Smoke detector installation costs $44 to $410 per detector in 2026
Smoke detector installation costs $44 to $410 per detector in 2026. Fixr lists an average of $112, with most jobs at $70 to $150. HomeGuide lists $110 to $410 or more per unit when a pro does the work. The type of detector and the labor price move the bill. A battery unit is cheap. A smart or hardwired unit costs more.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide lists a total installed cost of $110 to $410 or more per unit and labor of $100 to $260 or more per unit. |
| Fixr | Fixr lists a national average of $112, an average range of $70 to $150, a low of $44, and a high of $398. |
| ThePricer | ThePricer lists professional installation at $150 to $400 on average and simple DIY setups at $40 to $150. |
Smoke detector installation price
| Item | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Installed, all types, per unit | $110 to $410 or more | HomeGuide |
| Average installed cost | $112 | Fixr |
| Photoelectric, installed | $120 to $330 | HomeGuide |
| Smart, installed | $150 to $410 or more | HomeGuide |
| Battery detector, part only | $10 to $35 | Fixr |
| Hardwired detector, part only | $30 to $50 | Fixr |
| Whole house, pro install | $150 to $400 | ThePricer |
| Electrician, per hour | $50 to $130 | HomeGuide |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Detector type | Smart and dual sensor units cost more than basic ones. HomeGuide lists the unit alone at $10 to $40 for ionization and $50 to $150 for smart. |
| Battery or hardwired | A battery unit is simple. A hardwired unit needs wiring. Fixr lists battery units at $10 to $35 and hardwired at $30 to $50 for the part. |
| Labor | Pros charge per unit or by the hour. HomeGuide lists labor at $100 to $260 or more per unit, while Fixr lists typical labor at $40 per unit. |
| Number of units | A bigger home needs more detectors. ThePricer lists $150 to $300 for smaller homes and $400 to $700 or more for large, multi level homes. |
| Wiring work | Older homes may need new wiring or a new breaker. HomeGuide lists a new circuit breaker at $150 to $300, which adds to the total. |
What the price includes
The price usually covers the detector and the labor to mount and test it. A battery model may need no wiring at all. Wiring changes, a new circuit breaker, and extra fixtures cost more. HomeGuide lists a breaker at $150 to $300, and ThePricer lists extra fixtures and accessories at $50 to $500 or more. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
DIY or hire a pro
A battery smoke detector is an easy DIY job. You mount a bracket, add a battery, and press the test button. ThePricer lists simple DIY setups at $40 to $150. Hardwired units connect to your home wiring, so most people hire an electrician. HomeGuide lists electricians at $50 to $130 per hour. Wrong wiring can be a fire risk. Check your local rules, since some towns need a permit or an inspection for new wiring. Ask the electrician if the job needs one, and keep the receipt for your records.
How to tell you need it
Install or replace a detector if your home has none, if the unit chirps, or if it is old. Test each unit by pressing the button. Put a detector on every floor and near the bedrooms. If a unit does not sound during a test, replace it right away. Check the date on the back to see how old it is.
How to judge your quote
- Is the price per detector or for the whole house?
- Does it include the unit, labor, and testing?
- Is wiring or a new breaker extra?
- Is the price near $112 for one detector?
- Compare the total with the range above: $44 to $410 per detector for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Use battery units where wiring is hard to reach. Fixr lists battery detectors at $10 to $35, and you can mount one in minutes.
- Do the work yourself for a simple setup. ThePricer lists $40 to $150 for one or two battery units.
- Install several detectors in one visit. A pro who is already at the house can add units for less than a second trip.
- Buy a combo unit if you need both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. HomeGuide lists combo units at $40 to $100 or more for the part.
- Compare quotes from two or three electricians and ask for the price per unit. HomeGuide lists electrician rates at $50 to $130 per hour.
Why this costs more in 2026
Trade labor now runs about $75 to $150 an hour in most of the US. Lumber, steel, copper, PVC and concrete all cost more than in 2024, and freight went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Detectors are electronics with sensors and chips, so parts and shipping costs in 2026 can raise the price of each unit.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from HomeGuide, Fixr and ThePricer. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to install a smoke detector?
Fixr lists an average of $112, with most jobs at $70 to $150. HomeGuide lists $110 to $410 or more per unit.
How much does the detector cost by itself?
Fixr lists battery units at $10 to $35 and hardwired units at $30 to $50. Smart units are $80 to $180.
Can I install a smoke detector myself?
Yes, for battery units. ThePricer lists simple DIY setups at $40 to $150. Hardwired units usually call for an electrician.
How much does an electrician charge?
HomeGuide lists electricians at $50 to $130 per hour. Fixr lists $30 to $100 per hour.
How much does a whole house cost?
ThePricer lists $150 to $400 on average for pro install. Smaller homes are $150 to $300 and large homes are $400 to $700 or more.