Installer Pricing Guide: How Much to Charge for Running Ethernet, HDMI, and Power for New Gadgets

Stop guessing your rates: a practical 2026 pricing guide for cable installers

Pain point: homeowners and small integrators call expecting same-day runs for Smart home gadgets, robot-vacuum docks and AV systems — but you don't have a clear, defensible price sheet. This guide gives installers and resellers the standard rates, time estimates, materials lists and sales strategies to quote confidently in 2026.

The market right now (late 2025–2026): why demand has jumped

Smart home gadgets debuted at CES 2026 and late-2025 product cycles increased household adoption of connected devices (RGBIC lamps, three-in-one chargers, advanced robot vacuums and premium AV gear). Two trends are driving paid cable work:

• More permanent devices that need in-wall power or data — robot docks that prefer hardwired power, PoE-powered lighting, and fiber/HDMI in-wall for 8K-capable TVs.
• Network upgrades — Wi‑Fi 7 and multigig requirements push customers to wired Ethernet (Cat6A/Cat8) for reliable bandwidth.

How to price: frameworks you can use today

Pick one of these three approaches and keep it visible to clients:

• Per-run pricing — simple: flat price per cable type and difficulty tier (ideal for quick e-commerce quotes).
• Hourly labor + materials — transparent and flexible; add travel, minimums and premium rates for evenings/weekends.
• Package pricing — bundles (home theater bundle, smart-room bundle) for upsells and predictable margins — favored by resellers.

Common line items to include on every quote

• Trip fee / travel time (first 30–60 minutes)
• Labor per hour (standard vs emergency)
• Per-run cable charge (type + length tiers)
• Materials markup (cost + 20–40%)
• Wall plate, termination, testing and optional patch panel or switch
• Permits / code compliance if altering in-wall power

Standard labor rates (US market benchmarks, 2026)

Rates depend on region, licensing and whether you’re company-backed or solo. Use these as starting points and adjust for local living costs.

• Standard labor (weekday, normal jobs): $75–$125 / hour
• Skilled installers (AV integrators, certified network techs): $100–$175 / hour
• Emergency / same-day / evenings & weekends: 1.5x–2x standard rate
• Apprentice / helper: $40–$65 / hour (useful for larger jobs)

Minimums and trip fees

Set a clear minimum. Typical ranges:

• Minimum charge: $100–$200 (covers diagnostics & short runs)
• Trip fee: $25–$75 depending on travel time and city zones

Materials and unit costs (typical 2026 retail & pro prices)

Know current SKU math. Prices have stabilized after supply-chain variability in 2021–2024, but new standards (Cat8, fiber LC) raised materials costs slightly in 2025–2026.

• Cat6 (in-wall rated, 500ft spool): $120–$200
• Cat6A (shielded options): $200–$400 / spool
• Cat8 (for data centers / 40Gb): $300–$600 / spool
• HDMI 2.1 (in-wall rated, 48 Gbps certified): $30–$120 per run depending on length; active fiber HDMI solutions $150–$600 per run for long distances
• In-wall power kits & outlet retro-fit: $25–$80 per kit; dedicated circuit + outlet labor varies widely
• Power supplies / DC supplies (robot dock conversions): $20–$80
• Wall plates / keystone jacks / faceplates: $3–$25 each
• HDBaseT extenders / HDMI over IP boxes: $150–$700
• Fiber (LC/SC multimode single run): $75–$350 per run depending on connectors and pre-terminated vs field-terminated
• PoE switches / injectors (802.3bt / PoE++ capable): $150–$900

Materials markup policy

Standard approach: cost + 20–40% markup. For low-cost items (plates, screws), charge a flat per-item handling fee to avoid nickel-and-diming.

Time estimates by task (typical single-room jobs)

Use these to build quotes that clients understand. Times assume finished walls, common joists and no major drywall cutting. Add 25–75% for unseen complexity.

• Run one Ethernet (Cat6/Cat6A) — 25–50 ft, through attic or basement: 0.75–2 hours (pull, terminate, test)
• Run multiple Ethernet (2–4 runs, same chase): 1.5–3 hours
• HDMI run — < 25 ft, concealed in wall or through chase: 1–2 hours (in-wall rated cable, termination, wall plates)
• HDMI long run (>25 ft) or active/fiber HDMI: 1.5–3 hours (routing + extenders)
• Install dedicated outlet for robot dock or smart lamp: 2–5 hours (may require electrician for new circuit; permit in many jurisdictions)
• PoE run to power a smart lamp or camera: 1–3 hours (includes switch/injector setup)
• Full home-theater wiring (6–10 HDMI/HDBaseT + speaker runs + power): 8–24 hours depending on scope

Example per-job quotes (region-neutral examples)

These are starting quotes you can adapt.

• Quick Ethernet drop (1 run, 40 ft, finished walls): $150–$300 — includes trip fee, 1 hr labor, cable, termination & test.
• Smart lamp PoE install (1 room): $220–$450 — includes PoE injector/switch, 1–2 hrs labor, one Cat6A run, wall plate.
• Robot vacuum dock power hardwire (dedicated outlet within same room): $350–$900 — varies on whether new circuit/permit required; lower end for simple relocation, higher for new circuit and GFCI protected outlet behind baseboard.
• HDMI in-wall to TV (25 ft active HDMI): $250–$600 — labor, in-wall cable or fiber, wall plates and testing.
• Home theater bundle (single room): $1,200–$4,500 — includes multiple HDMI runs, Ethernet backbone, speaker wire, one dedicated outlet and system testing/optimization.

