Average Cost Per Door for Access Control

To install an access control system for your business, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $8,000+ per door.

The price per door will depend on the following factors:

• The type of access control system you choose
• Licensing fees
• Installation considerations

We’ll go into more detail about each of these factors in more detail to give you a better understanding of what you can expect to pay to install an access control system for your business.

Want a free quote to install an access control system for your business? Call Ackerman at 800.552.1111 or schedule an instant security quote online.

Cost factor #1: The type of access control you choose

The type of access control system you choose for your business will largely determine the overall cost of the installation.

Below are the 4 main types of access control systems, with their average cost per door:

• Keypad access control systems generally range from $500 to $1,200 per door, including the hardware and wiring.
• Key fob or access card systems also range from $500 to $1,200 per door, plus a cost of $5 to $10 per keyfob or access card.
• Smartphone access control systems cost anywhere from $700 to $1,500 per door for the smartphone door readers and hardware.
• Biometric access control systems are the most expensive, but they also provide the highest level of security. The cost per door for a biometric system ranges from $2,000 to $8,000+.

You can learn more about each of these types of access control systems by reading our blog, “What Is Access Control and Why Does Your Business Need It?”.

The type of access control system you choose depends on the level of security you want for your business. For example, if your business deals with highly-classified information, you may consider a biometric system for the highest level of security. 

The security professional you consult with can help you choose the best access control system for your company’s needs.

Cost factor #2: Licensing fees

While not necessarily a significant upfront cost, licensing fees will factor into the on-going costs needed to operate an access control system.

We’ll explain.

Most access control systems use proprietary software to control and manage employees’ access rights. Often, this software is integrated with the business’s video surveillance or monitoring systems.

To use the software, most security systems charge an annual or monthly fee. This software fee is often called a “licensing fee,” the cost of which varies depending on the size of the company.

The licensing fees for an access control system range anywhere from $30 to $50 per month. The security company you hire should include licensing fees as part of their quote to install an access control system for your business.

Cost factor #3: Installation considerations

The more difficult or complex the installation, the more labor and materials will be required to install the access control system, which raises the cost per door.

Some installation considerations that will affect the overall cost of installing an access control system include:

• The number of access points: Installing an access control system in multiple access points increases labor time, which raises the overall cost of the project. That said, some security companies may discount some of the material costs if you are retrofitting a large number of doors with an access control system.
• Electrical upgrades: If the wiring in your business is outdated or needs to be reconfigured to accommodate the access control hardware, the cost of labor and materials will increase.
• Whether or not you opt for an integrated security system: If you decide to install a video surveillance system, fire/CO detectors and burglar alarms along with your access control system, the overall cost of your business security system will be greater. That said, installing all of the security features at once will cost less than installing each feature separately at different times.

Want a quote to install an access control system for your business? 

Call Ackerman at 800.552.1111 or schedule an instant security quote online.

We offer customized access control systems that are tailored to the security needs of your business. For over 50 years, we’ve provided highly-secure access control systems for businesses all around the country.

For more information about the types of systems we install and the areas we serve, visit our access control page.

Related reading

• How Much Does a Commercial Fire Alarm System Cost?

• Should Your Business Invest in Audio Surveillance in 2020?