How much does it cost to install a phone jack?
Even in our digital world, homes still need a phone jack to communicate. This example will consider the cost of installing a standard four-conductor phone jack, which averages $90. Installing a phone jack is a fairly simple process and can be done by all levels of DIY-ers.
Cost breakdown
- Materials: a four-conductor phone jack houses one to two phone lines and is fairly standard. It costs $3-$10. Existing phone jack wire can typically be reused for a replacement jack.
- Labor: if you need to hire an electrician, they typically charge $65-$85 per hour. This project would take one to two hours, for a labor cost of $65-$170.
Enhancement and improvement costs
- Installing a phone jack in a new room can require the purchase of more wire to expand the phone line. This typically costs $0.10-$0.15 per foot.
- Phone jacks that hold more lines tend to be more expensive. A six-conductor jack with two to three lines costs $5-$15.
Additional considerations and costs
- Homes without interwall access may need to re-route the jacks through other parts of the wall or floor to get access to the connection box. Plan to spend $30-$60 more per jack if this is the case.
- If the wires behind the existing phone jack are corroded, you may need to cut them back, which would require the use of a wire cutter, which can be purchased for $10-$20.
- Phone jacks in hard to reach places or with exposed drywall 1 may require a professional. Add an extra hour or two ($65-$170) to the electrician's fee to deal with location issues.