Colorado Home Repair Guide
In Colorado, the median wage is $30.40 an hour for plumbers and $29.92 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Colorado
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | Colorado says it is a violation of state law for anyone other than the homeowner who is not a registered plumbing contractor to install a plumbing project on your property. If you hire a plumbing contractor, the contractor is responsible for getting the required permits. | Source |
| Electrician | Colorado says it is a violation of state law for anyone other than the homeowner who is not a registered electrical contractor to install an electrical project on your property. If you hire an electrical contractor, the contractor is responsible for getting the required permits, and some local areas run their own electrical inspection programs. | Source |
Can homeowners do their own work?
The state's electrical and plumbing permit rule on who may install this work excludes the homeowner, and the state offers homeowner permit purchases and inspection requests. If you hire a contractor, you should not apply for the permit yourself, and your homeowner's insurance may not cover damage caused by someone without liability insurance. Source
What common jobs cost in Colorado
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $750 | $2,050 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,500 | $20,100 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,150 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,950 | $8,500 |
| Toilet Replacement | $230 | $910 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,000 | $3,100 |
| Drain Cleaning | $100 | $390 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $630 |
Hourly rates in Colorado
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $30.40 | $76 | $137 |
| Electrician | $29.92 | $75 | $135 |
| HVAC Technician | $31.35 | $78 | $141 |
| Handyman | $24.65 | $62 | $111 |
| Roofer | $24.88 | $62 | $112 |
| Carpenter | $30.21 | $76 | $136 |
| Painter | $25.47 | $64 | $115 |
Cities
Licensing last verified 2026-11-03
Sources
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.