How much does a skylight installation cost in Cambridge, MA?

The average skylight installation in Cambridge, MA costs $5,818 in 2026. Costs range from $2,493 for a basic project to $13,298 for a high-end renovation. Cambridge is 66% more expensive than the national average of $3,500.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Cambridge?

The average contractor labor rate in Cambridge, MA is $54.31/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a skylight installation, labor typically accounts for 60% of the total cost, which is approximately $3,491 in Cambridge.

Are materials more expensive in Cambridge?

Cambridge has a material cost index of 144 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 44% more than the national average. For a skylight installation, materials account for 40% of the cost, approximately $2,327.

Do I need a permit for a skylight installation in Cambridge?

Yes, a skylight installation typically requires building permits in Cambridge, MA. The average permit cost in Cambridge is $3,017. Always confirm requirements with the Cambridge building department before starting work.

Is a skylight installation a good investment in Cambridge?

A skylight installation provides an estimated 42% ROI nationally. In Cambridge, where the median home price is $607,888, this project costs about 1.0% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Skylight Installation in Cambridge, MA — Costs $2,493 to $13,298

What does skylight installation cost in Cambridge? Average $5,818, ranging $2,493–$13,298. Labor runs $54.31/hr locally — 66% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Cambridge, MA Market

+66% vs national

Labor Rate

$54.31/hr

Material Index

144

Avg Permit Cost

$3,017

Median Home Price

$607,888

Cambridge is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a skylight installation, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 66% above the national average, Cambridge 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 $607,888, this skylight installation represents just 1.0% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$2,493

National: $1,500

Mid-Range

$5,818

National: $3,500

High End

$13,298

National: $8,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $0

Duration: 1-2 days

DIY: Hard

Permits: Required

ROI: 42%

Skylight Installation Cost Calculator for Cambridge

Adjusted for Cambridge's labor rate ($54.31/hr) and material costs (index 144).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

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

Estimated Total in Cambridge

$5,585

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (60%)$3,491

At Cambridge's average rate of $54.31/hr (81% above national avg)

Materials (40%)$2,327

Material cost index 144 (44% above national baseline of 100)

Skylight Installation vs. Home Value in Cambridge

Metric	Cambridge	National Avg
Skylight Installation (Mid-Range)	$5,818	$3,500
Median Home Price	$607,888	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	1.0%	1.0%
Estimated ROI	42%	42%
Median Household Income	$98,948	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Cambridge

1Local labor rates ($54.31/hr in Cambridge)
2Material cost index (144 vs national 100)
3Skylight size
4Fixed vs venting
5Flat vs pitched installation
6Flashing quality

Popular Upgrades

Solar-powered venting skylight
Tunnel skylight for small spaces
Double-pane with UV coating

Other Projects in Cambridge, MA

Solar Panel Installation

$38,315

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$32,874

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$32,133

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$29,920

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$325,033

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$243,775

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$146,265

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$128,532

MediumROI 60%

Skylight Installation in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$5,776

-1%Pop. 675,647

Worcester, MA

$5,029

-14%Pop. 206,518

Springfield, MA

$4,775

-18%Pop. 155,929

Lowell, MA

$4,846

-17%Pop. 115,554

Brockton, MA

$4,750

-18%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$5,367

-8%Pop. 101,636

New Bedford, MA

$5,015

-14%Pop. 101,079

Lynn, MA

$4,765

-18%Pop. 99,989

Planning a Skylight Installation in Cambridge

Building permits are typically required for a skylight installation in Cambridge. The average permit fee in this area is $3,017, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 1-2 days from start to finish.

A skylight installation is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Cambridge, skilled contractors charge an average of $54.31/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $98,948, many Cambridge residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $5,818 represents 6% of the typical household's annual income.

Skylight Installation — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

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