How Much Does It Cost to Install a Skylight in Seattle?

Are you ready to get a skylight but frustrated that you can’t find clear answers on how much it costs to get one? Do you worry that getting a skylight might be too far out of your price range?

The cost to install a new skylight in the Seattle area can range from $500 to over $10,000. This is a wide range because there are a lot of different factors that contribute to the cost. The factor that drives up the price the most in the Seattle area is labor because the cost of living is so high. 

At RoofSmart, we install and replace about 1,000 skylights every year. We make sure to have an in-depth conversation about what each customer wants out of their skylight so that we can recommend different types and features that best fit their needs and budget. This ensures that they fully understand the cost before the project even begins. 

By the end of this article, you’ll know the typical skylight costs in Seattle, the installation factors that matter most, and how to pick an option that fits your budget. 

What is the average cost to install a skylight in the Seattle area?

On average, you can expect to pay around $800 to $4,000 for materials and labor (this range is based on what King County residents paid in 2024). 

The broader cost range spans from $500 to upwards of $10,000. Anything more than $10,000 is rare, but still possible if you want a lot of skylights with extra features or have specific requests for your skylight job that increase the price. 

Seattle has a high cost of living, which drives up labor prices and makes skylight installation cost more than the national average.

Why does it cost so much to install a new skylight in Seattle?

If you do not yet have a skylight, installing a brand-new one on your roof costs about $5,000. This is definitely a sizeable expense, but keep in mind that this price includes the cost of materials and labor. And, putting a skylight in the roof requires a lot of labor, which makes it an expensive process in the Seattle area. 

To get an idea of the scope of work, here's everything the installer needs to do: 

1. Map out where they need to cut out the hole
2. Lay down plastic or tarps in the work zone to protect the inside of your house
3. Cut the hole in the ceiling and reframe around it
4. Redo the drywall inside
5. Cut a hole in the roof deck 
6. Pull up the roof and prep to install the skylight
7. Install the skylight and flashing, making sure to seal it in so it doesn’t leak
8. Redo the roof that had to be torn up
9. Go back inside to texture and paint the drywall 

If you wanted to put in a second skylight at the same time, it would be an additional cost of about $3,000. 

How much does it cost on average to replace an existing skylight?

The average cost to replace a fixed skylight in your roof with a new one is $1,800-$3,500. This price includes the cost of labor and materials. A fixed skylight is the standard type that people usually get, but if you want an opening skylight, then that will add to the cost (more on this later). 

If you already have a contractor at your house doing other work on your roof, then this cost might go down by about $500 to $1,000. Some of the labor costs might merge with the labor costs of the other roof work that’s happening. 

How much does switching from a deck-mounted skylight to a curb-mounted skylight cost?

If you already have a deck-mounted skylight, switching to a curb-mounted skylight will only cost about $500. The vast majority of the work is already done, so all you need for this is to frame the curb and put it on the roof. 

If you want a more expensive type of wood for the trim, that might bump up the cost, but typically, people just choose the standard option. 

What’s the cost of different skylight types in Seattle?

The price of skylights varies depending on the type you choose and the materials included in the package. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and what you can expect to pay in the Seattle area:

• Fixed Skylight:
  
  
  • $500 to $1,500

• • Cost depends on whether you buy just the skylight or a full kit with flashing and other materials.
    
    
    • Curb-Mounted Skylight: Often sold as just the skylight; installer helps you source the framing materials separately.

• • • Deck-Mounted Skylight: Often sold as complete packages for convenience, including everything needed for sealing and flashing.
      

• Tubular Skylight:
  
  
  • $500 to $700 (or even a little bit more)
  • Price depends on the brand, accessories, and whether it's sold in a standalone unit or bundled kit.

What features make skylights more expensive?

There are some features that you can add to your skylights that will increase their overall cost. 

Opening skylights

• Hand-crank opening skylight: $1,000 to $3,000
• Electric or solar-powered opening skylight: $2,000 to $6,000

Blinds

• Blinds that open manually: $300 to $400
• Solar-powered blinds: $800 to $1,000

Sizing

• Skylights are priced by square inch—the larger it is, the more it will cost (this could be a few dollars to a few hundred dollars)
• Custom sizes add additional expense due to special manufacturing requirements.

Amount of skylights installed

• Installing multiple skylights at once can that will reduce the cost a little bit  (you’ll still pay for each skylight individually) 
• Bundling skylights into a single job reduces labor overlap and saves money

Why is skylight installation more expensive for some homes?

In an expensive area like Seattle, it’s important to be realistic about your budget. Here are some factors to keep in mind that might increase the cost of installing a skylight on your home:

• The steepness and height of the roof: The more difficult the roof is to access and work on, the more expensive the installation will be. This contributes to the labor costs. Some Seattle neighborhoods have small properties or homes with steep roofs, making roof work difficult. 
• What type of roof material do you have?: Asphalt shingle roofs are fairly easy to tear up and repair during skylight installation. They are also the least expensive to work on. 

But if you have a metal roof or a specialty roof like tile, that will make things much more difficult and costly. It’s important to consider if getting a skylight is worth the expense of tearing up your roof. 

• Other work is already being done on the roof: If you’re already redoing or repairing your roof, then this might help bring down some of the costs associated with installing a skylight because you can merge labor costs. 

How should you plan (and budget) for skylight installation in Seattle?

At the end of the day, installing a skylight can add beauty, natural light, and even value to your home—but it’s only worth the investment if it fits your budget and needs.

You came here wondering whether the cost of a skylight would be too high, especially with labor rates in the Seattle area. Now that you’ve seen the price ranges for installation and replacement, along with the factors that impact them, you’re in a better position to make a confident, informed decision.

Still comparing types or unsure about which features are right for you? Your next step is to read our article “Choosing the Right Skylight: Types, Features, and Benefits Explained” to narrow down your options and avoid paying for features you don’t need.

At RoofSmart, we’ve helped over 1,000 Seattle-area homeowners choose skylights that match their homes and budgets. If you’re ready to explore your options or just want some honest guidance, we’re here to help.