The average cost to install an automatic sprinkler system is $0.88 to $1.65 per square foot of yard. This price includes the cost of materials and labor for an automatic in-ground sprinkler system.
However, some pros may charge per watering zone, which averages from $590 to $1,340 per zone. Keep in mind that the average quarter-acre yard needs at least 4 zones.
These prices are based on sprinkler system installation prices across metros and smaller cities in the U.S. These costs may differ from what a pro quotes you because of factors like your lawn size, the number of water zones, the type of sprinkler heads, and the cost of living in your area.
Cost by location
This is the per-square-foot cost of installing an in-ground sprinkler system, including labor and materials. Your location affects the cost of sprinkler installation mainly for the following reasons:
- Soil type varies by location, and soil conditions affect the cost of digging trenches. You need trenches for in-ground sprinkler systems.
- The local cost of living influences labor costs. If you live in an expensive area, expect a sprinkler system to cost more than average. Irrigation contractors typically charge between $50 and $100 per hour.
| City | Average cost per square foot (labor and materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Portland, ME | $0.88 – $1.64 |
| Boston, MA | $1.02 – $1.95 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Atlanta, GA | $0.82 – $1.52 |
| Raleigh, NC | $0.79 – $1.46 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Detroit, MI | $0.90 – $1.68 |
| Madison, WI | $0.91 – $1.70 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Missoula, MT | $0.83 – $1.55 |
| Boise, ID | $0.87 – $1.62 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Phoenix, AZ | $0.85 – $1.58 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $0.88 – $1.64 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $0.94 – $1.76 |
Cost by yard size
Yard size affects how much pipe and how many heads your automatic sprinkler system will need, so it’s one of the most significant cost factors for this project. The average cost comes out to $0.88 to $1.65 per square foot.
| Size in square feet | Average cost |
| 1,000 | $880 – $1,650 |
| 3,000 | $2,640 – $4,950 |
| 5,000 | $4,400 – $8,250 |
| 7,000 | $6,160 – $11,550 |
| 10,000 | $8,800 – $16,500 |
Cost by number of watering zones
Instead of charging by yard size, some pros charge by the number of watering zones. A watering zone is a section of the irrigation system connected to a single water valve. Each zone operates independently and can be programmed separately.
The higher the number of zones, the higher the cost of the sprinkler system will be. A single watering zone costs an average of $590 to $1,340. The average American yard, which is typically a quarter acre, requires 4 to 7 watering zones.
The number of zones you need will depend on a few factors, such as the layout of your yard, slopes, flat areas, and sun exposure. Different plant types typically require their own irrigation zones due to varying water needs.
| Number of Zones | Average Cost to Install (Materials and Labor) |
| 1 | $590 – $1,340 |
| 2 | $1,170 – $2,670 |
| 3 | $1,880 – $5,000 |
| 4 | $2,340 – $5,670 |
| 5 | $3,130 – $8,000 |
| 6 | $3,500 – $8,170 |
| 7 | $4,090 – $9,340 |
Read more about the benefits of grouping plants with similar water needs in our article: Benefits of Hydrozoning.
Cost of sprinkler heads
Another cost factor in sprinkler installation is the type of sprinkler head that will be attached to the system. One watering zone typically has 5 to 9 heads of the same type. The type of sprinkler you need depends on your lawn’s size and shape, water pressure, and plant types.
| Sprinkler head type | Cost per head | Best application |
| Bubbler | $1.50 – $15 | Tree rings, shrubs, and container plants |
| Fixed or stationary | $7.50 – $33.50 | Small lawns, garden beds, uniform areas |
| Gear-driven | $10 – $40 | Medium-large lawns, curving landscapes |
| Impact | $20 – $35 | Large open lawns |
| Misting or micro-sprinkler | $3 – $13 | Delicate plants, seedbeds, greenhouses |
| Pop-up | $3 – $15 | Residential lawns, areas where appearance matters |
| Rotary | $5.50 – $20 | Slopes, clay soils, and water conservation areas |
DIY cost vs pro cost
Installing your own sprinkler system will typically cost you $0.05 to $0.14 per square foot in materials. Keep in mind that these costs are for sprinkler system installation kits (or above-ground sprinklers), which hook up to an outdoor faucet and only cover around 1,500 square feet. Additionally, most of these kits aren’t made with expansion in mind.
