How Much Does a Contractor Cost?
Use our free calculator to estimate project costs across 42 contractor specialties. Select your trade, configure your project, and get a cost range adjusted for your state.
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What type of contractor do you need?
Select a trade to see project-specific cost estimates.
How Our Cost Calculator Works
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National Baseline Data
We start with national average pricing sourced from industry cost databases, contractor surveys, and publicly available project data across thousands of completed jobs.
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Regional Adjustment
Your state selection applies a cost-of-living multiplier based on BLS data and construction cost indices. Costs in New York or California can be 30% above average, while Mississippi may be 25% below.
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Project-Specific Factors
For our 10 most popular trades, you can configure project details like materials, scope, and size. These factors shift the estimate based on real-world pricing patterns.
Important: These estimates are approximate and intended as a starting point for budgeting. Actual costs depend on your specific project, local material prices, contractor availability, and other factors. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes from licensed contractors for accurate pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contractor Costs
How accurate are these contractor cost estimates?
Our estimates are based on national average pricing data adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences. Actual project costs vary based on project complexity, materials, contractor experience, and local market conditions. Always get 3 or more quotes from licensed contractors for accurate pricing.
Why do contractor costs vary so much by state?
Contractor costs vary by state due to differences in cost of living, labor rates, licensing requirements, material costs, and local demand. States like California, New York, and Hawaii typically have costs 20-40% above the national average, while states like Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia are often 20-25% below average.
How can I reduce contractor costs?
To reduce costs: get at least 3 quotes, schedule work during off-peak seasons, bundle multiple projects with one contractor, choose mid-range materials, handle demo or cleanup yourself, and make sure the scope of work is clearly defined before signing a contract.
How much does an electrician charge per hour?
Location and job complexity drive the rate more than anything else. In rural areas you might pay $50 per hour, while metro electricians with master licenses regularly charge $100 to $130. After-hours and emergency calls add a 50-100% surcharge on top of whatever the base rate is.
How much does it cost to upgrade to a 200-amp panel?
The biggest cost variable for a panel upgrade is whether your meter base and service entrance cable also need replacing. A straightforward panel swap runs $1,500 to $2,500, but if the utility company requires a new meter socket or the cable from the street is undersized, expect $3,000 to $4,500 after permits.
Is it worth rewiring an old house?
If your home was built before 1970 and still has knob-and-tube or aluminum branch wiring, many insurers will either refuse coverage or charge a steep premium until you rewire. Beyond the insurance issue, outdated wiring cannot safely support modern loads like EV chargers, heat pumps, or kitchen appliances. The $6,000 to $15,000 cost is substantial, but it eliminates a real fire risk and often pays for itself through lower insurance rates.
How much does a plumber charge per hour?
Whether the job is a simple fixture swap or a complex rough-in matters more than the hourly rate alone. Most plumbers quote $45 to $150 per hour, but many residential jobs are bid as flat-rate projects. Weekend and emergency calls typically carry a 50-100% surcharge regardless of billing method.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater?
Tankless water heaters cost roughly twice as much upfront as standard tank models ($1,500 to $3,500 vs. $800 to $2,000 installed), but they last 5 to 10 years longer and cut water heating energy use by 20-30%. If you are converting from tank to tankless, budget an extra $300 to $800 for gas line upgrades or venting changes.
How much does whole-house repiping cost?
Pipe material is the single biggest cost factor. PEX repiping runs $4,000 to $8,000 for a typical 2-bath home because the flexible tubing requires fewer fittings and less wall demolition. Copper costs $8,000 to $15,000 for the same house but carries a longer warranty and does not require special fittings at every connection point.
How much does a new AC unit cost installed?
Efficiency rating drives the price gap more than brand or tonnage. A standard 14-16 SEER system runs $3,500 to $7,500 installed, while a high-efficiency 17+ SEER unit costs $5,000 to $12,000. The higher upfront spend typically pays back in 5 to 8 years through lower electricity bills, faster in hot climates.
How long does an HVAC system last?
Furnaces generally outlast air conditioners -- 15 to 30 years versus 15 to 20 years -- because they run fewer hours annually in most climates. Skipping annual maintenance is the fastest way to shorten either lifespan, since dirty coils and clogged filters force the system to work harder and wear out sooner.
Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?
Multiply the system's age by the quoted repair cost. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement usually makes more financial sense. For example, a 12-year-old AC facing a $500 compressor capacitor replacement ($6,000) is past the threshold, while a 6-year-old unit needing the same repair ($3,000) is worth fixing.