Battery, alternator and starter
Starter replacement: what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $150 | $380 |
| Labor: 1.2 to 2.2 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $132 | $330 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $25 |
| Total, rounded | $280 | $740 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
The starter motor turns the engine over to start it. A bad one causes clicking, a single click, or no sound at all when you turn the key.
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What is usually included
- New or remanufactured starter
- Check the battery and cables
- Clean electrical connections
- Test starting several times
- Clear codes if needed
What moves the price
- Starter location, easy or buried under parts
- New starter versus a rebuilt one
- Solenoid separate from the starter
- Engine size
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Was the battery and cable checked before the starter?
- Is the starter new or rebuilt?
- How long is the warranty on the starter and the labor?
- Are the cables and connectors included?
Can you do it yourself?
A moderate DIY on accessible engines; it is heavy and sits near the exhaust, and the battery must be disconnected first.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
How do I know it's the starter and not the battery?
If the lights stay bright but the car only clicks, the starter is suspect. Dim lights or a weak crank point to the battery.
Can a starter get fixed instead of replaced?
Sometimes the solenoid can be replaced alone, but most shops install a whole unit because it is more reliable.
Will it leave me stranded?
It can fail suddenly or only on hot days. If it is acting up, get it checked before it stops working.
How much does starter replacement cost?
A typical range across the US is $280 to $740. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $300 to $790 |
| New York City area | $290 to $770 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $290 to $780 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $280 to $750 |
| Houston area, Texas | $270 to $730 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $270 to $730 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $280 to $740 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $280 to $750 |
| Miami area, Florida | $270 to $740 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $300 to $780 |