Code, safety and liability — what installers must watch in 2026

Never cut corners on power. Regulatory focus increased in 2024–2026 as more DIY attempts caused fires and code updates. Key rules:

• Use in-wall rated cables (CL2/CL3 or plenum-rated) for permanent runs.
• Follow NEC and local codes for in-wall power; many jurisdictions still require a licensed electrician for new circuits.
• Offer GFCI protection for outlets near wet areas; label circuits.
• Document all work with pictures and a short report — clients value proof and it protects you in disputes.

Value-adds that let you charge premium rates

Differentiate and increase average ticket size:

• Network tuning & Wi‑Fi handoff: offer wired fallback switching and mesh handoff services after Wi‑Fi 7 rollouts increased instability for legacy deployments.
• PoE lighting installs: market as clean, dimmable and remotely managed — charge installation + provisioning fees.
• Warranty & SLA: 90-day labor warranty standard; sell 1-year priority SLA for recurring income.
• Pre-wiring packages for new builds — discounted per-run rates but high volume.

Sales scripts & marketing tips for installers and resellers

Turn estimates into booked jobs with clear language and trust signals.

Short quote script

“Based on your description, I recommend a Cat6A in-wall run to support Wi‑Fi 7 and PoE lighting. Total cost: $X (includes materials, labor, wall plate, and testing). If you want the outlet hardwired as well I can bundle both for $Y.”

Lead-gen and marketing strategies

• Local SEO: target “installer pricing”, “Ethernet installation near me”, and “HDMI routing service” — use schema for service offerings and clear prices where possible.
• Product partnerships: partner with local retailers selling robot vacuums, smart lamps and 3-in-1 chargers to become their recommended installer (CES 2026 products drive demand fast).
• Package pages: create specific pages (e.g., “Robot Dock Hardwire Install”) with clear price ranges so buyers find you when they’re ready to purchase.
• Review and verification: collect before/after photos and ask customers to post on Google; respond to reviews promptly.
• Paid funnels: run ads targeting users buying high-end vacuums and home-theater gear — offer a “same-week install” CTA.
• Referral incentives: give customers $25 credit for referrals who book a job over $200.

Upsell opportunities on-site

• Offer a PoE-powered smart lamp conversion or dimmer add-on.
• Offer HDMI extenders or HDMI-over-IP for rooms farther than 25 ft.
• Sell cable management: plates, in-wall cable covers, surge protectors, UPS for routers.

Sample job breakdown — real-world case study (2026)

Client: suburban homeowner bought a high-end robot vacuum (late-2025 model) and a new 77" 8K TV at CES-inspired promo. They want a permanent docking location, a dedicated Ethernet for gaming console and a clean HDMI run to the TV.

1. Site assessment (20 min): Check attic access, breaker box, basement chase.
2. Scope: One dedicated outlet for dock (existing circuit spare), one Cat6A run to router (40 ft), one active HDMI 2.1 run to TV (30 ft) — conceal all runs in-wall.
3. Materials: Cat6A spool ($40 prorated), in-wall rated HDMI active cable ($220), wall plates & keystones ($30), outlet kit ($40), wire staples, screws ($20). Total materials: $350.
4. Labor: 5 hours total (2 installers x 2.5 hrs) at $125/hr = $625.
5. Trip fee & admin: $75. Testing & documentation: $50.
6. Subtotal: labor + materials + fees = $1,100. Add 25% contingency for unforeseen complexity = $275. Final quote = $1,375.

Outcome: Job completed same week, client paid an extra $120 to add a PoE lamp run and a one-year SLA. Result: strong margin and recurring revenue potential.

Operational tips to improve margins

• Buy spools wholesale and track usage per job to reduce materials cost by 15–30%.
• Use pre-terminated jumpers where field termination time is costly; field-terminate only when necessary.
• Bundle travel to serve multiple jobs in one trip when possible to lower average trip fees.
• Standardize quotes with an itemized template so clients see value and upsells convert at higher rates.

Predictions for installers in 2026–2028

Plan for these shifts so your pricing and services stay competitive:

• Increased PoE adoption — expect more demand for PoE++ installations for lighting, sensors and small appliances.
• More hybrid HDMI/fiber solutions for long runs and 8K/AV over IP setups — keep certified fiber termination skills or partner with a fiber subcontractor.
• Subscription services — customers will pay for remote monitoring and maintenance; recurring revenue will outpace one-off jobs for many small firms.
• Regulatory scrutiny — tighter permitting in some states for in-wall power; build relationships with licensed electricians now. See a practical guide to regulatory due diligence for small-ops workflows.

Quick reference pricing cheat sheet (printable)

• Ethernet (Cat6/Cat6A): $150–$350 / run
• HDMI (short concealed run): $250–$600 / run
• In-wall power / dedicated outlet: $350–$900 (permits raise cost)
• PoE install (single device): $220–$500
• Home theater room: $1,200–$4,500

Final actionable checklist before quoting

• Confirm access paths (attic, basement, conduit)
• Confirm wall composition and presence of fire blocks
• Decide on in-wall rated cable or active/fiber alternatives
• Disclose permits and electrician requirements up front
• Offer clear warranties and optional SLA

Closing: price with confidence in 2026

Installers who standardize pricing, document work and sell value (network reliability, neat concealment, warranty) will win more work as consumers buy advanced gadgets following CES and 2025 product cycles. Use the per-run and package guidance above to build a pricing sheet, then test and refine in your local market.

Next steps: Create a one-page pricing PDF with your minimums, standard runs and bundled packages. Put it on your site and use the script above to convert inbound leads.

Call to action

Want a ready-to-use pricing template and marketing checklist tailored to your city? Sign up for our installer lead program and get a customizable pricing sheet, local SEO tips and co-marketing options with retailers — start converting gadget buyers into booked installs today.

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