New Jersey Home Repair Guide
In New Jersey, the median wage is $37.61 an hour for plumbers and $37.14 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in New Jersey
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | Every business making or selling home improvements in New Jersey must register annually with the Division of Consumer Affairs unless exempt. Unregistered contractors will not be issued municipal construction permits. | Source |
| Plumber | Plumbers are licensed by the State and do not need home improvement registration when working within their profession. A municipal permit for plumbing work must be signed and sealed by a New Jersey licensed master plumber. | Source |
| Electrician | Electrical contractors are licensed by the State and do not need home improvement registration when working within their profession. A municipal permit for electrical work must be signed and sealed by a New Jersey licensed electrical contractor. | Source |
| HVAC | The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs lists a state licensing board for HVACR (heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration). | Source |
| Roofer | Roofing and siding work is home improvement work in New Jersey, so roofing contractors must register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. | Source |
What common jobs cost in New Jersey
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $790 | $2,200 |
| Roof Replacement | $7,700 | $24,900 |
| AC Replacement | $3,850 | $9,300 |
| Furnace Replacement | $3,050 | $8,750 |
| Toilet Replacement | $240 | $1,000 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,150 | $3,500 |
| Drain Cleaning | $110 | $470 |
| Garage Door Repair | $90 | $660 |
Hourly rates in New Jersey
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $37.61 | $94 | $169 |
| Electrician | $37.14 | $93 | $167 |
| HVAC Technician | $35.79 | $89 | $161 |
| Handyman | $26.35 | $66 | $119 |
| Roofer | $36.83 | $92 | $166 |
| Carpenter | $30.77 | $77 | $138 |
| Painter | $28.49 | $71 | $128 |
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.