How Much Does a Header Cost?

Depending on the context, a “header” can cost anywhere from a few dollars to several thousand. In the U.S. in 2025, expect automotive exhaust headers to run about $400–$3,000 installed, structural headers (beams/lintels) for homes about $400–$5,000+ installed for typical openings, and website/app header design from $0–$1,500+ (or far more as part of a larger branding/redesign). The term “header” spans multiple industries, so the price depends on what you mean, the materials involved, labor time, and any compliance or design requirements.

What “header” are you asking about?

Because “header” has different meanings across fields, the costs vary widely. Here are the most common interpretations and what you can expect to pay for each.

• Automotive/motorcycle exhaust headers: performance exhaust manifolds that replace factory manifolds for power or sound.
• Home construction header (lintel/beam): a structural member that spans an opening over a door, window, or wall removal.
• Digital design (website/app header): the top visual/navigation area of a site or app, sometimes part of a branding package.
• Electronics header connectors: board-to-board pin or socket strips used on PCBs.

Understanding which of these you need will narrow the price dramatically and help you get accurate quotes from suppliers or contractors.

Automotive and Motorcycle Exhaust Headers

Typical price ranges (parts and installed)

Prices below reflect typical U.S. retail and shop rates in 2025; taxes, shipping, and tuning are extra in many cases.

• Budget shorty headers (mild steel): parts $150–$300; installed $400–$900.
• Mid-range stainless headers: parts $350–$800; installed $700–$1,500.
• Premium long-tube headers (304 stainless, brand-name): parts $800–$1,800+; installed $1,200–$3,000+ (some V8 platforms with emissions-compliant setups can exceed $3,000 installed).
• Motorcycle headers (single/twin/inline): parts $120–$600; installed $250–$900.
• Extras you may need: gaskets and hardware $30–$120; O2 sensor extensions/adapters $15–$60; heat wrap/ceramic coating $80–$400; catalytic converters or catted mid-pipes $300–$1,000+; ECU tuning $200–$800.

The total depends on the vehicle, header type, materials, and whether emissions-compliant (CARB-legal) parts and tuning are required.

What drives the cost

Several technical and regulatory factors determine the final bill for exhaust headers.

• Labor hours: access varies widely (2–8+ hours). With shop rates commonly $100–$200/hour, labor can rival parts.
• Material and finish: mild steel is cheapest; 304 stainless and ceramic-coated options cost more but last longer.
• Design: long-tube headers typically cost more than shorties and may require additional exhaust work.
• Emissions compliance: CARB/EPA-legal systems and catted setups add cost but are required in many jurisdictions.
• Brand support and warranty: premium brands with better fitment and coverage price higher.

If you daily-drive the vehicle or live in a strict-emissions state, plan for catted, legal parts and potential tuning to avoid check-engine lights.

Home Construction: Header/Lintel Beams

Typical price ranges

Structural header costs hinge on span, load, and material. The figures below reflect typical U.S. installed prices in 2025 for residential work.

• Small interior, non-load-bearing opening: installed $200–$800.
• Typical load-bearing window/door header (LVL/engineered lumber): materials $100–$400; installed $400–$1,500.
• Large opening with engineered LVL or glulam (wall alteration): installed $1,500–$5,000+ depending on span and finishes.
• Steel lintel/beam (masonry or wide spans): materials $300–$2,500; installed $1,500–$8,000+.
• Wall removal with new beam, permits, and finish restoration: $5,000–$15,000+.
• Professional fees: structural engineering $300–$1,200; permits/inspections $100–$500.

Smaller openings with easy access are inexpensive; long spans, load transfers, masonry, and finish repairs push costs significantly higher.

What drives the cost

These are the main determinants for a structural header budget.

• Span and loads: longer/wider openings and roof/floor loads require larger, costlier members.
• Material: SPF lumber is cheapest; LVL/glulam provide higher strength; steel is common for masonry and very wide spans.
• Site conditions: demolition, temporary shoring, disposal, and access all affect labor time.
• Compliance: engineering, permits, and inspections add cost but are often required for load-bearing work.

Always confirm with a licensed professional whether your wall is load-bearing and obtain engineered sizing for safety and code compliance.

Digital Design: Website/App Headers

Typical price ranges

Prices vary based on whether you need a simple banner, navigation redesign, or a full brand system.

