Security camera installation cost per camera
| Camera type | Installed price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless camera | $100–$400 | Cheapest to install; needs power or batteries |
| Wired camera | $150–$500 | Reliable, but running cable adds labor |
| Video doorbell | $100–$300 | A single camera at the front door |
These are installed prices per camera, covering the camera and professional installation, with the labor share adjusted for your state's electrician wages. Enter the number of cameras for the project total. Monthly cloud storage or monitoring fees are ongoing costs and are not included.
What changes the price
Wired versus wireless is the largest factor, because wired cameras need cable run through walls or the attic and a recorder, while wireless ones mostly need mounting and a Wi-Fi check. Outdoor mounting, ladder work, camera resolution and features such as pan and tilt raise the price. Buying cameras that need a subscription lowers the upfront cost but adds to the yearly one.
Extra costs to expect
| Item | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Recorder (NVR or DVR) | $150–$500 | Wired systems that store video locally |
| Hard drive storage | $50–$100 | If the recorder does not include a drive |
| Outdoor mounting surcharge | $20–$55 per camera | Cameras placed outside |
| Electrician to add an outlet | $150–$350 | A wired camera with no power nearby |
The calculator leaves these extras unticked because many quotes bundle them. Tick only the lines your quote lists separately. Check local rules about recording audio and about cameras that point at neighboring property.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is the price per camera for the camera, mounting and wiring?
- Is a recorder and hard drive included?
- Do the cameras need a monthly subscription to store video?
- Where will the cables run, and who patches the walls?
- What is the warranty on the equipment and on the work?
Methodology and sources
We price each camera type as an installed price per camera, adjust the labor share for your state's electrician wages, and price the recorder, storage, outdoor mounting and outlet separately. Read how we estimate costs.
- HomeAdvisor: surveillance camera installation — prices by camera type, recorders, labor
- Angi: security camera installation — prices per camera, labor share, storage
- HomeGuide: security camera installation — installed prices, recorders, outlets
- BLS OEWS May 2025, State (SOC 47-2111, Electricians) — state labor index, an electrician proxy
What each source reports
Our estimate does not rely on any single page. This table lists each page we used and the figures it reports, so you can see where the ranges come from.
| Source | What it reports |
|---|---|
| HomeAdvisor |
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| Angi |
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| HomeGuide |
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Common questions about security camera installation costs
How much does security camera installation cost?
A typical job (4 wireless cameras) comes to about $700 nationally, within a range of $400 to $1,600. Use the calculator above to adjust for your state, the options you choose and any extras.
How much does wired security camera installation cost?
Four wired cameras come to about $600–$2,000 installed, and four wireless cameras to about $400–$1,600. Subscriptions are not included.
Where do these prices come from?
They come from 3 published cost pages from 3 publishers, last checked Oct 8, 2026. We report what those pages say and do not invent figures; the table above shows each source.
How does my state change the estimate?
The labor part of the price is scaled by the average wage for the relevant trade in your state, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Materials and equipment are not adjusted.
Why might a contractor's quote differ from this estimate?
A quote reflects your specific scope, access, local demand and what the contractor includes. Ask for line items rather than a single total so you can compare bids on the same basis.
All 3 sources behind these prices
Every figure in the calculator comes from one or more of these pages, with the number each one supports in the link text.