The cost of a sprinkler system is $0.29 to $0.48 per square foot on average. This cost estimate includes installation and materials for an above-ground system, but not permits or inspection.
The typical American lawn is around a quarter-acre big, which is 10,890 square feet. Most homeowners would likely pay somewhere between $3,169 and $5,238 for a ¼-acre lawn.
These prices are based on sprinkler installation costs in big metros and smaller cities across the U.S. However, your sprinkler system installation may cost differently depending on the type of sprinklers, the number of zones, and if you install add-ons.
If your sprinkler system only needs repairs, then you will find our sprinkler repair pricing guide to be more useful.
Cost by Sprinkler System Type
One of the most important cost factors is the type of sprinkler system you want to install. Some are more labor-intensive to install, so a pro will charge more to install it. This table lists the costs of different types of sprinkler systems.
| Type of sprinkler system | Cost per ¼ acre (no labor) |
| Above-ground sprinklers | $425 – $625 |
| Underground/in-ground sprinklers | $1,720 – $3,454 |
| Automatic sprinklers | $2,630 (+ $43 – $294 for an automatic controller) |
You can also opt for a drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation systems cost between $1.70 and $4.80 per square foot.
You can learn more about what goes into the installation costs for these different systems in these cost guides:
- Drip Irrigation Cost Guide
- Above-ground Sprinklers Cost Guide
- Underground Sprinklers Cost Guide
If you don’t know what type of sprinkler system you want yet, check out these articles:
Cost by Location
The cost of a sprinkler system installation can change depending on the area because of differing costs of living and labor fees.
The table below shows what you can expect to pay to install an above-ground irrigation system in different regions of the U.S. These prices don’t include permit and inspection costs.
| Northeast U.S. | Cost per square foot (including labor cost + materials) |
| New York, NY | $0.31 – $0.52 |
| Pawtucket, RI | $0.29 – $0.48 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Atlanta, GA | $0.29 – $0.48 |
| Dothan, AL | $0.27 – $0.45 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Chicago, IL | $0.30 – $0.50 |
| South Bend, IN | $0.29 – $0.47 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Seattle, WA | $0.30 – $0.50 |
| Corvallis OR | $0.28 – $0.46 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| San Diego, CA | $0.30 – $0.49 |
| Roswell, NM | $0.28 – $0.46 |
You can get an idea of how much it costs to install a sprinkler system in your area by checking the price in a similar-sized city.
For the most accurate prices, it’s still best to consult an irrigation pro near you. LawnStarter can connect you with one in a few clicks.
Professional Sprinkler Installation Cost vs. DIY Cost
If you’re a novice, most experts recommend leaving sprinkler installation — especially underground sprinkler systems — to the professionals. But if you have enough DIY project experience and the patience to match, you can save money by doing it yourself.
| Type of sprinkler system | DIY cost per square foot | Savings per square foot |
| Above-ground sprinklers | $0.08 – $0.14 | $0.20 – $0.35 |
| Underground/in-ground sprinklers | $0.20 – $0.41 | $0.50 – $1.02 |
Most irrigation pros charge $50 to $100 per hour in labor fees, and the average sprinkler system installation can take a few hours to a day and a half. Labor accounts for about 60% of the total project cost.
It will cost an additional $50 to $100 per hour if you need trenching done for an in-ground sprinkler system. Installing underground sprinklers also takes longer in general, so it’ll cost more to hire a pro. What you pay in labor will give you peace of mind that everything is in order, though.
If you would like to try your hand at installing your own sprinklers, these articles might be of use to you:
- How to Plan and Install a Home Lawn Sprinkler System
- Cost to Install a Lawn Sprinkler System DIY
Cost by Number of Zones
Another important cost factor in a lawn sprinkler system installation is the number of irrigation zones you need. One zone costs $788 to $1,000.
An average-sized lawn needs at least five irrigation zones. Additional zones cost an average of $750 to install. You may need more irrigation zones if you have lots of plants with different irrigation needs.
Cost by Type of Sprinkler Head
The type of sprinkler head you use also affects cost. Rotary sprinkler heads are more expensive than stationary sprinkler heads (also called fixed sprinkler heads). Generally, sprinkler heads cost between $2 to $33 per head.
