Maryland Home Repair Guide
In Maryland, the median wage is $31.44 an hour for plumbers and $35.33 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Maryland
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | Contractors performing home improvement work for a homeowner in Maryland are licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. That license does not cover new home construction, and builders must register with the Home Builder Registration Unit of the Office of the Attorney General. | Source |
| Plumber | The Maryland Board of Plumbing licenses plumbers to work in the state, except in Baltimore County and Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission licenses plumbers and gasfitters for Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. | Source |
| Electrician | Maryland's green-technology licensing page says master electricians generally need a license from the local jurisdiction. In the few places that don't issue one, a State master electrician's license is required. | Source |
| HVAC | The Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors licenses HVACR contractors. | Source |
Check a contractor's license: Maryland Home Improvement Commission license search
File a complaint against a contractor: Maryland Home Improvement Commission, File a Complaint
What common jobs cost in Maryland
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $760 | $2,050 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,900 | $21,700 |
| AC Replacement | $3,850 | $9,200 |
| Furnace Replacement | $3,000 | $8,600 |
| Toilet Replacement | $230 | $920 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,100 | $3,400 |
| Drain Cleaning | $100 | $400 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $630 |
Hourly rates in Maryland
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $31.44 | $79 | $141 |
| Electrician | $35.33 | $88 | $159 |
| HVAC Technician | $33.67 | $84 | $152 |
| Handyman | $24.76 | $62 | $111 |
| Roofer | $28.89 | $72 | $130 |
| Carpenter | $30.27 | $76 | $136 |
| Painter | $23.62 | $59 | $106 |
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.