Recessed Lighting Installation in Wilmington, NC — Costs $715 to $6,256

What does recessed lighting installation cost in Wilmington? Average $2,234, ranging $715–$6,256. Labor runs $26.55/hr locally — 11% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Wilmington, NC Market

-11% vs national

Labor Rate

$26.55/hr

Material Index

91

Avg Permit Cost

$828

Median Home Price

$251,621

Wilmington is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a recessed lighting installation, which helps keep pricing competitive. Wilmington offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. The median home in Wilmington is valued at $251,621, putting this project at about 0.9% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 50% ROI.

Low Estimate

$715

National: $800

Mid-Range

$2,234

National: $2,500

High End

$6,256

National: $7,000

Per Sq Ft

$0

National: $0

Duration: 1-2 days
DIY: Medium
Permits: Not Required
ROI: 50%

Recessed Lighting Installation Cost Calculator for Wilmington

Adjusted for Wilmington's labor rate ($26.55/hr) and material costs (index 91).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

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

Estimated Total in Wilmington

$2,145

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (65%)$1,452

At Wilmington's average rate of $26.55/hr (11% below national avg)

Materials (35%)$782

Material cost index 91 (9% below national baseline of 100)

Recessed Lighting Installation vs. Home Value in Wilmington

MetricWilmingtonNational Avg
Recessed Lighting Installation (Mid-Range)$2,234$2,500
Median Home Price$251,621$350,000
Project as % of Home Value0.9%0.7%
Estimated ROI50%50%
Median Household Income$44,868$75,000

What Affects the Price in Wilmington

  • 1Local labor rates ($26.55/hr in Wilmington)
  • 2Material cost index (91 vs national 100)
  • 3Number of fixtures
  • 4Ceiling type (drywall vs plaster)
  • 5Dimmer switches
  • 6Attic access availability

Popular Upgrades

  • LED wafer lights
  • Smart dimmer switches
  • Color-temperature adjustable LEDs

Planning a Recessed Lighting Installation in Wilmington

A recessed lighting installation typically doesn't require a permit in Wilmington, 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.

A recessed lighting installation is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Wilmington, skilled contractors charge an average of $26.55/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

In Wilmington, where the median household income is $44,868, a $2,234 project requires careful budgeting. Look into home improvement loans, HELOC options, or local grants that may be available in North Carolina.

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