North Carolina Home Repair Guide
In North Carolina, the median wage is $27.44 an hour for plumbers and $27.31 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in North Carolina
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | A general contractor in North Carolina must be licensed if the contract is valued at $40,000 or higher. | Source |
| Plumber | The State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors licenses plumbing contractors in North Carolina. | Source |
| Electrician | The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors regulates electrical contractors under NC General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 4. | Source |
| HVAC | The State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors licenses HVAC contractors in North Carolina. | Source |
Check a contractor's license: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors license search
File a complaint against a contractor: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors, Complaints
What common jobs cost in North Carolina
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $740 | $2,000 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,350 | $19,500 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,000 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,900 | $8,250 |
| Toilet Replacement | $220 | $870 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $950 | $2,950 |
| Drain Cleaning | $90 | $360 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $610 |
Hourly rates in North Carolina
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $27.44 | $69 | $123 |
| Electrician | $27.31 | $68 | $123 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.53 | $69 | $124 |
| Handyman | $23.03 | $58 | $104 |
| Roofer | $23.56 | $59 | $106 |
| Carpenter | $23.61 | $59 | $106 |
| Painter | $21.21 | $53 | $95 |
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.