How Much Does a Contractor Cost?
Average pricing by trade, updated for 2026. Costs vary by location, project complexity, and contractor experience. These ranges are based on national averages.
| Trade | Common Project Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $150-$300 | CA prices | TX prices |
| Plumber | $150-$350 | CA prices | TX prices |
| HVAC Contractor | $3,500-$7,500 | CA prices | TX prices |
| General Contractor | $15,000-$50,000 | CA prices | TX prices |
| Roofer | $5,000-$12,000 | CA prices | TX prices |
| Landscaper | $1,500-$5,000 | CA prices | TX prices |
Cost by State
California typically runs 20-40% above national average. Texas runs 5-15% below. Click for detailed pricing by trade.
California
30% above national average
Texas
10% below national average
What Affects Contractor Pricing
Location: Bay Area and NYC electricians charge $120-180/hr. The same work in Houston or Phoenix runs $70-100/hr. We break down pricing by state in the detailed pages above.
Project scope: A service call for a leaking faucet ($150-$300) is priced differently than a whole-house repipe ($4,000-$15,000). Most contractors quote flat rates for defined projects and hourly for diagnostic or repair work.
Permits: Permitted work costs more upfront ($200-$500 for the permit alone) but protects you legally. Unpermitted work from unlicensed contractors creates serious problems down the road.
Emergency vs scheduled: After-hours plumbing or electrical calls run 50-100% more than scheduled work. Know where your water shutoff is before you need it.
Before you compare prices, compare licenses
The cheapest bid from an unlicensed contractor costs more in the long run.
Verify a Contractor