District of Columbia Home Repair Guide
In District of Columbia, the median wage is $48.57 an hour for plumbers and $37.97 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in District of Columbia
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | Home improvement contractors in DC need a business license from DLCP and a $25,000 surety bond. Contractors doing residential work must also designate and maintain a Basic Business License for at least one Home Improvement Salesperson. | Source |
| Plumber | The DC Board of Industrial Trades licenses plumbers. DC is a single jurisdiction, so this is a District-level license. | Source |
| Electrician | The DC Board of Industrial Trades licenses electricians. DC is a single jurisdiction, so this is a District-level license. | Source |
| HVAC | The DC Board of Industrial Trades licenses refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics. DC is a single jurisdiction, so this is a District-level license. | Source |
Check a contractor's license: SCOUT, DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
What common jobs cost in District of Columbia
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $840 | $2,350 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,950 | $22,000 |
| AC Replacement | $3,900 | $9,450 |
| Furnace Replacement | $3,100 | $9,050 |
| Toilet Replacement | $270 | $1,150 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,150 | $3,550 |
| Drain Cleaning | $140 | $600 |
| Garage Door Repair | $90 | $690 |
Hourly rates in District of Columbia
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $48.57 | $121 | $219 |
| Electrician | $37.97 | $95 | $171 |
| HVAC Technician | $40.57 | $101 | $183 |
| Handyman | $29.00 | $72 | $130 |
| Roofer | $29.69 | $74 | $134 |
| Carpenter | $29.67 | $74 | $134 |
| Painter | $28.61 | $72 | $129 |
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.