Residential lighting installer

Install recessed, pendant and under-cabinet lighting in local homes as a licensed electrician.

Startup cost$3k to $15k
Monthly revenue$4k to $15k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • $3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

83,342 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year

NAICS 238210 “Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

Installing and wiring lighting in homes: recessed cans, pendants, under-cabinet and outdoor lights, plus swapping old fixtures and adding dimmers and switches.

Your first three steps

  1. Check your state's electrical licensing board for what you need to contract on your own, and what work is allowed under your current license
  2. Get general liability insurance, a basic tool kit and a work van or truck, and form an LLC if it suits you
  3. Introduce yourself to local remodelers, designers and agents, and ask neighbors for reviews on your first jobs
Who pays

Homeowners, remodelers, interior designers and real estate agents getting a home ready to sell.

How it makes money

Fixed price per project or per fixture, or an hourly rate plus materials. Remodelers and designers can send repeat work.

Skills that help
  • Residential electrical wiring
  • Reading a lighting plan
  • Clear quotes and customer service
Watch out for
  • Most states require a licensed electrician for this work, so check your state and local rules before you quote anyone
  • Permits and inspections may be needed for new wiring, check with your city or county
  • General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire
  • Electrical work carries real safety and fire risk, so follow the code and never cut corners

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a residential lighting installation business?

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the tools and vehicle setup you already have, your insurance and your materials. These are estimates, so build a budget from your own local prices before you commit.

How much can a residential lighting installer earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on how many jobs you take, your local rates and the kinds of installs you do. This is an estimate rather than a guarantee, and your costs come out of it.

Do I need a license to install lighting in homes?

Most states require a licensed electrician for this work, so check your state and local rules before you quote anyone. Also check whether permits and inspections apply to new wiring in your city or county, and what insurance you need.

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