How Much Does Ethernet Installation Cost in 2025?
Highlights
Professional Ethernet installation averages $416, and most homeowners pay between $186 and $675.
Cable types have a significant influence on total costs, with costs ranging from $0.06 to $4.60 per foot.
Installing Ethernet in a new build is more cost-effective than retrofitting an existing building.
Total installation costs vary depending on labor rates, hardware, and other factors.
Ethernet installation ranges between $186 and $675, with an average cost of $416. More complex Ethernet installations can increase costs to $4,000 for labor alone. Total costs mostly depend on the type of cable, network size, and other variables.
Ethernet Installation Cost Factors
Professional Ethernet installation offers high speeds and security, and total installation costs depend on cable types, labor rates, network size, and other factors.
Cable Type
Ethernet prices range from $0.06 to $4.60 per foot, depending on your cable type. For 2,000 feet of Ethernet cable, you'll spend between $120 and $9,200 on materials alone.
| Cable Type | Average Cost per Foot | Cost per 2,000 Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Coaxial cable | $0.06–$0.20 | $120–$400 |
| Twisted pair cable | $0.10–$1.13 | $200–$2,260 |
| Fiber optic cable | $0.80–$4.60 | $1,600–$9,200 |
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cables cost around $0.06 to $0.20 per foot, making them the most affordable option for an Ethernet installation. Though budget-friendly, coaxial cables are the oldest type of Ethernet cable and can’t match the high speeds of twisted pair and fiber optic cables.
Twisted Pair Cable
Twisted pair cables, also called CAT cables, range in price from $0.10 to $1.15 per foot. The CAT cable family has several types—CAT 5 UTP is the oldest and least expensive Ethernet cable available. CAT 6 are standard Ethernet cables found in many homes, and they provide up to 1,000 Mbps. CAT 7 refers to shielded twisted pair (STP) that offers speeds up to 10,000 Mbps and superior network security, while STP provides greater security for your network.
| Ethernet Cable Category | Cost per Foot (Installed) | Network Speed |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 5 | $0.55–$1.10 | 100 Mbps |
| CAT 5e | $0.60–$1.15 | 125 Mbps |
| CAT 6 | $0.90–$1.55 | 10 Gbps up to 55 meters |
| CAT 6a | $1–$1.60 | 10 Gbps to 55+ meters |
| CAT 7 | $1.35–$2.10 | 10 Gbps to 100 meters |
| CAT 8 | $1.60–$2.40 | 40 Gbps |
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable pricing ranges from $0.80 to $4.60 per foot for materials alone. Though fiber optic cables cost dramatically more per foot than other cables, they offer the best security, high speeds up to 100,000 Mbps or 100 Gbps, and secure connections over greater distances.
This cable type is also a strategic long-term investment. Fiber optic cables are immune to electrical interference, making them ideal in homes with many devices. It’s also resistant to environmental factors and less prone to wear. Many quality fiber optic cables are available within a $1 to $2 per foot range.
Labor
Most homeowners and small businesses hire a local electrician or network installation contractor for large-scale Ethernet installation. Electricians charge about $50 to $130 per hour for Ethernet wiring, and a large-scale project with 2,000 feet of cable and eight Ethernet connections can take 30 to 40 hours.
Budget for both wiring and port installation labor, which ranges from $2,500 to $4,600 or averages $3,800 for a 2,000-foot installation. On the low and high ends, expect to pay between $1,500 to $5,200 in labor expenses. Installing an Ethernet port costs about $150.
Network Size
If you work remotely or operate a business from your home, you don’t need an extensive or overly robust network. Home offices don’t usually exceed five devices across computers, smart home accessories, phones, and various other equipment. In this case, CAT 5 or CAT 6 cables and a basic router should provide sufficient speed, coverage, and security. If you need coverage across widespread areas in your home, you can boost the signal with a Wi-Fi extender, ranging from $20 to $250.
