How Much Is a Business Sign?

There’s no hiding the importance of a business sign – after all, it’s one of the first things customers see when they walk up to your business. Not only that, but it’s one of the strongest forms of brand recognition.

With that said, there’s one thing every business owner wants to know:

How much do business signs cost?

As much as we’d love to give you a straight answer, that’s just not possible.

While the average cost of a business sign runs somewhere around $2,000 to $3,000, they can realistically cost anywhere from $20 (for example, an ADA sign) to $20,000+ (for example, an outdoor pylon sign).

I know that’s not much help, but the truth is there are a lot of different factors that play a role in the cost of a business sign, and every order is different. If you’re looking for an accurate estimate, contact your local sign company and ask for a quote. For a more general idea of what to expect, continue reading below. 

Price Factors Affecting Business Sign Cost

Did you know businesses need a permit and/or license to put up business signage? Believe it or not, this is true in most cities across the United States – and failing to comply can result in hefty fines and lawsuits.

Even the permit itself can run you anywhere from $50 to $250+.

The permit is just one of the many overlooked expenses that contribute to the overall cost of a business sign – and these expenses can quickly pile up if you’re not paying attention or aware of what’s going on.

Don’t worry – here’s a list of some of the most important factors affecting business sign costs today:

• The type of business sign you’re interested in (we explain this in more detail below)
• The size of the business sign and where it’ll be located
• The material being used and the quality of that material
• The number of signs you need – especially for ADA signs
• The labor involved in the making and installation of the sign
• The cost of paying someone to perfect the sign design and how it looks
• Whether you're installing permanent or temporary signs
• Whether or not the sign has a digital display or illuminated qualities

There’s a lot that goes into the design and installation of business signs, but you can leave a lot of the nitpicky things up to the professionals. Our advice – be honest with the sign company when talking about your budget. The more they know, the more they can work with you to find ways of sticking to that budget.

Different Types of Business Signage & How Much They Typically Cost

When most people hear the term ‘business sign,’ they immediately think of the giant sign above the front door or the one attracting customers from the side of the street. While those are certainly business signs, and perhaps some of the most important ones, they’re far from the only type of business sign out there.

In fact, there are dozens of different types of business signs – some more expensive than others.

Business signs come in a wide range of forms – each serving a unique purpose and creating a distinct impression on your guests, customers, clients, and employees. Whether it’s to allure a passerby, cement a brand’s presence, or convey crucial information, signs can single-handedly transform your business.

Here are five of the most popular ones. 

1. Channel Letter Signs

Channel letter signs are a type of storefront sign that features three-dimensional (3D) letters, numbers, graphics, and other characters – you’ll see this type of sign above the front door or side of the building.

Expected Signage Cost: around $3,000 for a high-quality channel letter sign

Local sign companies can personalize your channel letter sign with a variety of fonts, sizes, colors, and lighting options (like a neon sign or other outdoor lighted signs) – giving businesses an opportunity to capture their brand’s aesthetic.

2. Pylon Signs (Pole Signs)

Pylon signs are those large, freestanding structures that you see on the side of the road. They’re usually supported by two poles, and are situated at a high elevation – that way, they can be seen from a distance.

Expected Signage Cost: around $10,000, but can be as high as $20,000

While some businesses build their own pylon sign (like grocery and department stores), other businesses are featured on pylon signs owned by the plaza or office building they’re in – either way, it’s expensive.

3. Monument Signs

Monument signs are ground-level signs that are usually constructed out of stone, brick, concrete, wood, or metal. They usually contain some type of digital display or reader board, and are an illuminated sign.

Expected Signage Cost: around $5,000, but can be as high as $10,000 for large signs

While pylon signs are designed to be viewed from a distance, monument signs are a little more up-close and personal. The pylon sign attracts customers, but the monument sign gives them a reason to visit.

4. Awning Signs

Awning signs are similar to channel letter signs, but they’re either attached to or etched into the fabric covering of an awning or awning-like structure. Boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants use them often.

Expected Signage Cost: around $3,000 for design and installation

You’ll usually see awning signs above a doorway, window, or patio. They’re more common in places that see a lot of rain or snow because they provide protection from the outdoor elements – albeit minimal

5. Vehicle Signs

If your employees drive a company-owned vehicle, you can use it as an opportunity to promote your business. You can stick with just the company name, or include information on how to contact you.

Expected Signage Cost: around $1,000 for a quality vehicle sign

There are a variety of different types of vehicle signs, including magnetic signs, vinyl decals and lettering, vehicle wraps, window graphics, and marquee signs (like the ones you see on the top of a taxi cab). 

Don’t Forget About Your ADA Signs!

Storefront signs aren’t the only type of signs your business needs – what about all those signs on the interior of your building? I’m talking about the bathroom signs, room number signs, and emergency signs.

These types of signs, known as ADA signs, aren’t just recommended – they’re required.

By federal law.

Failing to comply with the law can result in hefty fines and lawsuits – which is what we want to avoid.

Don’t worry – that’s where ADA Central comes in and saves the day. We not only offer a wide range of ADA signs (at a reasonable price), but we work side-by-side with our clients to ensure they understand what signs they need, where they need them, and how to install them to maintain ADA compliance.

Contact us right away if you have any questions – we accept custom sign orders, as well!