Guide
How much to charge for Christmas light installation
A pricing guide for window cleaners, gutter crews, landscapers and anyone adding holiday lighting this season: per-foot rates, minimums, what to bundle and how to check a job is worth it.
Updated October 25, 2026 · By the Trade Pricing Control team · Where our prices come from
The standard way to price: per linear foot
Holiday lighting is priced by the foot because it scales with the work. Measure the rooflines, ridges and gables, add any windows, railings or walkways, and multiply by your rate. Trees, wreaths and bushes are usually priced separately.
| Linear feet | At $5 / ft | At $8 / ft | At $12 / ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft (minimum applies) | $250 | $400 | $600 |
| 100 ft | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| 150 ft | $750 | $1,200 | $1,800 |
| 200 ft | $1,000 | $1,600 | $2,400 |
| 300 ft | $1,500 | $2,400 | $3,600 |
Where you land in the $5 to $12 range depends on your market and your service. Lower rates suit simple single-story rooflines or customers who supply their own lights. Higher rates fit tall homes, steep roofs, premium neighborhoods and full-service packages with repairs and storage.
Set a minimum charge
Every job costs you travel, setup, ladders and a second trip for takedown, however small it is. That's why most companies set a minimum of about $250. Without one, a 30 ft porch outline can lose money. Quote small jobs at the minimum, or offer to add a wreath or a wrapped tree to reach it.
Charge more for height and difficulty
| Home | Typical 2026 price range |
|---|---|
| Single-story home | $250 – $2,400 |
| Two-story home | $500 – $3,600 |
| Three-story home | $750 – $5,000 |
Taller homes need longer ladders, more setup and more time per foot. Many installers quote second-story work from the higher end of their per-foot range, or add a set height charge. Steep pitches, lots of peaks and roofs you can't walk on all justify a higher rate.
What to bundle in the price
- The lights. Most companies supply commercial-grade LEDs and lease them for the season, so the customer never buys or stores them. You reuse the same lights for several years, which is where much of the profit comes from.
- Takedown. Bundling takedown guarantees the second visit and makes each job worth more. When it isn't included, customers usually pay $100 to $400 for removal alone.
- Mid-season repairs. A free service call if a strand goes out keeps customers happy. Say how many are included.
- Storage. Storing the customer's set until next year makes rebooking easy.
Package pricing customers understand
| Package | Typical price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Basic roofline | $250 – $1,500 | Main roofline only |
| Full package | $750 – $5,000 | Rooflines, windows, garage, shrubs and some trees |
| Small tree wrap (add-on) | $75 – $200 | Per tree, depending on size |
| Takedown only | $100 – $400 | For jobs installed by someone else |
| Permanent lights | $20 – $40 per ft | Fixed LED track, about $2,000 – $8,000 for 100 – 200 ft |
Worked example: a 150 ft roofline
Say you quote a two-story home with 150 ft of roofline at $8 per foot. The numbers below are an example, so swap in your own light cost and crew time.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Price to customer: 150 ft × $8 | $1,200 |
| Lights: 150 ft at about $1.50 / ft, reused for 3 seasons | about $75 this season |
| Clips, cords, timer | about $40 |
| Crew time: 2 people × 4 hours install + 2 hours takedown | 12 labor hours |
| What the job pays per labor hour after materials | about $90 / hour |
If that hourly figure comes out below what you need, raise the per-foot rate, tighten the minimum or sell add-ons like trees and wreaths. The Christmas light pricing calculator does this math for you, and the hourly rate calculator tells you the minimum you should earn per hour.
Selling it to your existing customers
Holiday lighting fills October to January, just as window, gutter, pool and lawn work slows down. Your current customers are the easiest sales because they already trust you on their property. A few ways to win jobs:
- Offer it on the last gutter cleaning or leaf removal visit of the fall. Pair it with gutter cleaning, since clean gutters make clipping lights easier.
- Take a deposit to lock in the date. Installer calendars fill by early December.
- Put the install and takedown dates, and what's included, in writing.
- Offer an early-booking discount for next season when you take the lights down in January.
Insurance and safety
Roof and ladder work is the riskiest part of the job. Carry general liability insurance, and check that your policy covers holiday lighting work. Use outdoor-rated cords and GFCI outlets, don't overload circuits, and skip windy, wet or icy days. Homeowners comparing quotes often ask about insurance, so have the answer ready. Many homeowners also weigh the DIY vs hiring a pro question before they call you.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge per foot for Christmas lights?
$5 to $12 per linear foot, including the lights and labor, is the typical 2026 range. Use the low end for simple single-story rooflines and the high end for tall homes, steep roofs and full-service packages.
What is a good minimum charge for Christmas light installation?
About $250 is common. A minimum covers travel, setup and the takedown trip, so small jobs don't lose money.
Should I include takedown in the price?
Yes, most installers do. It guarantees the second visit, makes each job worth more and saves the customer from paying $100 to $400 for removal later.
Should I charge more for a two-story house?
Yes. Two-story homes typically run $500 to $3,600 and three-story homes $750 to $5,000, because taller ladders and roof work take more time and carry more risk.
Do Christmas light installers supply the lights?
Most do. They lease commercial-grade LEDs to the customer for the season and reuse them for several years. Some will hang a customer's own lights for less, but many only install their own.
How much does a Christmas light installer make per hour?
It depends on your rate, crew size and speed. For example, a $1,200 job that takes two people 12 labor hours in total pays about $90 per labor hour after materials. Track your own install times to price accurately.