Kentucky Home Repair Guide
In Kentucky, the median wage is $30.84 an hour for plumbers and $28.71 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Kentucky
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | In Kentucky, plumbing must be installed by a licensed journeyman plumber under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. | Source |
| Electrician | The Electrical Division of the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction licenses electricians and electrical contractors. | Source |
| HVAC | Heating and air conditioning contractors in Kentucky must be licensed by the state's Division of HVAC. | Source |
Check a contractor's license: Kentucky DHBC License Search and Verification
Can homeowners do their own work?
Homeowners can get a plumbing permit for plumbing in their own personal residence, and work under that permit does not need a licensed journeyman. Source
File a complaint against a contractor: Kentucky DHBC HVAC Consumer Complaints
What common jobs cost in Kentucky
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $750 | $2,050 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,250 | $19,100 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,000 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,900 | $8,300 |
| Toilet Replacement | $230 | $920 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $970 | $3,050 |
| Drain Cleaning | $100 | $400 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $600 |
Hourly rates in Kentucky
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $30.84 | $77 | $139 |
| Electrician | $28.71 | $72 | $129 |
| HVAC Technician | $28.18 | $70 | $127 |
| Handyman | $22.50 | $56 | $101 |
| Roofer | $22.57 | $56 | $102 |
| Carpenter | $25.33 | $63 | $114 |
| Painter | $23.13 | $58 | $104 |
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.