, or power cord kit are often extra.

First-time installation costs more

Adding a dishwasher where none existed is a bigger job. The installer may need to:

• Remove a base cabinet and modify the opening to fit
• Run a new hot water supply line and shutoff valve
• Connect a drain to the sink drain or garbage disposal, with an air gap or high loop as local code requires
• Add a dedicated electrical circuit or outlet, which many local codes call for

That work often involves a plumber and an electrician, and in some areas it needs a permit. Expect a quote well above the labor-only figure for a simple replacement.

Relocating a dishwasher

Moving a dishwasher to a different spot in the kitchen averages $2,600 in total. The figure reflects rerouting plumbing and drain lines, adding electrical, and cabinet work. It often comes up during a kitchen remodel, when the rest of the layout is changing anyway.

The sources in this guide report installation costs, not repair prices, so no repair figure appears on this page. Repair bills depend on the part and the technician's service call and hourly rates.

Repair usually makes sense for a newer machine with a single failed part: a door latch, a drain pump, an inlet valve, a heating element, or a control board on a model that is still well built. Replacement is often the better choice when:

• The tub is cracked or rusting through
• The repair estimate is a large share of the price of a comparable new unit
• The dishwasher has needed several repairs in a short period
• Parts are discontinued for the model
• You want features the old machine lacks, such as quieter operation or better efficiency

If the unit is still under warranty, call the manufacturer or retailer before booking any repair, since an outside technician may affect coverage.

A like-for-like replacement is within reach for many handy homeowners. It involves shutting off water and power, unhooking the old connections, and fitting the new unit with the right supply line, drain hose, and electrical connection. Read the manufacturer's installation guide first; some brands specify parts or methods, and an improper install can affect the warranty.

Hire a professional for first-time installs, new circuits, and any change to plumbing lines. A small leak under a dishwasher can go unnoticed for weeks and damage the subfloor and cabinets. Electrical work in a wet area should follow local code, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician for new circuits.

The overall installed range in this guide comes from one published source.

That range stretches from a basic countertop unit to a mid-range built-in. Other guides may report higher figures if they include luxury brands, panel-ready models, or first-time installations, or lower ones if they count labor only. Local labor rates and retailer installation packages may move individual quotes as well.