Under-Cabinet Lighting Installation Cost in Los Angeles:
Complete Guide [2026]
What under-cabinet lighting installation costs in Los Angeles in 2026: LED tape vs puck vs hardwired pricing, transformer and dimmer, smart controls, permits, and how the process runs from a C-10 licensed team.
Published: October 2026 · Updated: October 2026
What Under-Cabinet Lighting Installation Costs in Los Angeles
Under-cabinet lighting transforms a kitchen with task lighting and ambiance. These are the prices AMY Electric publishes for Los Angeles projects in 2026:
| Scope / Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under-Cabinet Lighting (standard) | $200 – $600 | LED tape or puck, hardwired, basic dimmer |
| Full Kitchen (transformer + smart) | $800 – $2,000 | Multiple runs, transformer, smart controls |
| LED Tape (per linear ft) | $15 – $35 | Material + install, integrated driver |
| Puck Lights (per unit) | $50 – $120 | Installed, wired, with lens |
| Transformer/Driver | $75 – $250 | Sized to load, hidden in cabinet |
| Dimmer Switch | $75 – $200 | Compatible dimmer for LED |
| LADBS Permit (if new circuit) | $200 – $450 | Included when required |
Ranges reflect Los Angeles labor rates and kitchen size. Estimates are free and provided in writing.
LED Tape vs Puck vs Hardwired: Which Is Best?
LED Tape
Flexible strip, even light, ideal for continuous runs under cabinets. Low profile, modern look.
Puck Lights
Focused spot lights. Good for highlighting specific areas. More visible fixtures.
Hardwired (Line Voltage)
Most permanent and reliable. No transformer needed. Higher install cost.
Plug-In
Easiest and cheapest but visible cords and less clean. Not recommended for remodels.
Wiring, Transformer, Dimmer, and Smart Controls
- Transformer/driver. Low-voltage LED tape and puck lights need a transformer to step down from 120V. Sized to the total load.
- Dimmer. Most LED systems support dimming with a compatible dimmer switch. Standard dimmers may flicker; use LED-rated dimmers.
- Smart controls. App and voice dimming via Lutron, Caseta, or smart switches. Requires compatible hardware.
- Hidden wiring. AMY Electric routes wiring inside cabinets and walls for a clean look.
Permit Considerations for Under-Cabinet Lighting in LA
- No permit for same-circuit swap. Replacing fixtures on an existing circuit is typically permit-exempt.
- Permit for new wiring. Running new cable or adding a circuit requires an LADBS electrical permit and inspection.
- Permit fees included. When required, LADBS fees ($200–$450) are included in our all-in quotes.
Los Angeles uses LADBS for electrical permitting. Never hire a contractor who suggests skipping a permit on new wiring work.
Our Under-Cabinet Lighting Process
- Site visit. We assess the kitchen layout, cabinet type, and wiring, then provide a written estimate.
- Design. We recommend LED tape vs puck, transformer size, and dimmer/smart options.
- Permit filing (if needed). We file the LADBS permit before new wiring work.
- Installation. We run wiring, install transformer, mount fixtures, and connect the dimmer in one visit.
- Inspection (if needed). LADBS inspects; we attend and provide the passed inspection record.
- Walkthrough. We test dimming and smart features and clean up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does under-cabinet lighting installation cost in Los Angeles?
LED tape vs puck vs hardwired — which is best?
Do I need a transformer for under-cabinet lighting?
Can under-cabinet lighting be dimmed?
Do I need a permit for under-cabinet lighting?
AMY Electric provides free written estimates for under-cabinet lighting across Greater Los Angeles. C-10 #981578.