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

A skylight brings daylight into rooms that have little wall space for windows, such as hallways, bathrooms, and attics. The cost depends on the style, the roof, whether you are replacing an existing unit or cutting a new opening, and how much framing and interior finish work the job needs.

The figures below come from This Old House and VELUX, a skylight manufacturer, with a check date of Oct 11, 2026. This Old House gives a broad national range, while VELUX prices its own products installed. Keep in mind that a manufacturer's figures reflect its own product line.

The skylight itself is only part of the price. Fixed skylights do not open and cost the least. Vented models open for fresh air and cost more. Tubular skylights, sometimes called sun tunnels, use a reflective tube to carry light from a small roof dome and are the most budget-friendly choice for small spaces.

Labor depends mostly on the roof and the finish work. Replacing a skylight in an existing opening is simpler than adding one. New openings involve cutting through the roof deck, framing a curb or header, flashing, and then building a light shaft through the attic and ceiling.

The labor range is wide because the jobs are so different. A tubular unit takes less time than a large vented skylight, and a steep, high, or complicated roof adds time.

VELUX gives separate ranges for new installation and replacement, each including product and labor.

Replacement generally costs less because the opening and flashing are already in place. That is not guaranteed. If the old curb is rotted or the roof deck is damaged, the repair adds to the bill.

VELUX also reports average totals by project type.

Tubular installation has the lowest average, followed by replacement, with new installation the highest.

The two sources describe different slices of the market.

This Old House reports a typical range for materials and labor. VELUX shows installed prices across all of its models, from a sun tunnel up to an electric fresh-air skylight. The top of the VELUX range is much higher, which may reflect electric models, larger sizes, and new openings that need more structural work. Compare like with like: fixed, vented, or tubular, new or replacement.

• Type. Fixed, vented (manual or electric), and tubular units differ in price and complexity.
• Size. Larger units cost more and need more framing.
• New opening or replacement. Cutting a new hole costs more than swapping an old unit.
• Roof type and pitch. Tile, slate, and metal roofs can need special flashing. Steep roofs are slower and riskier to work on.
• Attic and ceiling. A light shaft has to be framed and finished from roof to ceiling, and longer shafts take more work.
• Glass options. Low-E coatings, tinted glass, and laminated glass add cost. They also change how the skylight handles heat and glare.
• Electric or solar operation. Powered venting and blinds add wiring or battery parts.
• Roof condition. If the roof is near the end of its life, it may make sense to replace the roof around the same time.

Pros. Natural light, better views of the sky, and extra ventilation with vented models.

Cons. Leaks, if flashing fails or installation is poor. Heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, depending on glazing and orientation. Glare on screens. A more complicated repair than a wall window.

A well-installed unit with proper flashing for your roof type lowers the leak risk. Manufacturers publish installation instructions, and many warranties depend on following them.

Cutting a hole in the roof is a high-risk job. Working at height, framing, flashing, and interior finish all need to be right, because mistakes show up later as leaks and water damage. Some owners handle a tubular unit or a like-for-like replacement, but most people hire a licensed roofer or contractor. The manufacturer's warranty and your roofing warranty may require a professional install, so check before you start.

• Does the price include the skylight, flashing, framing, interior shaft, drywall, and paint?
• Is the quote for a new opening or a replacement?
• What brand and model is quoted, and what warranty applies to the product and to the installation?
• Who handles roof work, and is the roofing warranty affected?
• Is a permit required, and who pulls it?
• What happens if the contractor finds rot or damage once the roof is opened up?