Headlight bulb replacement cost
Most shops charge $25–$190 in labor, plus $15–$120 for the headlight bulb.
Updated November 2026
Where good SwaxFix bids tend to land: the low end, because shops compete for the job.
See what shops near you will actually charge.
Free to post. Shops bid blind: they see your car, never you. Buy the part yourself, shops bid on labor only. Already have a quote? Check if it’s fair.What the job involves
The shop reaches behind the headlight housing, unclips the old bulb and fits a new one. On many older cars that takes ten minutes. On a lot of newer cars the bumper cover or wheel-well liner has to come off first, which is where the labor time comes from.
Signs you need it
- One headlight is out or flickering
- One side looks dimmer or more yellow than the other
- A "bulb out" warning on the dash
- You got a fix-it ticket
What changes the price
- Halogen bulbs are cheap. HID and LED bulbs cost several times more
- Bumper or liner removal can turn a 10-minute job into an hour
- Replace both sides at once so they match in color and brightness
Shop or do it yourself?
Often DIY-friendly on older cars. If your manual says to remove the bumper, a shop is usually worth it.
Questions drivers ask
How much does headlight bulb replacement cost?
At a typical shop, labor runs $25 to $190 (about 12 min to 1.2 hr of work), and the headlight bulb costs about $15 to $120. That puts most jobs between $40 and $310 total. With SwaxFix you can buy the part yourself and have local shops bid on the labor only.
Should I replace both headlight bulbs at once?
Yes. Bulbs of the same age fail close together, and a new bulb next to an old one looks noticeably brighter and whiter.
Why is my quote so high for a bulb?
The bulb is usually not the expensive part. On many newer cars the front bumper cover or wheel liner must come off to reach it, so you are paying for that labor.
Is it the bulb or the whole headlight?
If the lens is cracked, fogged on the inside or the bulb is fine but there is no power, it may be the assembly, a fuse or wiring. A shop can check in minutes.
Find a shop
Want to compare shops first? Browse auto repair near me, or post your job and let them come to you.