Installing a hood over a stove typically costs $400-$2,000, including a basic hood and standard labor; a new duct route or premium equipment can push the total above $3,000. The main price drivers are whether the hood vents outdoors, the distance and difficulty of ductwork, electrical changes, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hood and standard installation | $400 | $1,100 | $2,000 | Existing wiring and duct opening |
| Hood appliance | $100 | $450 | $1,500 | Basic under-cabinet to premium wall-mount |
| Installation labor | $200 | $500 | $1,000 | Varies with mounting and connections |
| New exterior ductwork | $300 | $900 | $2,000+ | Route length and wall or roof penetration matter |
| Electrical changes | $0 | $200 | $600 | Existing outlet or circuit may be usable |
What a stove hood installation usually costs
For a straightforward replacement, homeowners commonly pay $400-$1,000 for the hood and installation when an appropriate duct, outlet, and mounting area are already in place. A new ducted installation often totals $900-$2,500, while complex routing, cabinet work, or high-end equipment can bring the bill to $3,500 or more.
A practical national planning range is $500-$2,000 for a typical completed installation. The lower end assumes a basic 30-inch hood replacing a similar unit with compatible connections. The upper end generally reflects a better hood, added labor, or modest duct modifications rather than a full kitchen renovation.
Labor-only quotes often fall around $200-$700 for a simple swap. Installing a hood where none existed may require separate charges for ducting, exterior venting, electrical work, and patching. Confirm whether a quote includes the appliance, mounting hardware, duct materials, disposal, and taxes.
Assumptions: U.S. average labor, standard 30-inch cooking area, ordinary access, and no major cabinet reconstruction.
How hood equipment, ducting, and labor appear on quotes
A useful estimate separates the hood itself from the work needed to support it. Costs vary depending on whether the unit is recirculating or ducted, whether existing ductwork meets the manufacturer’s specifications, and whether an electrician or carpenter must be scheduled.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hood appliance | $100-$250 | $250-$700 | $700-$1,500+ | Basic, midrange, or premium unit |
| Mounting and connection labor | $200-$350 | $350-$650 | $650-$1,000 | Removal, mounting, wiring, and testing |
| Duct and exterior termination | $0-$150 | $300-$900 | $900-$2,000+ | Reuse, extend, or create a vent route |
| Electrical or cabinet work | $0-$150 | $150-$400 | $400-$1,000+ | Outlet, circuit, trim, or cabinet alteration |
| Disposal and finishing | $0-$75 | $50-$200 | $200-$500 | Old-unit removal, patching, or paint |
Ductwork and site changes, not just the hood’s retail price, often determine the final bill. Existing duct reuse can keep added materials near $0-$150 if the diameter and route are suitable. New rigid metal duct, elbows, exterior cap, and sealing materials typically add $100-$500 before labor; difficult access raises the total.
Some contractors charge a minimum service fee of $100-$250, particularly for small installation jobs. Hood disposal may cost $25-$100, while drywall repair and paint can add $100-$500 when a new wall or ceiling opening is needed. Ask whether these items are included or billed separately.
Typical labor calculation: 3-6 hours × $75-$125 per hour for an uncomplicated job; additional trades may be billed separately.
Why duct diameter, route length, and cabinet fit change the price
The largest quote differences usually come from the vent path and the space available above the stove. A hood can be inexpensive to mount but costly to vent if the installer must cut through finished walls, ceilings, roof framing, or masonry. A recirculating model avoids exterior ductwork but does not exhaust cooking air outdoors.
A short, direct duct route is usually less expensive than a long path with several turns. A new 6-inch duct run of roughly 10 feet may add about $300-$800 for ordinary access; a 20-foot route with multiple elbows or a roof exit can reach $800-$1,800 or more. Existing ducts smaller than the hood manufacturer’s required diameter may need replacement rather than simple reuse.
Hood width also affects fit and equipment cost. A 30-inch unit is common above a standard 30-inch range, while a 36-inch hood may cost $150-$600 more and require a wider cabinet opening. Wall-mount chimney hoods and custom inserts often cost more to install than under-cabinet models because mounting, trim, and finish work are more involved.
Airflow ratings influence the equipment and sometimes the installation. Many standard residential hoods fall around 200-600 CFM; units above 400 CFM may trigger make-up-air requirements under local rules or building conditions. Adding a make-up-air system can cost roughly $500-$2,000+, depending on the equipment, controls, and duct route.
Cabinet material and wall construction matter too. A straightforward wood cabinet mounting may take 2-4 labor hours. Reinforcing a weak cabinet, relocating shelves, cutting tile, or drilling through brick or concrete can add $150-$800 or more. Verify that the hood’s mounting height and clearance meet both its instructions and applicable local requirements.
How much time does mounting and venting take
A direct replacement generally takes 2-4 hours for one installer when the old unit comes down cleanly and the wiring and duct opening match. A new ducted hood often takes 4-8 hours, with a second worker needed for lifting or for parts of the exterior vent installation. Complex roof access, masonry drilling, or cabinet changes can stretch work across a full day or require separate appointments.
