How much does Automatic gate opener installation cost?

Driveway gates can provide peace of mind by boosting a home’s security. But opening and closing manual gates can be a hassle, especially in foul weather. That’s where the convenience of an automatic electric gate opener enters the picture. 

At the click of a button, a driveway gate opener will activate a gate motor that swings or slides open your security gates, allowing you and your guests to enter or exit. You can access control of the gate system with a keypad, intercom system, or remote control—or you can integrate it into a complete security system.

An automated gate opener can open and close new or existing gates made of any fencing and gate material—chain link, vinyl, metal gates (aluminum or steel), wood gates, or wrought iron gates. You can also find one for any style and type of gate, including a sliding gate, single swing gate, or double (“bifold”) swinging gates. You can even install a single gate that swings above the driveway like a garage door.

Your electric gate opener motor can be powered by a home electrical circuit or a rechargeable 12-volt battery, which stays charged with a small solar panel. It should include a “stop and reverse” feature, which prevents the gate from closing on a child, animal, or car—if this isn’t included, you should choose a different model.

Because it’s a highly visible home improvement, a gate with an automatic opener can boost a property’s curb appeal and may even improve your home value, according to the industry publication Realty Times.

Automatic driveway gate installation isn’t a simple DIY project for most homeowners. A pro driveway gate installer can advise you about the best options for your situation. 

In this guide, you’ll learn about the typical costs of having a gate opener installed by a professional.

Learn about the cost of automatic gate opener repair.

The national average cost of automatic gate installation runs from $1,200–3,800+, including materials and labor. This wide range reflects the size, weight, and type of gate, along with any accessories you choose.

A gate opener installation project will often be quoted as a package deal, including all the parts, other materials, and work required. But with some installers, the labor rate—at an average of $40–85 per hour—might be billed separately from materials, so your cost will depend on how long the installation service takes. For simpler jobs, you could purchase materials yourself at a home-improvement center and hire an experienced handyperson to do the installation, at a typical rate of $40–80 per hour.

On the low end, you can have an automatic swinging horse gate (that is, one made with hollow metal tubes) installed for under $500, with the aid of some frugal shopping and by hiring a handyperson for labor. 

On the high end, homeowners can easily spend as much as $3,000–10,000 on installing a heavy-duty sliding privacy gate or a pair of decorative bifold wrought iron gates. Top-of-the-line systems for large gates that include multiple control devices and other high-tech accessories can cost upward of $15,000. 

The following variables can affect the total cost of automatic gate opener installation. 

You may be able to reduce the cost of automatic gate opener installation with these tactics. 

Automatic gate openers are much more convenient than manual driveway gates, especially in cold regions or during rough weather. They can make a gate more appealing to potential home buyers, and could even increase your property value. However, individual homeowners will have to decide if they’re worth the average cost of $1,200–3,800+ to install, including materials and labor. 

Motorizing an existing gate is usually much less expensive than installing a new electric driveway gate, with an average cost of $600–3,000, including materials and labor. Adding gate automation to a larger, heavier, or more complicated gate will raise the price to the higher end of the range.

It typically takes 2–5 hours for a professional to motorize an existing gate. Installing a new automatic gate can take anywhere from 1–4 days, depending on the design, materials, and worksite conditions. Gate installation pros typically charge $40–85 per hour, but labor costs are often factored into a bid for the entire project.

Find an automatic gate installation professional in your area.