Kitchen Backsplash Installation in Seattle, WA — Costs $905 to $7,540

What does kitchen backsplash installation cost in Seattle? Average $2,714, ranging $905–$7,540. Labor runs $49.93/hr locally — 51% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Seattle, WA Market

+51% vs national

Labor Rate

$49.93/hr

Material Index

138

Avg Permit Cost

$2,240

Median Home Price

$616,441

As one of the largest metros in Washington, Seattle has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 51% above the national average, Seattle is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $616,441, this kitchen backsplash installation represents just 0.4% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$905

National: $600

Mid-Range

$2,714

National: $1,800

High End

$7,540

National: $5,000

Per Sq Ft

$38

National: $25

Duration: 1-2 days
DIY: Easy
Permits: Not Required
ROI: 55%

Kitchen Backsplash Installation Cost Calculator for Seattle

Adjusted for Seattle's labor rate ($49.93/hr) and material costs (index 138).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Seattle

$2,714

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Seattle market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (45%)$1,221

At Seattle's average rate of $49.93/hr (66% above national avg)

Materials (55%)$1,493

Material cost index 138 (38% above national baseline of 100)

Kitchen Backsplash Installation vs. Home Value in Seattle

MetricSeattleNational Avg
Kitchen Backsplash Installation (Mid-Range)$2,714$1,800
Median Home Price$616,441$350,000
Project as % of Home Value0.4%0.5%
Estimated ROI55%55%
Median Household Income$106,476$75,000

What Affects the Price in Seattle

  • 1Local labor rates ($49.93/hr in Seattle)
  • 2Material cost index (138 vs national 100)
  • 3Tile material
  • 4Pattern complexity
  • 5Square footage
  • 6Grout type

Popular Upgrades

  • Subway tile
  • Mosaic glass
  • Peel-and-stick for DIY

Planning a Kitchen Backsplash Installation in Seattle

A kitchen backsplash installation typically doesn't require a permit in Seattle, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 1-2 days to complete.

This is a beginner-friendly project that many Seattle homeowners tackle themselves. DIY can save you roughly $1,221 in labor costs, though you'll still need to source materials at local prices (material index: 138).

With a median household income of $106,476, many Seattle residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $2,714 represents 3% of the typical household's annual income.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.

View All Project Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators