How Much Does It Cost to Install Security Cameras in Schools?
The average cost to install security cameras in a school is about $162.50 to $585 per camera, including labor. For a set of four cameras, labor, and a monitoring or recording system, you can expect to pay around $1,397.50.
The total cost can vary based on the number of cameras, upgraded features, and whether you choose IP or CCTV systems. Generally, the cost of installing security cameras in a school ranges from $772 to $2,652, with an average cost of $1,688. Schools looking to cover multiple areas with several security cameras will likely spend between $520 and $2,080 on average.
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Camera Installation Cost Factors
Security cameras come in many types, which affects their cost and how hard they are to install. Indoor cameras are usually cheaper and easier to install than outdoor cameras. “Security cameras are one of those items that, although may be expensive, you will be glad to have if something happens to your property,” says Salvatore Cutrona, an expert from Angi Review Board and founder of Cutrona Electric, LLC, in Sherman, CT.
Number of Cameras
The cost of each camera ranges from $26 to $325, not including labor. Typically, 4 to 6 cameras are needed to cover the outside of a home effectively. The number of indoor cameras you need depends on your home’s layout and the specific areas you want to monitor.
Types of Cameras
There are different types of surveillance cameras, each with its own price range and uses:
Type of Surveillance Camera | Price Range | Uses |
Dummy | $13 – $26 | Acts as a deterrent without providing actual surveillance |
Dome | $130 – $260 | Offers a wide field of view and can be controlled remotely |
Hidden | $130 – $260 | Blends in with or acts as furniture or decorations to remain discreet |
Box | $98 – $358 | Standalone camera typically used in commercial settings |
Floodlight | $130 – $390 | Combines a floodlight with a camera for outdoor surveillance |
Spotlight | $98 – $195 | Cylinder-shaped camera attached to wall or ceiling for focused monitoring |
Standup | $65 – $195 | Plugs directly into an outlet and stands on a flat surface, ideal for indoor use |
Doorbell | $130 – $260 | Replaces existing doorbell to monitor front door and packages |
Labor Costs
The cost of installing security cameras can vary depending on whether you hire a security camera installation specialist or a professional electrician. Labor charges typically make up 50% to 70% of the total cost of the project.
- Security Camera Installation Specialist: Hiring a specialist costs between $50 to $200 per camera.
- Licensed Electrician: Hiring an electrician costs between $50 to $100 per hour. Sometimes, they might charge a flat fee of about $100 to $200.
Wired vs. Wireless Cameras
The cost of installing surveillance cameras also depends on whether they are wired or wireless.
- Wired Cameras: Installing a wired surveillance camera costs between $100 and $500 per camera. These cameras are either connected directly to the home’s electrical system or use a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cable for power and internet. Although more difficult to install, wired cameras generally have more reliable power and internet connections.
- Wireless Cameras: Installing a wireless surveillance camera costs between $100 and $400 per camera. These cameras operate on battery or solar power and do not require connection to the home’s electrical system. However, they must be within your home’s wireless internet range. Cameras in areas with weak internet connections may lose footage or experience increased downtimes.
Location of Camera
Installing outdoor cameras in a school costs about $26 to $72 more than installing indoor surveillance cameras. This is because outdoor cameras typically have higher resolution, a wider field of view, and require more effort to install due to environmental factors.
Indoor cameras vary from simple plug-in models to hidden cameras that seamlessly blend with the school’s decor. Unlike outdoor cameras, indoor cameras do not require weatherproofing or extremely high-definition settings to capture necessary details.
Frame Rate (FPS)
The cost of installing security cameras also depends on the frame rate (FPS). Higher FPS means smoother video quality. Here are the costs based on different FPS options, increased by 30%:
Frames per Second (FPS) | Average Cost of Installation |
15 FPS | $104 – $208 |
25 FPS | $117 – $234 |
30 FPS | $117 – $299 |
50 FPS | $162 – $357 |
60 FPS | $195 – $455 |
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Field of View
A security camera’s field of view (FoV) refers to the width or range the camera can capture. FoV is measured in angle degrees or lens millimeters. When considering FoV, schools can expect to pay between $104 and $1,300 for camera installation.
Generally, cameras with larger lenses have a smaller viewing angle but can see farther distances. Schools need to determine the best FoV based on the layout of their buildings and grounds.
Additionally, schools can opt for dome cameras that can rotate between 180º and 360º but have a relatively small lens. These cameras typically cost between $260 and $1,300.
Field of View Costs
Field of View | Degrees | Average Cost of Installation |
2.8 mm | 105º | $135 – $270 |
3.6 mm | 90º | $152 – $304 |
6 mm | 52º | $152 – $389 |
8 mm | 40º | $210 – $464 |
12 mm | 22º | $253 – $591 |
Cost of School Surveillance Camera Installation by Feature
Schools value additional security features, such as motion detection and microphones. Extra features often raise the price of each individual camera and the total project cost.
Motion Detection
The cost of installing a security camera with motion detection will range between $52 – $195 extra. Keep in mind that motion detection cameras do not always record continuously; they only record when the sensor detects motion and often send an alert to your smartphone via an app.
For best results, you can pair a motion detection camera with an alarm monitoring system. The cost of adding an alarm monitoring system is about $33 – $260 per month. The alarm company will receive the same motion alerts, saving you the time of contacting them if something suspicious is happening.
Facial Recognition
The cost of facial recognition cameras ranges between $195 – $325 per camera. Facial recognition can be used to alert school administrators when certain individuals arrive on campus, such as identifying unauthorized persons.
