Home Repair Decoded

Michigan Home Repair Guide

In Michigan, the median wage is $38.56 an hour for plumbers and $36.67 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.

Who needs a license in Michigan

TradeRuleSource
General contractorMichigan licenses and regulates people who build homes, or who repair, alter, add to or improve homes, for compensation other than wages for personal labor. The state's licenses are Residential Builder and Maintenance & Alteration Contractor.Source
PlumberMichigan's Bureau of Construction Codes licenses journey plumbers, master plumbers and plumbing contractors.Source
ElectricianMichigan's Bureau of Construction Codes licenses electrical journeymen, master electricians and electrical contractors.Source
HVACMichigan's Bureau of Construction Codes licenses mechanical contractors.Source

File a complaint against a contractor: Michigan LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes, Enforcement Section, 517-241-9309

What common jobs cost in Michigan

JobLowHigh
Water Heater Replacement$790$2,200
Roof Replacement$6,850$21,600
AC Replacement$3,800$9,050
Furnace Replacement$2,950$8,350
Toilet Replacement$250$1,000
Electrical Panel Upgrade$1,150$3,500
Drain Cleaning$120$480
Garage Door Repair$80$610

Hourly rates in Michigan

TradeMedian wageBilled lowBilled high
Plumber$38.56$96$174
Electrician$36.67$92$165
HVAC Technician$29.26$73$132
Handyman$22.87$57$103
Roofer$28.62$72$129
Carpenter$29.66$74$133
Painter$24.35$61$110

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.