Virginia Home Repair Guide
In Virginia, the median wage is $29.07 an hour for plumbers and $30.24 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Virginia
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | A project of more than $1,000 but less than $30,000 requires a Class C license, $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 requires Class B, and $150,000 or more requires Class A, all issued by the Board for Contractors. | Source |
| Plumber | Plumbers are licensed through Virginia's Tradesmen Program, with residential, journeyman and master levels. | Source |
| Electrician | Electricians are licensed through Virginia's Tradesmen Program, with journeyman and master levels among the license classes. | Source |
| HVAC | HVAC workers are licensed through Virginia's Tradesmen Program, with residential, journeyman and master levels. | Source |
Check a contractor's license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
File a complaint against a contractor: Virginia DPOR, File a Complaint
What common jobs cost in Virginia
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $750 | $2,000 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,350 | $19,400 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,950 | $8,300 |
| Toilet Replacement | $220 | $890 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,000 | $3,150 |
| Drain Cleaning | $90 | $380 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $620 |
Hourly rates in Virginia
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $29.07 | $73 | $131 |
| Electrician | $30.24 | $76 | $136 |
| HVAC Technician | $28.72 | $72 | $129 |
| Handyman | $23.79 | $59 | $107 |
| Roofer | $23.28 | $58 | $105 |
| Carpenter | $26.77 | $67 | $120 |
| Painter | $22.82 | $57 | $103 |
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.