How Much Does Shower Installation Cost in 2024?

Shower Installation Cost Factors

The total cost of shower installation will vary depending on factors such as the size, design, and materials required.

Size

The price of shower installation largely depends on the size you choose. The average cost is $240 per square foot but will vary depending on the materials and type of shower. Standard walk-in showers are 32 by 32 inches, while tub-shower combos are 30 by 60 inches. Showers required to meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act must be at least 36 inches square. 

Design

Showers are available in many different designs, each varying in price. While most standard walk-in showers are square or rectangular, there are options in almost any shape or size. Choosing between a tiled or prefabricated shower will also affect the price. Prefabricated showers can be as low as $1000, while a tiled-walk-in shower can cost up to $17,500. The more customized your shower is, the higher the price will be. 

Materials

The materials used in your shower will significantly affect the price. Low-end options such as porcelain tile range from $2 to $30 per square foot, while high-end materials such as cultured marble can cost up to $65 per square foot. Prefabricated inserts are also available in fiberglass, acrylic, or plastic, costing between $400 and $2000. 

Additional Shower Installation Cost Factors

When installing a new shower, it’s important to consider additional costs, such as labor, demolition and removal, and permits.

Labor

The average cost to hire a local shower installer is $60 per hour, but it will vary depending on your location and the complexity of the installation. The average cost to tile a shower ranges from $400 to $1,000 alone. If the area already has the hookups required for a shower, the installation will be less costly, as contractors won’t have to do as much prep. However, if they need to add fixtures or move pipes around, the installation can cost up to $1,600 for labor alone. You may also have to hire a plumber to prepare the space, which can range from $45 to $200 per hour.  

Demolition and Removal

When replacing an existing shower, contractors must remove the old shower and the debris. Removal costs range between $50 and $100, with cleanup averaging $250. Costs will increase if you also require wall demolition and pipe replacement. 

Permits

Depending on the extent of the renovations, you may be required to purchase a builder’s permit to install a new shower. The average permit cost is $250 but will vary depending on your state and city.

Shower Installation Costs by Type

When choosing a new shower, you can select from various types. Options like a standard walk-in shower are more budget-friendly, while deluxe steam showers or those with special features will be on the high end. 

Walk-In Shower

Walk-in showers cost between $1,200 and $8,000, depending on the size and materials. The average shower is 32 by 32 inches, but you can customize it to almost any size. Installing high-end tiling or special features will increase the price.

Tub-to-Shower Conversion

You can transform your bathtub into a walk-in shower for between $1,200 and $8,000. The plumbing fixtures and hookups are often already installed, reducing labor costs and making this a more budget-friendly way to install a shower. 

Tub-Shower Combo

If you want to install a tub-shower combo, you can expect to pay $1,500 to $8,500. The price to replace a tub with a shower will be higher if you add special features, such as jets or a rainfall shower head, while a prefabricated option keeps costs down. 

Accessibility Showers

Installing an accessibility shower costs from $1,800 to $8,600. These showers provide added support for those with disabilities or the elderly, and due to their added features, they often cost close to $600 more than other showers.

Steam Shower

The cost to install a steam shower ranges between $2,800 and $7,100. They produce warm steam to provide a spa-like feeling in your home. 

Shower Installation Costs by Part

The parts used in shower installation will significantly affect the price. You can keep costs down by choosing a standard, prefabricated unit with everything you need. However, if you want to customize your shower, adding special features and high-end materials will increase costs.

Shower Tiles

Shower tiles range from $1,800 to $6,900, depending on the material and amount required. Ceramic options cost less than $1 per square foot, while high-end materials such as natural stone cost $15 per square foot.

Shower Pan

A shower pan is a waterproof barrier placed under the shower's tiled floor to catch water. On average, shower pans cost $900 to $2,000 and are available in various materials. If you’re replacing an old shower, you may be able to reuse the pan to cut costs.

Bathtub and Shower Liner

The average cost to install a shower and tub liner is $6,400. Liners attach to an old shower or tub to give it a new look and can reduce labor costs as they take contractors less time to install.

Custom Jets

Jets are a special feature that gives your shower a spa-like feel. You can choose from a prefabricated jetted shower, which adds an average of $900 to the total price, or a custom jetted shower, which can add $1,000 or more.

Custom Drainage

If you want to add a custom drainage hole to your shower, you can expect to pay an additional $750 to $1,300 in labor and materials. Adding a new drain requires custom plumbing, increasing labor costs.

Shower Head

Shower heads cost between $75 and $600, depending on your chosen style. Standard high-pressure heads are the most cost-effective, while full-body shower heads are often on the higher end. 

Shower Replacement vs. Repair

Consider whether you’d like to repair or replace your current shower. Repairing your shower is a less complex job that can often be completed within a few hours to a couple of days. It’s a more cost-effective option than replacement, with prices ranging from $100 for minor fixes to $1,000 for full resurfacing. It’s often the best option for those who want to refresh the look of their current shower and keep costs down.

Shower replacement is a more complex job that involves demolishing and removing the old shower and installing a new one. Removing your old shower may reveal complex issues, such as mold or plumbing problems, that can significantly increase costs. The total price of replacement will depend on the materials and labor required. If you have a wider budget and want to give your shower a brand-new look, replacement is the best option. 

Does Shower Installation Increase Home Value?

Depending on the current state of your house, installing a new shower can increase its value. If your bathroom is dated, replacing fixtures or refreshing your shower will add value and attract buyers. Many homeowners choose to remove bathtubs and install walk-in showers, which have a return of close to 55%. However, removing a bathtub can turn away potential buyers if you don’t have another one within your home. 

Budgeting for a Shower Installation

Installing a new shower can be a complex job, depending on the materials and parts you choose. Before starting your project, consider these budget-friendly tips to keep your costs down:

• Choose a prefabricated shower rather than custom materials. 

• Opt for a smaller design to reduce the cost of materials and labor.

• If you have the tools and requirements, remove or dispose of the old shower yourself.

• Choose lower-cost materials, such as ceramic tile, to keep costs down.

• Avoid special features and customizations as they can significantly increase the total cost.

• Compare prices from local contractors to find the most cost-effective option in your area.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.