What TV mounting costs
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Standard wall Drywall over wood studs | $75–$150 |
| Above a fireplace, or on brick | $125–$250 |
| Most TV mounting jobs, total | $99–$250 |
| Hiding cables inside the wall Added to the mounting price | +$50–$150 |
On its own, mounting a TV is below most handymen's minimum charge, ours included, so it is best added to a list of other small jobs. See handyman cost by job.
What moves the price
- The wall. Wood studs are simple. Metal studs need heavy-duty toggle anchors, and brick, stone or concrete need masonry anchors and a hammer drill.
- The mount. A fixed or tilting mount is quick. A full-motion arm puts far more leverage on the wall and takes longer to set up.
- TV size. Large screens are a two-person lift.
- Cable concealment. A surface cover is cheap; routing inside the wall takes longer.
- Power. If there is no outlet behind the TV, adding one is electrical work.
How a TV is mounted properly
- Find the studs and mark their centers. Most are 16 inches apart.
- Set the height. For comfortable viewing, the center of the screen should be near eye level when you are seated, around 42 inches from the floor in most living rooms.
- Level the wall plate and fasten it with lag screws into the center of at least two studs.
- Attach the brackets to the TV, hang it, and lock the safety screws or clips.
- Route the cables and check the tilt and level.
Drywall anchors alone are not enough for a TV on a wood-framed wall. If the studs are not where the TV needs to be, a wider wall plate or a piece of plywood spanning two studs solves it.
Hiding the wires safely
Low-voltage cables such as HDMI can run inside a wall if they are rated for in-wall use, marked CL2 or CL3. The TV's own power cord cannot: the electrical code does not allow flexible cords to be concealed inside walls. The two correct options are an in-wall power kit listed for the purpose, which uses in-wall rated wiring between two plates, or a new outlet behind the TV installed by a licensed electrician. A paintable surface cable cover is the simple alternative.
Above a fireplace
It is the most requested spot and the hardest. The screen ends up well above eye level, heat from a working fireplace can shorten a TV's life, and the wall is often brick or stone. A tilting or pull-down mount helps with the viewing angle. Check the temperature of the wall above the mantel with the fire running before committing. Holes left behind when a TV is moved are a simple patch; see how to fix a hole in drywall.
Common questions
Can you mount a TV on drywall without studs?
Small, light TVs can hang on heavy-duty toggle anchors, but fastening into studs is the reliable method, and it is the only one to use for large screens or full-motion mounts.
How high should a TV be mounted?
With the center of the screen near seated eye level, about 42 inches from the floor in a typical living room. Bedrooms and rooms where people stand suit a higher position with a tilting mount.
Is it legal to run a TV power cord inside the wall?
No. Flexible power cords are not permitted inside walls under the electrical code. Use a listed in-wall power kit or have an outlet installed behind the TV.
Related guides
Compiled from published 2026 national cost data (HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor and TV mounting services' price guides). We update these figures as we complete jobs.