Small businesses often require more involved Ethernet installation to properly serve numerous computers, servers, rooms, phones, and other devices requiring stable connections. Depending on the total network size involved, small business Ethernet installation usually represents or exceeds the high end of cost estimates.
Network Hardware
Cable wiring, port, and the labor to install them make up the largest portion of network cable installation costs, but setting up your computer network may involve additional costs. For instance, the hardware costs of a home network include $300 to $3,000 for each computer. Routers and modems, respectively, average $130 and $75.
The cost of installing telephone jacks like RJ45 jacks, plates, and plugs can range from $100 to $280, although these costs are almost all labor. Off-the-shelf Ethernet switches cost between $50 and $100, but each port can cost about $10 to $15 to configure if you need custom settings. Once you configure your network, you can decrease costs by sharing peripheral devices such as monitors, modems, and printers.
| Home Network Equipment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Modem | $50–$600 |
| Router | $25–$700 |
| Computer | $300–$3,000 |
| Electrical outlet installation | $100–$280 |
| Network switch | $50–$100 |
Internet and Wi-Fi Setup
Setting up an internet connection ranges from $75 to $150. Providers often waive their setup fee as an incentive for signing up, assuming a site visit isn't necessary. A technician may need to upgrade your home's current wiring if it doesn't support the speed you want.
For Wi-Fi installation, expect to pay about $240. This estimate accounts for CAT 5e cable with a maximum run of 150 feet from the hardwired internet connection to the wireless access point. A Wi-Fi installer can install the access point at your chosen location and connect it to your local area network (LAN). The technician should also test the network's connections and wireless coverage.
New vs. Existing Building
Installing Ethernet cables in an existing building is more difficult and expensive than wiring a newly constructed home. Routing cables through existing walls calls for more intensive labor and can add up to around $2,000 to $3,000 in labor costs. With an existing home, the electrician may need to tear down walls and patch and repaint them. They may even need to remove old wiring. In a new build, your electrician can install Ethernet before the drywall goes up, simplifying the overall process.
Does Ethernet Installation Increase Home Value?
Ethernet installation can potentially increase home value by offering several advantages that appeal to appraisers and homebuyers, such as:
Future-proofing: Upgrading your home with CAT 6a, CAT 7, or fiber optic cables prepares your home for fiber-optic internet installation and the capabilities it offers.
Smart home capabilities: Ethernet is often more reliable for configuring smart home devices, such as security cameras and thermostats. As smart technology becomes more common, Ethernet infrastructure helps streamline integration.
Remote work: With the growth of remote work and digital careers, homes optimized for high-speed and secure internet become more appealing to remote workers in tech, creative, finance, and other fields.
Budgeting for Ethernet Installation
Professional installation ensures properly configured Ethernet and associated hardware, but costs for equipment, labor, and other factors can add up. Manage your budget with these strategies:
Plan for installation in essential areas, such as your home office or entertainment areas, to streamline costs.
Get detailed estimates from multiple contractors to compare fees and services.
Choose contractors who specialize in Ethernet wiring and network configuration for optimal installation results.
Opt for equipment that provides the best long-term value—for example, investing in CAT 6a or fiber optic cables prepares your home for future technology.
Bundle services to maximize value, such as smart home installation or outlet upgrades.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most homeowners hire an electrician to install Ethernet cables and ports. Depending on the complexity of the computer network, contractors may quote 30 to 40 hours for the project. If your computer network is experiencing trouble, you can hire an electrician or a computer specialist for troubleshooting or repairs. Repairing a computer network costs between $100 and $230.
No, you shouldn't run Ethernet cables through air ducts or along vents. This is unsafe and usually against local building codes. It’s best to work with a licensed electrician and defer hardware planning specific to them. They'll know how to best route the cables through your home efficiently, safely, and compliant with building codes.
A hardwired computer network generally provides faster internet speeds than Wi-Fi. Ethernet cables are also known for providing superior security and reliability. Modern laptops and most desktop computers feature both Ethernet ports and wireless network cards, making it easy to switch between hardwired connections or Wi-Fi as needed.
