Vermont Home Repair Guide
In Vermont, the median wage is $29.89 an hour for plumbers and $30.49 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Vermont
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | Vermont requires residential contractors to register with the Office of Professional Regulation for residential work with an estimated value of $10,000 or more, including labor and materials. | Source |
| Plumber | The Vermont Division of Fire Safety issues plumbing licenses. Tradespeople licensed by the Department of Public Safety are exempt from contractor registration when working within their scope. | Source |
| Electrician | The Vermont Division of Fire Safety issues electrical licenses. Tradespeople licensed by the Department of Public Safety are exempt from contractor registration when working within their scope. | Source |
| Roofer | Roofing is included in Vermont's definition of residential contracting, so roofing jobs of $10,000 or more require contractor registration. | Source |
Check a contractor's license: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, Find a Professional
Can homeowners do their own work?
Working on a property you own does not require residential contractor registration. Source
What common jobs cost in Vermont
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $750 | $2,050 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,850 | $21,500 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,100 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,950 | $8,400 |
| Toilet Replacement | $220 | $900 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,000 | $3,150 |
| Drain Cleaning | $90 | $390 |
| Garage Door Repair | $90 | $660 |
Hourly rates in Vermont
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $29.89 | $75 | $135 |
| Electrician | $30.49 | $76 | $137 |
| HVAC Technician | $29.88 | $75 | $134 |
| Handyman | $26.69 | $67 | $120 |
| Roofer | $28.39 | $71 | $128 |
| Carpenter | $30.00 | $75 | $135 |
| Painter | $25.54 | $64 | $115 |
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.