How Much Does It Cost to Install a Phone Jack? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a phone jack averages $175, with most homeowners paying between $109 and $271 on average. Your price depends on the number of jacks, wiring complexity, and labor rates.
The cost to install a phone jack is based on labor, wiring length, and materials.
Adding multiple jacks or custom locations increases the price.
Upgrading wiring can improve performance and future-proof your home.
Professional installation costs $50 to $100 per hour and ensures safe, reliable phone connections.
Completing this project can enhance home functionality and value.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
The average cost to install a phone jack ranges from $109 to $271 per jack, with a national average of $175. Factors like wiring length, wall accessibility, and labor rates can affect your total price. Most homeowners pay a flat rate per jack, but complex installations may increase costs.
Professional rates fall between $50 and $100 per hour, and most phone jack installations are priced per unit instead of per linear foot. This guide will help you understand what affects your project’s cost, ways to save, and what to expect, whether you’re adding one jack or wiring your whole home.
Phone Jack Installation Cost Factors
Understanding what goes into the cost to install phone jack helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises. Several key elements influence the total price.
Project Size
The number of phone jacks you install and the overall scope of your project have a direct impact on your total cost. Installing a single phone jack is often straightforward, while adding multiple jacks or wiring an entire home increases both material and labor expenses. The length of wiring required and the complexity of routing the cables—especially through finished walls or multiple stories—can also add to your final bill, with cabling costing $0.15 per foot.
If you’re only adding one jack in a convenient location, costs remain on the lower end. Expanding to several rooms or tackling whole-home wiring is more involved, resulting in a higher cost per jack and a larger total investment.
| Number of Jacks | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $130–$250 |
| 2–3 | $260–$750 |
| 4 or more | $520–$1,000+ |
Labor
Phone jack installation is performed by electricians, low-voltage specialists, or telecom professionals. Labor rates for these pros range from $50 to $100 per hour. Some companies charge a minimum service fee—often equal to one hour of labor—while others offer flat-rate pricing per jack. Regional labor costs can fluctuate, and urban areas may see higher rates than rural locations.
More complex projects—such as running wires through finished walls, ceilings, or multi-story homes—require additional time and skill, which increases labor costs. Unfinished basements or open walls make installation faster and less expensive.
Permits
Permits are rarely required for standard phone jack installation, but exceptions exist. If your project involves extensive low-voltage wiring or is part of a larger remodel, you may need a permit. Permit costs for low-voltage work are modest, ranging from $25 to $75, but always check with your local building department. Your contractor should clarify who is responsible for securing any necessary permits and whether inspections or additional fees are required.
Features
Choosing specialty phone jacks—like modular, wall-mounted, or weatherproof models—increases material costs. You might also pay more for jacks with surge protection, integrated data ports, or custom finishes and decorative faceplates. Integrating phone jacks with smart home or security systems adds complexity and price, but can boost your home’s tech capabilities.
Other Cost Factors
Project complexity, such as retrofitting jacks in finished walls versus new construction
Accessibility challenges in multi-story homes, hard-to-reach locations, or concrete walls
Site prep, including moving furniture, drilling, patching, or painting after installation
Post-installation cleanup and debris removal
Design or consultation fees for custom layouts
Inspection costs if required by local code
Each of these factors can increase both time and cost, so discuss the full scope with your installer before work begins.
Additional Costs to Consider
Phone jack installation may come with other costs beyond the initial project price. Let’s look at what else you might need to budget for.
Warranties
Some professionals offer warranties covering labor, materials, or defects for a set period—often one year. Extended warranties or service plans are sometimes available for an additional fee, providing peace of mind but adding to your upfront cost. Review what’s included and decide if the extra coverage is worth the investment.
Operating Costs
While phone jacks themselves have negligible energy usage, maintaining a landline connection comes with monthly service fees from your telecom provider. If you upgrade to enhanced services or features, your monthly bill may rise. Consider these ongoing costs when deciding how many jacks to install or whether to keep a landline.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance for phone jacks is simple—cleaning, testing, and occasionally troubleshooting connections. Most repairs are minor, but if you notice static, loose connections, or physical damage, you may need to call a pro. Standard minor repairs cost $50 to $100, while major issues involving wiring replacement cost more.
Taxes
Sales tax applies to materials and, in many regions, to labor as well. Tax rates vary by state and municipality, so factor local taxes into your total project cost.
Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t usually cover the cost to install a phone jack, but it may help with damage due to covered events (like fire or flooding). Contractors should carry liability insurance to protect you from potential damages during installation. If your insurer requires upgrades or certified installation, this can affect your project’s requirements and cost.
DIY Phone Jack Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Deciding whether to install a phone jack yourself or hire a pro depends on your comfort level, skills, and the project’s complexity.
DIY Cost Factors
Materials for a DIY installation—phone jacks, wiring, and wall plates—cost an average of $15 to $40 per jack.
You’ll save on labor but need tools like a drill, fish tape, wire stripper, and tester.
Safe, code-compliant installation requires basic electrical knowledge and the ability to troubleshoot wiring.
DIY projects often take one to two hours per jack, depending on your experience and wall type.
Risks include electrical hazards, accidental wall damage, poor connections, or failing local code requirements.
Pros are recommended for complex wiring, multiple jacks, or if you’re unfamiliar with electrical work.
| Method | Materials Cost | Labor Cost | Total Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | $15–$40 | $0 | $15–$40 per jack | Lower cost, flexible timing, personal learning | Risk of mistakes, time investment, tool purchase needed |
| Pro | $15–$40 | $100–$200 | $115–$240 per jack | Professional finish, warranty, code compliance | Higher cost, scheduling required |
Phone Jack Replacement vs. Repair
Sometimes, a phone jack or its wiring can be repaired instead of replaced. Knowing when to repair or replace can help you save money.
When to Repair vs. Replace
Minor issues—like loose connections, cracked faceplates, or slight wiring damage—are often repairable. Replacement is necessary if wiring is outdated, severely damaged, or doesn’t meet current codes. The age and condition of existing jacks matter: older systems may not be compatible with modern devices and could require a full upgrade. Check your warranty status, as covered repairs may be free or discounted.
Cost Comparison
Repairing a phone jack or its wiring costs $50 to $100, depending on the problem’s scope. Full replacement, especially if new wiring is needed, runs $130 to $250 per jack. If repair costs approach half the price of replacement, it’s best to opt for replacement to ensure reliability and code compliance. Examples of repairs include replacing faceplates, fixing loose connections, or running short segments of new wire.
Does Installing a Phone Jack Add Value to Your Home?
Installing a phone jack can add value, utility, and convenience—especially for buyers or households who need landline access. While the return on investment (ROI) is modest compared to major renovations, having functional, modern phone jacks can be a selling point for certain buyers and boosts your home’s universal design.
Minor electrical and low-voltage upgrades like this often offer a higher ROI in terms of convenience and peace of mind rather than direct resale value. Professionally installed jacks look cleaner, work more reliably, and may integrate with security or smart home systems, further enhancing your property’s appeal.
Tips to Reduce the Cost to Install a Phone Jack
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your phone jack installation more wallet-friendly:
Bundle multiple jack installations in one visit to save on labor.
Choose standard jacks and wiring over specialty or custom options.
Get multiple quotes from qualified local phone service professionals for the best price.
Prepare the installation area in advance to reduce labor time.
Schedule installation during off-peak times for potential discounts.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