Labor accounts for around 50% of the cost of a professional sprinkler installation, but what you pay for is customizability, convenience, and safety.
Improper installation may result in leaks, inadequate coverage, or even damage to your utility lines. Hire a Lawn Love pro to install your sprinkler system to avoid future headaches from leaky and ineffective sprinklers.
Read our complete guide to see if this option is right for you: How to Install an In-Ground Lawn Sprinkler System
Cost of sensors
Rain and soil moisture sensors are add-ons that conserve water, reduce your utility bill, and minimize excess wear on the sprinklers. On average, each sensor costs between $17 and $75.
Rain sensors prevent your automatic sprinklers from going off if they’ve detected a specific amount of rainfall. The valves are re-enabled once the sensor dries out or after a specific amount of time. Soil moisture sensors measure how much water is in the soil. They prevent the sprinklers from running if the moisture levels are sufficient.
Rain and soil sensors are so effective that a few states, such as Florida, New Jersey, Texas, California, North Carolina, and Georgia, have made them mandatory. These states often have outdoor watering restrictions in place as well.
Cost of labor and permits
Automatic sprinkler systems take 8 to 16 hours to install. Although irrigation contractors typically charge $45 to $100 per hour of work, they may charge you extra if the site conditions are not ideal, such as if the soil is rocky and hard. If the soil is more difficult to work with, expect to pay $100 to $150 per hour.
As for permits, the cost varies by location, but they typically cost between $42 and $200. If you hire a professional installation crew, they will obtain them. However, that cost will still be included in the total cost of your project.
Other sprinkler options
Above-ground sprinklers are cheaper since they typically are only a hose and a sprinkler. However, they’re less efficient on lawns more than 2,000 sq. ft., and you’ll need to put them away before mowing.
An option for non-lawn areas is drip irrigation, which costs $225 to $900 per zone.. Gardens and flowerbeds thrive with drip irrigation systems because water goes straight to the plant’s roots.
| Sprinkler options | Cost |
| Above-ground sprinklers | $15 – $80 (basic kit with three heads) |
| Drip irrigation | $340 – $960 per 200 sq. ft. |
FAQ
Naturally, you will be charged for the water you use. However, you can mitigate those costs by using a rain sensor that shuts off your system during rainy periods so you’re not irrigating unnecessarily. A broken sprinkler head can also cause water to gush underground, so inspect your system periodically for leaks and damage.
Yes, automatic sprinkler systems are some of the most valuable landscaping additions you can install. According to a 2023 study by the National Association of Realtors, sprinkler systems recoup 83% of their cost and improve the beauty and aesthetics of residential properties.
Sprinkler systems are not difficult to maintain. Your sprinkler maintenance checklist includes cleaning the sprinklers, checking for leaks, adjusting sprinkler heads, and performing a yearly sprinkler audit. In states where winter temperatures dip below freezing, winterizing your sprinklers is also a must.
While that sounds like a lot, most of these tasks are done once or twice a year. The rest of the year, they’re mostly set and forget.
Hire a pro for a healthy, green lawn
Installing a sprinkler system saves you time and money, and it also increases your home’s value by keeping your lawn healthy and green. For the least hassle, hire a Lawn Love pro in your area to install your sprinklers for you. Our pros can also take care of other lawn care duties after, like mowing grass, seasonal fertilization, and weed control.
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Main Image: Subsurface drip irrigation nozzle spraying water. Image Credit: RawPixel
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