Austin, TX, gets less annual rainfall than the national average, meaning taking care of your landscaping can be tricky. Fortunately, landscaping sprinkler systems are a simple solution to ensure your yard gets the watering it needs. Of course, a natural question homeowners have is: How much do home sprinklers cost to install? The team at American Irrigation Repair is here to answer your questions about home sprinkler installation costs in 2025.

Sprinkler Systems Labor Installation Costs

According to our research, the average cost to install a home sprinkler system in the Austin area is between $3,500 and $5,200. Custom and high-end and extensive sprinkler systems can cost upwards of $8,000 or more to install.

Factors that Affect Home Sprinkler System Installation

Several factors will affect the cost of installing a home sprinkler system such as those listed below.

The Contractor

Unlicensed contractors or installers often do systems for a low price. Remember the quality, performance, and longevity of your system usually match the caliber of the contractor you hire.
A contractor mustn’t be obtaining the required licensing and permits, it’s likely they are substantially cutting corners on the job as well to reduce their costs.
What do your contractors’ reviews look like?
Workforce: Does your contractor hire employees or is he using a hodge-podge collection of day laborers and sub-contractors to do the work?

The 2 Most Common Residential Irrigation Systems

Homeowners can choose between two main types of sprinkler systems: Below-ground systems and temporary above-ground sprinklers.

Below-ground sprinkler systems bury the pipes and lines directly into the ground. They are more expensive to install and maintain but are highly efficient and practically invisible.
Temporary above-ground sprinkler systems are comparatively less expensive to install and maintain, but the above-ground hoses and pipes can pose a safety hazard. It is also easier to damage them when doing yard work (i.e., mowing, weeding, etc.)

Sprinkler System Costs Are Based on Zones, Not Square Footage

Lawn size is the other major factor that affects sprinkler installation rates. As a general rule of thumb, you can estimate a cost of about $0.40 to $1.00 per square foot. All other things being equal, companies will charge a lower price per square foot for larger yards.

Irrigated Area (Square Feet)	Approx. Lot Size	Starting Price
1 – 2393 sq ft	Partial Small City Lot (Under .15 Acre)	$4340
2393 – 3500 sq ft	Small City Lot (Under .15 Acre)	$4340 – $5150
3500 – 5000 sq ft	Regular City Lot (.15-.2 Acre)	$5150 – $5560
5000 – 7000 sq ft	Medium to Large City Lot (.2-.3 Acre)	$5560 – $6135
7000 – 12000 sq ft	.3 to .4 Acre Lot	$6135 – $6950
12000 – 15000 sq ft	Half Acre Lot	$6950 – $7410
15000 sq ft and up	3/4 Acre Lot and up	$7410 (Plus 40¢ per sq ft over 15000 sq ft)

Intricate designs, unique soil and site conditions, city permits, and inspections may cost extra.

Number of Sprinkler Heads

Aside from pipes, lines, and installation, you also need to factor in the number of sprinkler heads. Sprinkler heads can vary in cost significantly from $2 to $30, but more expensive heads will usually last longer than cheaper heads. The typical single-zone irrigation system uses about four to six rotating heads of eight to twelve mister-style sprinkler heads per zone.

Soil Quality & Orientation

Lawns that are composed of compact dirt or rocky soils are tougher to work with, so installation will cost more and take longer. Often rock saws, jackhammers, or good old-fashioned muscle is required in the rocky central Texas soil. Additionally, it takes more work and effort to install a sprinkler system in a sloped or uneven yard.

Locating and Permitting

If you are going to be digging to install a new sprinkler around your property, you need to be sure the utilities are located and marked before beginning the project. Permits are required for most municipalities around the Austin Metro area and a professional contractor should handle the permitting process as part of their service and include the price in their quote. A permit to install a new sprinkler system will add between $50 and $200, depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

Award-Winning Irrigation Services in Austin, TX

If you have any more questions, like “How much do home sprinklers cost to install?” get in touch with our irrigation contractors. Contact American Irrigation Repair online or call today at (512) 943-6080 to schedule an appointment for sprinkler installation services in Austin TX!