Texas Home Repair Guide
In Texas, the median wage is $28.77 an hour for plumbers and $28.16 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Texas
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners regulates plumbers and urges consumers to always hire a licensed plumber. | Source |
| Electrician | State electrician licensing from TDLR generally applies in Texas outside the listed exemptions. Municipal or regional rules may override those exemptions. | Source |
| HVAC | Air conditioning and refrigeration work that is not exempt must be provided through a Texas licensed Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor, who must carry the required liability insurance. Mini-split units also require a licensed contractor. | Source |
Check a contractor's license: TDLR License Search
Can homeowners do their own work?
Electrical work on a dwelling that a person owns and resides in does not require a state electrician license, though municipal or regional rules may override this exemption. Source
What common jobs cost in Texas
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $740 | $2,000 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,200 | $19,000 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,000 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,900 | $8,250 |
| Toilet Replacement | $220 | $890 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $960 | $3,000 |
| Drain Cleaning | $90 | $370 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $600 |
Hourly rates in Texas
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $28.77 | $72 | $129 |
| Electrician | $28.16 | $70 | $127 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.77 | $69 | $125 |
| Handyman | $22.44 | $56 | $101 |
| Roofer | $22.13 | $55 | $100 |
| Carpenter | $23.51 | $59 | $106 |
| Painter | $21.86 | $55 | $98 |
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.