Installing a range hood costs $200 to $1,500 for most homeowners in 2026, with the national average landing around $600 to $900 once you factor in both the unit and professional installation. A simple under-cabinet swap on an existing duct connection runs as low as $150 to $400. A fully vented wall-mounted chimney hood above a gas range, on the other hand, can climb past $2,500 once new ductwork and electrical work are included. If you already have a duct connection in place and just need the unit replaced, most contractors charge $150 to $400 in labor alone.
This guide breaks down every cost factor, compares hood types, and gives you the questions to ask before you hire anyone.
Why a Good Range Hood Is Worth the Money
Before getting into numbers, it helps to understand what you are actually buying. Cooking is one of the leading sources of indoor air pollution at home. The EPA has documented that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and cooking releases grease particles, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide that settle throughout your kitchen and living spaces.
If you cook on a gas stove, ventilation is not optional: it is a safety issue. The CPSC recommends proper exhaust ventilation for all gas cooking appliances to prevent combustion byproduct buildup. A vented range hood is the most effective tool available for the job.
Types of Range Hoods and What Each Costs
The type of hood you choose is the single biggest driver of your total project cost. Here is a breakdown of the most common options.
Under-Cabinet Range Hoods
These mount beneath your upper cabinets directly above the cooktop. They are the most common and most affordable choice in American kitchens.
- Unit cost: $60 to $400
- Installation labor: $100 to $250
- Total project: $160 to $650
Under-cabinet hoods are the easiest to install and the easiest to replace. If you already have ductwork in place, swapping one out is often a half-day job for a handyman.
Wall-Mounted Chimney Hoods
These mount directly to the wall and feature a visible chimney-style duct cover extending to the ceiling. They are popular in open kitchen designs and act as a visual focal point.
- Unit cost: $250 to $1,200
- Installation labor: $200 to $600
- New ductwork (if needed): $200 to $1,000
- Total project: $650 to $2,800
Chimney hoods are more powerful and better-looking than under-cabinet models, but they require that you remove upper cabinets over the range, which adds labor cost.
Island Range Hoods
These hang from the ceiling above a kitchen island with a cooktop. Installation is the most complex because ductwork needs to travel through the ceiling or soffit.
- Unit cost: $400 to $2,000
- Installation labor: $300 to $800
- New ductwork (if needed): $500 to $2,000
- Total project: $1,200 to $4,800
Island hoods are a significant investment, but they are the only practical solution for kitchens with a cooktop on an island and no overhead cabinets.
Downdraft Ventilation
Downdraft units pull air downward through the countertop rather than capturing it overhead. They are popular with island cooktops that cannot accommodate a ceiling-mounted hood.
- Unit cost: $400 to $1,500
- Installation labor: $200 to $600
- Total project: $600 to $2,100
Downdraft systems are generally considered less effective than overhead hoods because heat and steam naturally rise, which works against the airflow direction.
Over-the-Range Microwave Hoods
These combination units serve as both a microwave and a ventilation hood. They are the most space-efficient option for smaller kitchens.
- Unit cost: $150 to $600
- Installation labor: $100 to $300
- Total project: $250 to $900
Note that many microwave hoods recirculate air rather than vent it outside. If air quality is a concern, verify whether the model you choose can be ducted to the exterior.
Vented vs. Ductless: Which Should You Choose?
One of the most important decisions you will make is whether to go with a vented (ducted) hood or a ductless (recirculating) hood. This choice significantly affects both cost and long-term effectiveness.
| Feature | Vented (Ducted) | Ductless (Recirculating) |
|---|---|---|
| Air quality performance | Excellent: removes all pollutants | Moderate: filters particles only |
| Removes carbon monoxide | Yes | No |
| Removes nitrogen dioxide | Yes | No |
| Installation cost | Higher (requires ductwork) | Lower (no ductwork needed) |
| Ongoing maintenance | Grease filter cleaning only | Grease filter plus charcoal filters |
| Charcoal filter replacement cost | Not needed | $20 to $60 every 3 to 6 months |
| Best for | Gas ranges, heavy cooking | Rentals, apartments, light cooking |
If you cook frequently on a gas stove, the EPA recommends vented ventilation as the more effective option. Ductless hoods can trap grease and odors but cannot remove combustion gases. For a household with a gas range and regular cooking, vented is always the better long-term choice.
What Drives the Final Price Up
Several factors can push your installation cost well above the baseline estimates.
New Ductwork
If your kitchen does not already have a ventilation duct to the outside, this is usually the biggest added expense. A contractor needs to cut through walls, cabinets, or the ceiling and route the duct to an exterior wall or through the roof. Depending on the route and length, expect to pay $200 to $1,500 for new ductwork. Roof penetrations cost more than side-wall exits because of the added flashing and waterproofing required.
Electrical Work
Range hoods need power, either a nearby outlet or a hardwired connection. If there is no outlet near the installation point, you will need an electrician to add one or run a dedicated circuit. This typically adds $100 to $400 to the project cost.
Permit Requirements
Many cities and counties require permits for new ductwork penetrations and electrical work. Permits generally cost $50 to $250. Your licensed contractor is responsible for pulling them. Skipping permits can cause problems when you sell your home, so confirm this step before work begins. Check with your local building department or state licensing board for requirements in your area.
Cabinet Modifications
Wall-mounted and chimney-style hoods often require removing or modifying upper cabinets above the range. Carpenter labor typically runs $50 to $200 per hour. If you are also adding new cabinets to reconfigure the space, budget for that separately.
