Replacing a wall sconce is often straightforward, and the cost reflects that. For a basic swap, you can expect to pay somewhere between 100 and 250 dollars in labor.
If you are removing an old sconce and installing a new one in the same spot, the wiring and electrical box are already in place. In that case, the job is usually quick. Turn off the breaker, disconnect the old fixture, mount the new one, connect the wires, secure everything.
The price starts to climb when conditions are not so simple. Older homes sometimes have shallow or outdated electrical boxes that need to be replaced. Heavier fixtures may require better support. If the wiring shows signs of wear, that needs to be addressed before the new sconce goes up.
Moving the sconce to a new location is a different project entirely. Running new wiring through the wall means cutting drywall, possibly navigating studs, and patching afterward. That pushes the cost higher and usually involves a licensed electrician.
Accessibility can also affect labor time, though most sconces are easier to reach than ceiling fixtures.
If the wiring is solid and you are staying in the same location, the cost is typically modest. Once structural or electrical changes enter the picture, the estimate changes with it.