A watering zone can have five to 10 sprinkler heads each, so the costs can quickly add up. Generally, you’ll need fewer rotary sprinkler heads than spray heads (which are stationary) as the former can cover a larger area.
This table lists the average costs of each type of sprinkler head.
| Type of sprinkler head | Cost per sprinkler head |
| Fixed | $14 |
| Bubbler | $7 |
| Misting or micro | $7 |
| Pop-up | $9 |
| Rotary | $12 |
| Gear-driven rotor | $21 |
| Impact rotor | $25 |
If you’re not sure which sprinkler head is right for your lawn, you can check out our article on the different types of sprinkler heads.
Cost of Backflow Prevention
Most areas will require you to install a backflow prevention valve, which prevents water from flowing backward and contaminating our drinking water.
A backflow preventer valve costs $250 to $550 per piece. You will generally need one backflow preventer for your lawn sprinklers.
Cost of Sprinkler Add-ons
You can install add-ons to your sprinkler system to make it more water-efficient and convenient to use. Some of these add-ons include Wi-Fi, smartphone, and Alexa-compatible controllers and rain and soil sensors that hold off irrigation when they detect rain and wet soil.
| Sprinkler add-on | Cost per piece |
| Rain and soil sensors | $18 |
| Wi-Fi and phone-compatible controllers | $50 – $300 |
Cost of Permits
You will need to pay for permits and inspections when you install a new sprinkler system. Permits differ in cost from area to area, but you can expect to pay $87 to $238 in permit fees. Usually, the installation crew will handle this.
Your HOA may have rules about installing sprinklers in your yard. In addition, some HOAs enforce watering restrictions, and some require that your plans and permits be approved before you start work on the project. Remember to check with them first, or you may be subject to an unwelcome fine.
Cost to Install Sprinklers on Difficult Terrain
If the soil that you plan to install sprinklers on is dense and rocky, your contractor may have trouble. Expect to pay up to $0.40 per square foot of rocky soil.
You’ll also need a drainage solution for water to drain properly if your lawn has slopes. An exterior French drain costs $10 to $65 per linear foot.
FAQ
What are Some Tips for Choosing a Sprinkler System Contractor?
Here are a few things to ask potential installers:
- How long have you been in business? (Aim for a company with at least five years of experience.)
- Do you have licensing and insurance? (Always a good question to gauge professionalism and keep yourself free from liability.)
- Do you require money upfront? (The answer should always be no.)
- How long will it take to install the system, and do you seed or sod over the trenching? (Most installations take one to two days, and most companies include re-seeding or laying sod strips in their total cost.)
- Have you worked with HOAs before? (This only applies if you live in an HOA community.)
- Which systems or brands do you use? How long is their lifespan? Are they commercial or residential grade, and do they come with a manufacturer’s warranty?
- Will you take care of any necessary permits? What costs or fees should I expect besides parts and labor?
How Much Does it Cost to Winterize My Sprinkler System?
It costs between $60 to $120 to winterize a sprinkler system. Learn more about the cost breakdown in our sprinkler system winterization pricing guide.
How Much Will My Water Bill Increase With a Sprinkler System?
How much your water bill will increase will depend heavily on where you live. If you experience scorching summers, expect your water bill to shoot up by a few hundred dollars.
If you’re worried about conserving water and keeping your water bill as low as possible, consider using rain and soil sensors. You can also consider installing a rainwater collection system, like a rain barrel. It will cost you more, but it pays for itself in the long run.
Read more about the cost of rainwater harvesting systems here:
- Rain Barrel Cost Guide
- Rainwater Harvesting System Cost Guide
Hire an Irrigation Pro to Install Sprinklers for Your Yard
Sprinkler systems are not an obvious home improvement choice to increase curb appeal, but they can do magic. A professionally installed sprinkler system helps your yard put on a green, lush, healthy look in no time and is an attractive feature for home buyers.
Use the LawnStarter website or app and find the best lawn care professional in your area to install the sprinkler system you need. Your free quote is just a click away!
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo Credit: Ivan Radic / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
