Water Heater Installation Or Replacement costs
Compare the project, repair and planning references below before choosing the work for your property. Confirm measurements, existing conditions and the services included in each proposal.
Cost scope: Benchmarks were reviewed October 24, 2026. Figures apply to the scope and market named by each reference. City/state examples outside Portland Metro are not Portland quotes. Labor, equipment, recurring expenses and complete projects are different budgets.
Installation and project costs
Compare alternatives separately. A range includes installation only when its scope says so. Do not add overlapping totals together.
| Project or reference | Published benchmark | Basis and scope |
|---|---|---|
| Solar water heater cost | $1,500 – $6,600 | cost after tax credits and rebates |
| Solar water heater cost | $3,000 – $9,000 | cost before tax credit and rebates |
| 50-gallon water heater cost | $700 – $1,800 | total cost (electric) |
| 40-gallon water heater cost | $600 – $1,600 | 40-gallon electric water heater installation |
| Labor cost to install water heater | $600 – $3,100 | total installation cost (tank + labor) |
| Labor cost to install water heater | $1,400 – $5,600 | total installation cost (tankless unit + labor) |
| Water heater installation cost — Standard 40–50 gallon tank | $600 – $3,100 | tank and installation |
| Water heater installation cost — 40-gallon tank | $600 – $3,000 | total installed |
| Water heater installation cost — 50-gallon tank | $700 – $3,100 | total installed |
| Water heater installation cost — Hybrid heat pump water heater | $2,000 – $4,600 | total installed |
Labor cost
Labor or hourly figures are separate from equipment purchases. Do not add them to a total that already includes labor.
| Project or reference | Published benchmark | Basis and scope |
|---|---|---|
| Labor cost to install water heater | $200 – $1,000 | labor cost to replace water heater tank |
| Labor cost to install water heater | $800 – $3,000 | labor cost to install tankless water heater |
| Water heater installation cost — Standard tank installation | $200 – $1,000 | labor only |
Related RemodelRates cost guides
- Solar water heater cost
- 50-gallon water heater cost
- 40-gallon water heater cost
- Labor cost to install water heater
- Water heater installation cost
Explore the related RemodelRates guides for project benchmarks and planning details.
Before requesting bids
Share measurements, photos, location, existing conditions and the desired result. Ask for a written scope covering preparation, permits, removal, material specifications, installation, disposal and finish repairs where relevant. Compare bids using the same quantities and exclusions.
Material cost
Purchase-only prices below are not complete installed totals. Confirm quantities, delivery and product specifications. Do not add these to totals already including materials.
| Project or reference | Published benchmark | Basis and scope |
|---|---|---|
| Water heater installation cost — Standard 40–50 gallon tank | $400 – $2,100 | unit only |
| Water heater installation cost — 40-gallon tank | $400 – $2,000 | unit only |
| Water heater installation cost — 50-gallon tank | $500 – $2,100 | unit only |
| Water heater installation cost — Hybrid heat pump tank | $1,500 – $3,000 | unit only |