Microphone
The cost of installing a camera with a built-in microphone is around $130 – $260 per camera. With the increase in doorbell surveillance cameras, companies are starting to include this feature in a wide variety of cameras as an extra option for customers.
Infrared
Infrared (IR) security cameras cost around $195 – $325 to install. IR cameras are beneficial for areas of the school that get too dark for standard night vision cameras. IR cameras emit IR light while recording, allowing the camera to capture events in complete darkness while remaining invisible to the outside world.
DIY vs. Professional Camera Installation for Schools
Installing indoor cameras and wireless outdoor cameras can be relatively straightforward, making it possible for school staff to handle the installation themselves. The cost of a DIY surveillance camera installation ranges from $130 to $390 per camera. Surveillance cameras typically come with the necessary mounting materials, so you will need some basic tools to complete the job. Here are the tools you might need:
- Drill: $97.50–$260
- Hammer: $6.50–$26
- Drill bits: $3.90–$19.50 per bit (depending on the material of your building)
If you are familiar with running Ethernet cables, you might also be able to handle the installation of external PoE (Power over Ethernet) surveillance cameras. However, if the cameras require a wired electrical connection, it is advisable to hire a professional electrician.
For outdoor and wired surveillance cameras, the installation process is more complex. These types of installations often require specific expertise to ensure proper setup and functionality. Therefore, hiring a professional installer is usually necessary to ensure the cameras are installed correctly and effectively.
Security Cameras Costs by System Type for Schools
When installing security cameras in schools, it is important to consider how the footage will be monitored and recorded for future review. Schools can choose between CCTV systems, which store footage on local devices, and IP systems, which upload footage to the cloud via the internet.
CCTV
The cost of installing a 4-camera CCTV surveillance system is around $2,197 on average. The cameras for a CCTV system cost between $126.75 and $591.50 per camera. CCTV systems upload footage directly to a storage device such as a hard drive, SD card, digital video recorder, or tape storage. These systems do not require constant internet access, making them suitable for locations with limited internet connectivity.
IP
The cost of installing a 4-camera IP surveillance system ranges between $845 and $2,535. The cameras for an IP system cost anywhere from $169 to $676 per camera. IP surveillance systems require constant internet access, as they upload footage through Ethernet or Wi-Fi to a cloud storage device. Cloud storage options vary by brand, so it is important to consider storage costs and options when selecting an IP system.
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Cost of Installing Security Cameras by Resolution for Schools
The resolution of a security camera determines the size and detail of the video. Generally, the higher the resolution, the higher the cost. Resolutions for cameras are measured in pixels, so more pixels equate to better video quality.
Resolution in Pixels (p) | Average Cost of Installation |
720p | $104 – $208 |
1080p | $117 – $260 |
1440p | $169 – $455 |
2048p | $195 – $520 |
2160p (4K resolution) | $260 – $650 |
2592p | $325 – $780 |
2800p | $1,105 – $1,560 |
Conclusion
The average cost to install security cameras in a school ranges from $162.50 to $585 per camera, including labor. For a set of four cameras, labor, and a monitoring or recording system, schools can expect to pay around $1,397.50. The total cost varies based on the number of cameras, upgraded features, and whether IP or CCTV systems are chosen. Generally, the cost of installing security cameras in a school ranges from $772 to $2,652, with an average cost of $1,688. Schools looking to cover multiple areas with several security cameras will likely spend between $520 and $2,080 on average.
FAQs
The average cost to install security cameras in a school ranges from $162.50 to $585 per camera, including labor. For a set of four cameras, labor, and a monitoring or recording system, schools can expect to pay around $1,397.50.
The total cost can vary based on:
- The number of cameras installed.
- Upgraded features like motion detection or facial recognition.
- The choice between IP or CCTV systems.
- The type and location of cameras (indoor vs. outdoor).
- Labor costs and installation complexity.
Typically, 4 to 6 cameras are needed to cover the outside of a building effectively. The number of indoor cameras depends on the layout and specific areas that need monitoring.
- Dummy Cameras ($13 – $26): Act as a deterrent without actual surveillance.
- Dome Cameras ($130 – $260): Offer a wide field of view and remote control.
- Hidden Cameras ($130 – $260): Discreetly blend in with surroundings.
- Box Cameras ($98 – $358): Standalone cameras typically used in commercial settings.
- Floodlight Cameras ($130 – $390): Combine a floodlight with a camera for outdoor surveillance.
- Spotlight Cameras ($98 – $195): Cylinder-shaped cameras for focused monitoring.
- Standup Cameras ($65 – $195): Plug into an outlet, ideal for indoor use.
- Doorbell Cameras ($130 – $260): Replace existing doorbells to monitor front doors and packages.
Labor charges typically make up 50% to 70% of the total cost. Hiring a security camera installation specialist costs between $50 to $200 per camera, while hiring a licensed electrician costs between $50 to $100 per hour.
- Wired Cameras: Cost between $100 and $500 per camera and offer more reliable power and internet connections.
- Wireless Cameras: Cost between $100 and $400 per camera and operate on battery or solar power, requiring a strong wireless internet signal.
Installing outdoor cameras costs about $26 to $72 more than indoor cameras due to higher resolution, wider fields of view, and environmental installation challenges.
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Process To Get Security Cameras Cost Estimate Report
Here I am going to share some steps to get security cameras cost estimate report.