Labor rates commonly run $75-$125 per hour, but many installers quote a fixed job price. Electricians may charge $85-$150 per hour, and carpenters or finish workers may charge $60-$120 per hour. A separate trade can mean an additional trip or minimum charge, so a combined contractor quote may be more economical even if the hourly rate is higher.
Scheduling can affect the total if the hood needs a dedicated circuit or a roof opening. The installer may complete mounting first, then return after electrical work or roofing is arranged. Before work begins, have the model number, dimensions, vent location, and photos of the cabinet and existing duct available for a more accurate estimate.
How hood installation prices shift across U.S. regions
Labor and contractor availability make similar jobs cost different amounts across the country. For a standard installation, quotes in lower-cost rural and Midwestern markets may run about 10%-20% below a national benchmark. Major coastal metros and high-cost cities may be 15%-35% higher, especially when parking, building access, or specialty labor adds time.
Use regional percentages as a comparison tool, not a guaranteed adjustment. A $1,200 standard project might land near $960-$1,080 in a lower-cost market or $1,380-$1,620 in a high-cost city. The difference can be larger for new ductwork because roofers, electricians, and drywall contractors may all be involved.
Urban apartment or condominium projects can carry extra coordination costs, such as building approval, restricted work hours, elevator reservations, or requirements to use approved contractors. Those charges are not universal, but a $100-$500 scheduling or access expense is possible. Rural properties may have lower hourly labor but higher travel or delivery charges.
Local code and climate also affect venting details. Some jurisdictions require permits for electrical or structural changes, and cold-weather locations may need suitable dampers or insulated duct sections. A permit or inspection may add roughly $50-$300, although requirements and fees vary by city and project scope.
Three realistic quotes for different stove hood projects
The examples below distinguish a simple swap from new venting and upgraded equipment. They use common U.S. labor assumptions and are illustrative; exact pricing depends on the installer, equipment selection, and site inspection.
| Project details | Equipment | Labor and other work | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-inch under-cabinet replacement; existing duct and outlet reused | $250-$450 | 3 hours at $90-$120; removal and supplies $50-$125 | $570-$935 |
| 30-inch ducted hood; 10-foot wall route and new exterior cap | $350-$650 | 5-7 hours at $85-$125; duct materials $150-$350 | $925-$1,875 |
| 36-inch wall-mount hood; roof duct, cabinet adjustment, premium unit | $900-$1,500 | 8-12 hours across trades; duct, roof, and finish work $800-$1,800 | $2,380-$4,800 |
The first quote is mostly a replacement job; the other two pay for new construction work as well as the appliance. On the roof-vented example, the total could exceed the listed range if the route crosses a second floor, roof access is difficult, or make-up air is required.
When comparing bids, check that they use the same hood width, airflow, duct diameter, vent termination, and finish scope. One quote may appear cheaper because it excludes the appliance, disposal, exterior cap, electrical work, or wall repair. Requesting an itemized estimate makes those differences easier to spot.
Recirculating versus ducted hoods and repair alternatives
A recirculating hood typically costs $100-$700 for the appliance and about $200-$500 to install when mounting and electrical access are simple. It filters air through charcoal or other filters and returns it to the room. Replacement filters commonly cost $15-$80 each, with frequency depending on use and the manufacturer’s guidance.
A ducted hood usually costs more upfront but sends smoke, heat, and cooking odors outside. A basic ducted replacement can be economical when existing ductwork is sound; creating a new route may add $300-$2,000+. A recirculating unit is less expensive when exterior venting is impractical, but it does not provide the same outdoor exhaust function.
Replacing a failed switch, fan motor, or control board may cost $100-$500, including parts and service, depending on the model and diagnostic fee. Repair can make sense for a newer hood with a readily available part. If a basic unit is more than 10-15 years old, has repeated motor problems, or needs several costly parts, compare the repair estimate with a replacement quote.
Ways to lower the hood installation bill without cutting function
Keeping the project close to the existing hood’s dimensions and vent location is often the most effective way to control cost. A compatible replacement can avoid cabinet alterations, new duct routing, and extra electrical work. Confirm the duct diameter, outlet location, mounting height, and clearance before buying a hood.
Spend on the vent path and fit before paying for features the kitchen does not need. A standard under-cabinet model may provide adequate performance at $150-$500, while premium finishes, smart controls, or specialty inserts can add hundreds of dollars. Choose an airflow rating that suits the range and local requirements rather than automatically selecting the highest available CFM.
- Get at least three itemized quotes using the same hood model and scope; compare duct materials, labor, disposal, electrical work, and finish repairs.
- Ask whether the existing duct can be reused safely and legally before approving replacement. A proper inspection is more useful than assuming every old duct needs to be removed.
- Handle simple preparation, such as clearing the work area and removing stored items, but leave wiring, structural cuts, and roof penetrations to qualified trades.
- Schedule the work during a contractor’s less busy period when timing is flexible; avoid paying rush charges for a nonurgent replacement.
- Bundle hood installation with nearby kitchen electrical or cabinet work when it avoids repeated service minimums, while keeping each task itemized.
Do not save money by reducing duct diameter below the hood specification, venting into an attic, or skipping required make-up air. Those shortcuts can impair performance or violate local rules. A lower-cost quote is useful only if it includes a suitable exterior termination, secure mounting, proper electrical connection, and a finished installation.