Hood Power (CFM Rating)
More powerful hoods cost more. The Home Ventilating Institute recommends a minimum of 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTU of a gas range’s output, or at least 40 CFM per linear foot of cooktop for electric ranges. Very powerful commercial-style hoods (over 400 CFM) may require a make-up air system that brings fresh air into the kitchen to replace what is exhausted. Make-up air systems add another $300 to $2,000 to the project.
Labor Costs by Contractor Type
| Contractor Type | Hourly Rate | Typical Job Duration | Estimated Labor Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handyman | $60 to $125/hr | 1 to 3 hours | $60 to $375 |
| Licensed Electrician | $85 to $175/hr | 1 to 4 hours | $85 to $700 |
| HVAC Contractor | $75 to $150/hr | 2 to 5 hours | $150 to $750 |
| General Contractor | $80 to $160/hr | Varies | $200 to $1,000+ |
For a straightforward under-cabinet replacement with existing ductwork, a licensed handyman is usually the most cost-effective option. For new ductwork penetrations or electrical upgrades, hire a licensed contractor who can pull permits and handle inspections.
Regional Labor Cost Differences
Where you live significantly affects what you pay. Here is what homeowners typically pay for installation labor (unit cost separate) across different parts of the country.
| Region | Typical Labor Range |
|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, MA, CT, NJ) | $250 to $700 |
| Pacific Coast (CA, WA, OR) | $200 to $650 |
| Midwest (OH, MI, IL, MN) | $150 to $450 |
| Southeast (TX, FL, GA, NC) | $120 to $400 |
| Mountain West (CO, AZ, NV, UT) | $150 to $500 |
| Great Plains (KS, NE, IA, MO) | $100 to $350 |
These figures reflect labor only. Urban markets within each region trend toward the higher end, while rural areas tend to be lower.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Replacing a like-for-like under-cabinet hood is one of the more accessible DIY kitchen projects. If the new hood is the same size as the old one, connects to the existing ductwork, and plugs into an accessible outlet, a moderately handy homeowner can complete the swap in two to three hours. The savings compared to hiring out can run $150 to $300.
DIY is reasonable when:
- You are replacing an existing hood with the same type and size
- Existing ductwork and electrical connections are already in place
- You are comfortable working at heights and disconnecting a basic appliance
- The new hood comes with clear instructions and the same mounting footprint
Hire a professional when:
- You are installing a hood where none existed before
- You need new ductwork or a new exterior wall or roof penetration
- You are installing a chimney or island hood with complex ceiling or wall mounting
- Your local code requires permits for ventilation or electrical work
- You have a gas range and want a professional to verify that the installation does not interfere with gas connections
When to Replace Your Current Range Hood
Most residential range hoods last 10 to 15 years with regular cleaning and maintenance. Signs that yours is due for replacement:
- The fan motor is loud, rattles excessively, or stops working entirely
- Grease and smoke are not clearing from the kitchen even on the highest setting
- The hood has persistent grease buildup that cannot be cleaned off the filters or housing
- You are remodeling the kitchen and want an aesthetic upgrade
- Your current hood recirculates air rather than venting outside and you want better indoor air quality
- The unit runs constantly to keep up with cooking demands, a sign it is undersized for your stove’s output
Tips to Save Money on the Project
A few strategies can meaningfully reduce your total cost.
-
Get three quotes from different contractor types. Prices for the same job can vary by $200 to $400 depending on the contractor. A handyman versus an HVAC company may charge very different rates for the same scope of work.
-
Buy the unit yourself. Many contractors mark up the appliance 15 to 30 percent when they supply it. Purchase the hood from an appliance retailer or big-box store and hire the contractor to install a customer-supplied unit.
-
Look for ENERGY STAR rebates. ENERGY STAR certified range hoods may qualify for local utility rebates. Check the ENERGY STAR rebate finder on their website to see what is available in your area.
-
Bundle with other kitchen work. If you already have a contractor or electrician scheduled for another project, adding the hood installation adds only marginal labor cost compared to scheduling a separate visit.
-
Plan ductwork routing before you buy. The hood type you can afford to install depends heavily on where you can route the duct. Talk to a contractor about routing options before purchasing a specific model. A chimney hood that requires a long duct run through cabinets could end up costing far more than you expected.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before Hiring
- Are you licensed and insured in this state?
- Will you pull the required permits for this work?
- Does your quote include all ductwork materials, fittings, and the exterior cap?
- What warranty do you offer on labor?
- How will you handle surprises during installation, such as inadequate wiring or difficult duct routing?
- Will you seal all duct connections with mastic or foil tape (not standard plastic tape) to prevent grease leaks?
A reputable contractor will be transparent about permits and potential complications. If anyone suggests skipping permits to save money, that is a red flag.
Official Resources
- EPA Indoor Air Quality: epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq - Information on cooking pollutants and why kitchen ventilation matters
- ENERGY STAR Certified Products: energystar.gov - Find certified range hoods and check for local utility rebates
- DOE Home Ventilation Guide: energy.gov/energysaver/ventilation - Energy-efficient ventilation strategies for homes
- CPSC Cooking Safety: cpsc.gov - Safety guidelines for cooking appliances and ventilation requirements
- Home Ventilating Institute (HVI): hvi.org - Industry standards for residential ventilation equipment and CFM ratings