How much does it cost to get a headlight bulb changed?
Typically, a standard halogen headlight bulb replacement costs about 45–125 at a shop (bulb plus labor), while doing it yourself can keep the cost to around 5–25 for the bulb alone. For modern LED or HID headlights, or if access is difficult, totals can rise to roughly 150–500 at a shop or higher at a dealer. Prices vary by vehicle, location, and the type of headlight.
What influences the price
Prices are driven by several practical factors. Understanding them can help you compare quotes and decide where to have the work done.
- Bulb type: Halogen bulbs are the cheapest to replace; LED and HID systems can be more expensive, especially if modules or ballast components are involved.
- Labor time and rate: More complex access (needing bumper removal, wheel well access, or fender work) increases labor hours and cost; dealer rates are typically higher than independent shops.
- Access and vehicle design: Some cars have easily accessible headlights; others require more disassembly or special tools, which raises the price.
- Location and shop type: Prices vary by region; independent auto shops usually cost less than dealerships or specialty shops.
- Warranty and inclusions: Some places include guarantees on bulbs or labor, which can affect upfront cost but may save money if issues arise later.
- Whether a full assembly is needed: If the bulb is not replaceable separately (common with some LED or HID setups), you may be charged for a new headlight assembly.
In short, the price is a function of the bulb type, how difficult it is to reach the headlight, and where you have the work done. DIY replacements can be the least expensive route if you’re comfortable with the procedure.
Costs by headlight type and scenario
Below are typical cost ranges you might encounter for common scenarios. These figures reflect typical prices in many U.S. markets as of 2025 and can vary by region and vehicle.
- DIY halogen bulb replacement: Bulbs typically cost 5–25; no labor charged if you perform the work yourself.
- Independent shop – halogen bulb replacement: Bulb 5–25 plus labor 40–100; total roughly 45–125.
- Dealership or high-end shop – halogen bulb replacement: Bulb 5–25 plus labor 60–120; total roughly 70–145 or higher depending on the model.
- LED headlight replacement (replaceable LED bulb): Parts 20–100; labor 100–350; total often 150–450 or more depending on installation and vehicle.
- HID headlight replacement (bulb/ballast): Parts 25–75; labor 60–150; total about 110–350 at an independent shop; 200–600 at a dealer in many cases.
- Headlight assembly replacement (if the bulb cannot be replaced separately): Parts 250–1,000+; labor 100–300; total typically 350–1,300 or more depending on the vehicle.
Conclusion: Halogen replacements are the most affordable route, while LED/HID and assembly replacements carry higher costs, especially when labor is involved or specialized parts are required.
Smart questions to save money
Before you commit to service, ask these questions to get a clear price and avoid surprises:
- Is the price for the bulb only, or does it include labor?
- Is there an option to DIY the bulb and only pay for installation if needed?
- Will the quote cover any necessary headlight alignment or warranty on the parts?
- Is the replacement for a bulb or a full headlight assembly (and why)?
Asking these questions helps you compare apples-to-apples quotes and choose the best value for your vehicle.
Summary
The cost to change a headlight bulb varies widely depending on bulb type (halogen vs. LED/HID), access difficulty, and where you have the work done. DIY halogen replacements are the cheapest option, typically costing only the bulb itself. Independent shops offer a middle ground with modest labor charges, while dealerships and specialty shops can be significantly more expensive, especially for non-halogen headlights or when a full assembly replacement is required. Always verify what’s included in a quote and consider the long-term reliability and warranty on parts and labor.
Bottom line: expect a few dozen dollars for a simple halogen swap done yourself, roughly 50–125 dollars at an independent shop for a quick halogen bulb swap, and well over a hundred dollars for LED/HID or assembly work, with dealer prices often higher.
How much should a headlight bulb replacement cost?
A headlight bulb replacement can cost anywhere from $20 to over $2,000, depending on the bulb type, labor involved, and whether the entire assembly needs to be replaced. A simple DIY halogen bulb replacement may cost as little as $10-$50, while professional installation for more complex LED or HID systems, or those requiring bumper removal, can cost several hundred dollars. If an entire modern headlight assembly is damaged, costs can soar to thousands of dollars.
Cost factors
- Bulb type:
- Halogen: The cheapest option, with bulbs costing roughly $10$ 10$10 to $50$ 50$50.
- HID (High-Intensity Discharge): More expensive, ranging from about $50$ 50$50 to $200$ 200$200.
- LED (Light-Emitting Diode): Can be more expensive, with bulbs starting around $30$ 30$30 and going up to $200$ 200$200 or more for a pair.
- Labor:
- Simple replacement: Many modern cars allow you to change the bulb yourself in minutes. Some auto parts stores offer this service for a small fee (e.g., around $10$ 10$10 at Walmart).
- Complex replacement: If the mechanic needs to remove the front bumper or other parts to access the headlight, labor costs can be several hundred dollars.
- Assembly replacement: Replacing an entire modern headlight assembly (due to damage, not just a burnt-out bulb) is expensive. Costs can range from $300$ 300$300 to over $2,000$ 2 comma 000$2,000.
General cost breakdown
- Simple bulb replacement (DIY): $10−$50$ 10 minus $ 50$10−$50 for parts
- Simple bulb replacement (with labor): $25−$100$ 25 minus $ 100$25−$100 for halogen, up to $600$ 600$600 for LED
- Full headlight assembly replacement: $300−$2,000+$ 300 minus $ 2 comma 000 plus$300−$2,000+
Who will change my headlight bulb for free?
You may be able to get your headlight bulb changed for free at some auto parts stores like O'Reilly Auto Parts, which offers free installation with the purchase of a bulb. However, this service is not available for all vehicles due to the complexity of some replacements. Some smaller, local shops like Coleford Tyres and P&B Autocentre also offer free bulb replacement, but their services are location-specific.
- O'Reilly Auto Parts: Offers free installation of bulbs, including headlights, with purchase. However, this service is not available for all vehicles, so you must check with a parts professional to see if they can do it for your car.
- Local shops: Some smaller, independent auto shops might offer free bulb replacement as a courtesy service, but you'll need to check with them directly. For example, Five Acres Garage and P&B Autocentre provide this service.
- Other options: For vehicles with more complex headlight systems, it is unlikely you will find a free replacement. In these cases, you can look for paid services at places like Pep Boys, Firestone, or Jiffy Lube.
How much does Walmart charge to install a headlight bulb?
Walmart headlight installation
This should bring the total cost of your headlight replacement to about $25–$35 per light. Note: If your entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced, you'll likely need to take your vehicle to a repair shop rather than a Walmart Auto Care Center.
Will AutoZone change my headlight bulb for free?
No, AutoZone does not offer free headlight installation and does not have a free installation service, though some employees may help if they are not busy and the task is simple. For more complicated jobs, AutoZone will likely only provide you with the necessary parts and can help you find a professional mechanic to do the installation for you.
- Simple bulb changes: An AutoZone associate may assist you with a simple bulb replacement, especially if you purchased the bulb from them.
- Complex installations: If the bulb is difficult to access (for example, if it requires removing the bumper or battery), they will likely not be able to help and will guide you to a "Preferred Shop".
- What to do: To increase your chances of getting assistance, call your local AutoZone to ask if they can help with your specific vehicle's model and the type of bulb you need.
