The cost to replace a microwave ranges from about $100 for a basic countertop model to more than $2,500 for a built-in or drawer unit with installation. Appliance type, cabinet or vent changes, electrical work, and local labor rates drive the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop replacement | $100 | $250 | $600 | Appliance only; many swaps need no paid labor |
| Over-the-range replacement | $350 | $700 | $1,300 | Unit and standard installation |
| Built-in replacement | $700 | $1,500 | $3,000 | Unit and installation; trim or cabinet work may add cost |
| Drawer microwave replacement | $1,200 | $2,000 | $3,500 | Higher-priced unit and fit-dependent labor |
Typical prices for countertop, over-range, and built-in models
A standard countertop microwave costs about $100-$600, with a common 1.0-1.6-cubic-foot model averaging $150-$300. Replacement can be as simple as unplugging the old unit and placing the new one, so labor is often $0-$100 if delivery or haul-away is not needed.
An over-the-range microwave generally costs $250-$900 for the appliance and $100-$300 for a straightforward installation. A built-in model typically runs $500-$2,000 for the unit and $200-$600 for installation. Premium drawer models can exceed $2,500 before cabinetry changes.
For a like-for-like replacement, a typical installed budget is $400-$900 for over-the-range and $800-$2,300 for built-in. Assumptions: standard-size units, existing wiring and venting, normal access, and midrange appliance quality.
What appliance, labor, and removal charges add to the quote
Quotes may combine the appliance, installation, delivery, and disposal into one figure. Asking for itemized prices helps distinguish the microwave itself from required work and optional services.
| Quote component | Low | Typical | High | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countertop appliance | $100 | $250 | $600 | Per unit |
| Over-range appliance | $250 | $550 | $900 | Per unit |
| Standard installation | $100 | $200 | $350 | Per unit |
| Built-in installation | $200 | $400 | $700 | Per unit |
| Delivery and old-unit removal | $30 | $80 | $150 | Combined service fee |
Installation is usually the largest non-appliance charge when replacing an over-range or built-in unit. A one- to two-hour standard job at $75-$150 per hour can cost $75-$300, though installers may charge a flat fee or minimum.
How cabinet width, venting, and electrical work change price
Fit and connections can turn a routine swap into a remodeling task. A replacement over-range microwave should match the cabinet opening and usually the existing mounting pattern; a unit that is too wide, deep, or tall may require carpentry or a different model.
Vent configuration also matters. Recirculating models filter air back into the kitchen, while externally vented units need a compatible duct route. Changing the route or adding ductwork can add roughly $150-$500, with longer runs or wall and roof work costing more.
Budget extra when the opening, duct, or circuit needs modification rather than a direct replacement. Electrical work may add $150-$500 for a new outlet, circuit, or code-related correction. Built-in trim kits can cost $100-$400, while cabinet alterations may add $200-$800 depending on finish and complexity.
Installation rates in urban, suburban, and rural markets
Local labor and delivery availability affect the quote even when the appliance price is similar. Major metro markets often run about 10%-25% above national midrange labor pricing; suburban rates are commonly near the midpoint, while rural jobs may be 5%-20% lower but include a travel charge.
Compare the complete installed quote, not just the advertised unit price. A rural installer may charge $50-$150 for travel, and urban delivery or haul-away fees can reach $100-$200. These ranges vary by region, access, and contractor scheduling.
When labor takes longer than a simple microwave swap
Countertop replacement generally takes 15-30 minutes if delivery, setup, and disposal are excluded. Over-range installation commonly takes 1-2 hours for a two-person crew, while built-in replacement may take 2-4 hours if trim, brackets, or cabinet fit require adjustment.
Extra labor is most likely when the old mounting hardware cannot be reused or the new model has different dimensions. Ask whether the installation price includes a second worker, removal, testing, and cleanup; some low advertised rates cover mounting only.
Three replacement quotes for common kitchen setups
A countertop swap might include a $220, 1.2-cubic-foot microwave, $50 delivery, and no installation charge, for a $270 total. A standard over-range job might include a $500 appliance, two installers for 1.5 hours at $110 per hour, and $60 removal, totaling about $890.
Built-in fit work can make the same-size replacement substantially more expensive. For example, a $1,100 built-in unit, $350 installation, $180 trim kit, and $100 haul-away total $1,730 before tax. These examples assume existing electrical service and no cabinet or duct modifications.
Extra fees for haul-away, trim kits, and kitchen changes
Old-unit removal typically adds $30-$150, though a retailer may include it in delivery or charge separately. A built-in trim kit may be required for a clean fit; confirm compatibility before purchase because the wrong kit can create return and labor costs.
Check whether the quote includes disposal, mounting hardware, and any model-specific trim before approving the job. Permits are uncommon for a simple microwave swap, but a new circuit or substantial electrical work may require inspection under local rules. Permit costs vary, often from $50-$200.
Ways to lower the replacement bill without sacrificing fit
Measure the opening, cabinet depth, and existing unit before shopping, then compare models with matching dimensions and vent style. Reusing a compatible outlet, duct, mounting plate, and trim can avoid labor and material charges, but the installer should verify that existing parts are safe and approved for the new model.
Choosing a standard model and requesting itemized bids are the most controllable savings steps. Compare at least two installed quotes, including delivery and haul-away, and ask about retailer installation bundles. Avoid paying for a premium sensor, finish, or capacity upgrade unless it solves a specific need; do not attempt electrical or overhead mounting work without the right qualifications.