Louisiana Home Repair Guide
In Louisiana, the median wage is $30.62 an hour for plumbers and $29.59 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Louisiana
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | The board's Types of Licenses page requires a license for residential construction exceeding $50,000, while its law book says $75,000, so confirm with the board. Commercial projects of $50,000 or more also need a license, including labor and materials, and home improvement work on existing homes needs a registration when the project value is $7,500 or more. | Source |
| Plumber | A license from the State Licensing Board for Contractors applies to plumbing projects exceeding $10,000, including labor and materials. Smaller jobs may still require a plumber's license from the State Plumbing Board; check with it. | Source |
| Electrician | A license from the State Licensing Board for Contractors applies to electrical projects exceeding $10,000, including labor and materials. Smaller jobs may still require a license; check with the board or your local licensing office. | Source |
| HVAC | A license from the State Licensing Board for Contractors applies to mechanical projects exceeding $10,000, including labor and materials. Smaller jobs may still require a license; check with the board or your local licensing office. | Source |
| Roofer | Residential Roofing is a subclassification under Residential Construction and requires a trade exam. It covers the construction, installation or repair of roofs on residential structures. | Source |
Check a contractor's license: LSLBC Contractor Search
Can homeowners do their own work?
Owners may build their primary residence without a license, but must live there, and structures next to it such as sheds are also exempt. Homes built to rent or sell require licensed contractors, and the owner gets permits and a homeowner exemption form from the local permit office. Source
File a complaint against a contractor: LSLBC online complaint
What common jobs cost in Louisiana
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $750 | $2,050 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,350 | $19,500 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,000 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,900 | $8,300 |
| Toilet Replacement | $230 | $910 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $990 | $3,100 |
| Drain Cleaning | $100 | $390 |
| Garage Door Repair | $70 | $590 |
Hourly rates in Louisiana
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $30.62 | $77 | $138 |
| Electrician | $29.59 | $74 | $133 |
| HVAC Technician | $28.20 | $70 | $127 |
| Handyman | $21.13 | $53 | $95 |
| Roofer | $23.44 | $59 | $105 |
| Carpenter | $24.00 | $60 | $108 |
| Painter | $22.31 | $56 | $100 |
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.