Light pole installation typically costs $800-$12,000 per pole, with many standard commercial projects averaging about $4,000 installed. Pole height, foundation work, electrical distance, equipment access, and local labor rates are the biggest price drivers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed pole | $800 | $4,000 | $12,000 | Per pole; varies by height and scope |
| 10-15 ft residential pole | $800 | $1,600 | $2,500 | Basic fixture and accessible site |
| 20-30 ft commercial pole | $2,500 | $4,500 | $8,000 | Foundation, LED fixture, and wiring |
| Large or complex installation | $6,000 | $9,000 | $12,000+ | Deep base, long trench, or difficult access |
What a standard 20- to 30-foot light pole costs installed
A typical commercial installation with one steel or aluminum pole, an LED head, a concrete foundation, and a nearby power connection runs $2,500-$8,000. A straightforward job often lands near $4,000-$4,500 per pole. A shorter residential pole with a simple connection can cost less, while decorative poles, multiple fixtures, or remote sites can exceed the usual range.
Price estimates generally assume normal soil, clear equipment access, standard materials, and no major utility or code upgrades. Assumptions: U.S. contractor pricing, standard LED fixture, ordinary site access, and one pole installed. For budgeting, $4,000 per standard commercial pole is a useful starting point, not a guaranteed quote.
How pole, concrete, wiring, and labor shape the quote
Contractors may quote a single installed price or list each trade separately. The following ranges show typical components for one standard commercial pole; costs can overlap when a contractor bundles foundation and installation work.
| Cost component | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pole and LED fixture | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Standard pole and one light head |
| Concrete base and anchor bolts | $400 | $900 | $1,800 | Excavation, concrete, and setting hardware |
| Electrical materials and connection | $250 | $800 | $2,000 | Conductors, conduit, and connection to power |
| Installation labor | $600 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Electrical and installation crew |
| Lift or crane and delivery | $250 | $700 | $1,500 | Equipment access and pole transport |
| Permits and inspection | $50 | $250 | $700 | Local fees, where required |
Foundation, electrical work, and equipment can cost as much as the pole and fixture. Ask whether the estimate includes excavation, hauling excess soil, restoration, sales tax, and inspection fees.
Which pole height, soil, and wire distance raise the price?
Height affects both material cost and the equipment needed to lift and secure the pole. A 10-15 ft pole may use a small lift or manual setting, while a 30-40 ft pole usually needs heavier equipment and a larger foundation. Moving from a 20 ft to a 30 ft pole can add roughly $500-$2,000, depending on pole design and site access.
Foundation requirements depend on pole height, wind exposure, soil, and engineering specifications. Rocky ground, groundwater, or a base deeper than about 4 ft may add $500-$2,500 for excavation and concrete work. Electrical distance also matters: a short connection near an existing circuit is much cheaper than trenching 100 ft or more from a power source, which can add $1,000-$4,000 or more.
Confirm the specified pole height, base depth, and wiring route before comparing bids.
How long does a pole crew need on site?
A simple installation may take a two- or three-person crew 6-10 hours, not including concrete curing or a separate inspection visit. Jobs involving trenching, several poles, or a long electrical run can take 1-3 working days. Electricians commonly charge $75-$150 per hour, while specialized equipment and crew rates vary by market.
Scheduling can affect the total. A crane or bucket truck may have a daily minimum, often $250-$800 before delivery or operator charges. Ask whether equipment rental is billed by the hour, half-day, or full day.
How regional labor and access shift pole installation prices
Labor and permitting costs tend to be higher in dense metropolitan areas and parts of the Northeast and West Coast. A comparable project may price 15%-30% above the national middle in high-cost cities; rural areas may run 5%-15% below it when access is easy and contractors are available. Remote sites can still cost more if equipment and materials must travel farther.
Local conditions can outweigh broad regional averages. Request bids from contractors familiar with local wind-load rules, utility requirements, and inspection practices. A low labor quote may not include the engineering or site preparation a local jurisdiction requires.
Three light pole quotes for different project scopes
| Example | Scope and labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway pole | 12 ft pole, one LED head, existing nearby power, 6-8 crew hours | $1,200-$2,200 |
| Small parking lot | 25 ft steel pole, LED fixture, 30 ft trench, 10-14 crew hours | $3,500-$6,500 |
| Remote commercial pole | 35 ft pole, engineered base, 100 ft trench, crane and 16-24 crew hours | $7,000-$12,000+ |
These examples compare complete jobs rather than pole-only prices. Actual totals depend on soil, fixture output, power availability, restoration, and local code requirements.
When permits, trenching, and code work add extra charges
Some jurisdictions require an electrical permit, plan review, inspection, or engineered foundation details. Permit and inspection costs commonly range from $50-$700 per project, but commercial or engineered jobs can be higher. Existing circuits may also need a new breaker, grounding, or code-compliant conduit, adding several hundred dollars or more.
Trenching through pavement is usually more expensive than digging in open soil because cutting, conduit installation, and surface repair are involved. Expect roughly $8-$25 per linear foot for straightforward trenching, with pavement restoration or difficult ground potentially raising the rate. Ask for trench length and restoration to be itemized.
How to lower the installed price without cutting safety
Keep the scope consistent when comparing quotes: specify pole height, material, LED fixture, foundation requirements, trench length, and included permits. If multiple poles are planned, installing them together may reduce mobilization and equipment charges. Locate the closest suitable power source before requesting estimates, and arrange clear vehicle and crane access.
Standard pole finishes and readily available LED fixtures usually cost less than custom colors or decorative designs. Reuse an existing foundation only after a qualified contractor confirms its condition and compatibility. Compare itemized, like-for-like bids rather than choosing by the lowest pole-only price.