• DIY or template-based solutions: $0–$100 (stock assets, premium theme fees).
• Freelance designer: $200–$1,500 for a custom header (often 2–10 hours of work, depending on complexity and revisions).
• Agency engagement: $1,500–$10,000+ for a header as part of a broader branding/UI package (full-site redesigns commonly $15,000–$100,000+).

Expect higher costs if you require original illustration, photography, motion design, or multiple responsive breakpoints and prototypes.

What drives the cost

Scope and originality dictate pricing more than the header’s dimensions.

• Complexity: responsive layouts, accessibility, animations, and integration with CMS or design systems.
• Creative assets: custom art, iconography, or photo shoots increase cost and timelines.
• Brand work: strategy, style guides, and rounds of revisions add hours.
• Implementation: developer time to code, test, and deploy the header.

A clear brief with deliverables, revision limits, and asset ownership helps keep budgets predictable.

Electronics: Board-to-Board Header Connectors

Typical price ranges

For PCBs and prototyping, “header” usually means pin or socket connectors; pricing scales with pitch, plating, and volume.

• Basic through-hole pin headers: $0.03–$0.20 per pin; 40-pin strips $1–$5.
• Shrouded/boxed headers and keyed connectors: $0.50–$3 each.
• High-density/mezzanine connectors: $2–$15+ each.
• Assembly costs (production): roughly $0.01–$0.05 per pin plus setup/NRE $50–$200, depending on volume and process.

Lead times, gold plating thickness, and manufacturer brand all influence both cost and availability.

How to get an exact number

To pin down a precise cost for your specific “header,” follow these practical steps.

1. Define the context and specs: vehicle make/model and header type; structural span and material; or design scope and deliverables.
2. Gather part numbers or drawings: exhaust brand/SKU; engineered beam sizing; or a design brief with references.
3. Request itemized quotes from two to three suppliers/contractors, including labor, materials, and any permits or tuning.
4. Ask about extras and compliance: emissions legality, finish repairs, revision rounds, and warranty terms.
5. Confirm lead times and scheduling, which can affect both price and project plan.

Itemized, apples-to-apples quotes help you avoid surprise charges and choose the best value rather than just the lowest sticker price.

Summary

“Header” costs vary by industry and scope. As a rule of thumb in the U.S. for 2025, budget $400–$3,000 installed for automotive exhaust headers, $400–$5,000+ installed for most residential structural headers (and far more for major wall removals), and $0–$1,500+ for a website/app header design (with agency work costing more as part of broader branding). Identify the exact type and requirements, then obtain itemized quotes to get a reliable figure for your situation.

How much HP will headers add?

Headers typically add 10 to 30 horsepower, though the exact gain varies based on the engine, type of headers, other modifications, and vehicle tuning. Long-tube headers generally offer more significant power gains than shorty headers by reducing exhaust restriction more effectively. For maximum benefit, headers should be combined with supporting modifications like a cold air intake or camshaft upgrade and should be followed by an engine tune to match the new exhaust system. 
Factors influencing horsepower gains:

• Header Type: Long-tube headers improve exhaust flow more than shorty headers, leading to greater power gains, particularly at higher RPMs. 
• Engine Type and Setup: Larger engines or those already tuned for performance will see more substantial gains. 
• Supporting Modifications: When combined with other parts like a cold air intake or a more aggressive camshaft, headers can provide much larger horsepower increases. 
• Engine Tuning: An engine tune (ECU remapping) is crucial to optimize performance with new headers, fully unlocking their potential and ensuring the engine runs efficiently. 

Expected gains by header type:

• Long-tube headers: Opens in new tabCan provide gains of 15 to 30 horsepower, sometimes even more, especially when supported by tuning and other mods. 
• Shorty headers: Opens in new tabOffer more modest gains, around 10 to 15 horsepower, and provide benefits in low-end torque and throttle response rather than large peak power increases. 

What to expect beyond peak horsepower:
Headers provide other benefits, such as improving the engine’s volumetric efficiency by allowing it to “work less hard” to expel exhaust gases. This leads to increased torque, better throttle response, and a more aggressive exhaust note.

How much do headers usually cost?

On average, headers for a typical vehicle can range from $200 to $1,500 or more. If you opt for a complete headers exhaust system, including other components like a high-flow catalytic converter and performance mufflers, the cost can increase further.

How much does a header beam cost?

On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for a basic beam installation. However, for more complex projects or larger beams, the cost can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

Are headers worth putting on?

Headers can benefit many components within your vehicle and help prolong their life to ensure you can enjoy your car for as long as possible. You can also see different performance boosts from each header type, so you can get the enhancements you want easily.