1 Most motion sensor lights are designed to be a fairly basic do-it-yourself installation project, but you can hire a handyman for anywhere from about $30-$250 in labor costs depending on the time involved, the hourly rate and the minimum per-visit charge. Once they detect something moving in the area, most motions sensor lights let you adjust how long they stay on (1 minute, 5 minutes, etc.). 2  A good outdoor motion sensor detector has a field of vision of at least 180 degrees and for at least 75 feet. 3  Reader's Digest provides an overview.