How much does a telephone pole cost?
How much does a telephone pole cost?
$100 – $900 per pole (materials only)
$1,200 – $5,600 per pole installed
Telephone pole cost
A telephone pole costs $1,200 to $5,600 with installation or $100 to $900 for materials alone. A telephone pole is also called a utility pole, power pole, or electric pole. Most telephone poles are 30 to 45 feet tall and made of wood. Prices are higher for metal, concrete, or fiberglass poles.
| Pole size | Material price range* |
|---|---|
| 25-foot | $100 – $300 |
| 30-foot | $100 – $400 |
| 35-foot | $200 – $500 |
| 40-foot | $200 – $550 |
| 45-foot | $300 – $800 |
| 50-foot | $500 – $900 |
| 55-foot | $650 – $900 |
*Not including delivery or installation.
Costs to install a telephone pole
The following factors affect the installation cost:
Size – Poles are 25 to 125 feet tall depending on the location and usage. Larger telephone poles cost more in material, transportation, and installation costs than small poles.
Material – Wood is the cheapest and most commonly used material but doesn’t last as long as fiberglass, concrete, or metal.
Number of poles – Some contractors give discounts when installing more than one pole at the same time.
Delivery fees – Shipping and delivery charges vary depending on the retailer, pole size, and location.
Additional wiring – Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour on average to connect electrical lines to a home.
Pole use – Wiring for more than one service, such as electricity or cable, may cost more.
Utility or power pole cost
A utility or power pole costs $1,200 to $5,600 with installation and is also called a telephone pole. Utility poles carry power, telephone, and cable lines.
A meter pole costs $500 to $2,200 and is a smaller pole connected to a breaker box. Meters connect electrical lines directly to a house or mobile home.
| Factor | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead wood light pole | $400 – $4,000 | Pole is 25’ to 40’ tall |
| Overhead meter pole | $500 – $2,200 | Pole is 25' tall. Service line connects to nearby power pole at the road. |
| Underground meter pole | $300 – $1,600 | Pole is a 4"x6"x 8' treated post, maximum of 300' from a transformer |
| Overhead utility or power pole | $1,200 – $5,600 | Pole is 25’ to 125’ tall. Used over longer distances and connects to a meter pole. |
Telephone pole FAQs
Where to buy a telephone pole?
Many lumber and electrical supply companies sell telephone poles and ship nationwide.
How long does a telephone pole last?
A telephone pole lasts 30 to 100 years on average, depending on the material. Wood poles are commonly used but don’t last as long as fiberglass.
How far apart are telephone poles?
Contractors typically place telephone poles 125 to 300 feet apart, depending on the location. Rural telephone poles are farther apart than in urban or suburban areas.
How tall and deep is a telephone pole?
The average telephone pole is 30 to 45 feet tall and is buried 6 feet deep in the ground.
How much does a telephone pole weigh?
A wood telephone pole weighs 400 to 4,000 pounds on average, depending on the length and lumber type.
Who can install or remove a telephone line from pole to house?
A telephone company or experienced electrician can install or remove a telephone line from a pole. An unused phone line is typically left attached to the home until someone requests a removal from the company that installed it.
Getting estimates from telephone pole installers
Before hiring a telephone pole installer near you, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company with 5+ years of experience.
Avoid hiring the contractor with the lowest price as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before a job is complete. Set up a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide references with contact information?
What experience do you have installing telephone poles?
Do you handle the permits and inspection process?
Can you give me a breakdown of everything in the estimate?
What additional costs might come up during installation?
How long will the installation take?
Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it cover?