Washington Home Repair Guide
In Washington, the median wage is $38.96 an hour for plumbers and $45.78 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in Washington
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | Washington requires all construction contractors to register with the Department of Labor & Industries. | Source |
| Plumber | All plumbing contract work must be performed by a Licensed Plumbing Contractor, and each must designate a certified plumber. General contractors may do plumbing work only if they also hold a plumbing contractor license. | Source |
| Electrician | In Washington, only licensed electrical contractors employing certified electricians may perform electrical work, though property owners and qualifying nonprofit entities may apply for an exemption. | Source |
| HVAC | HVAC is one of the regulated contractor specialties in Washington, and each specialty requires its own registration with the Department of Labor & Industries. | Source |
| Roofer | Roofing is one of the regulated contractor specialties in Washington, and each specialty requires its own registration with the Department of Labor & Industries. | Source |
Can homeowners do their own work?
A property owner may apply for an exemption from electrical licensing for an existing home if the property will not be offered for sale within 12 months after obtaining it. For a new single-family home, the owner must personally do the work and live there at least 24 months after completing it, and it cannot be intended for rent, sale or lease. Source
What common jobs cost in Washington
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $790 | $2,200 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,900 | $21,800 |
| AC Replacement | $3,850 | $9,300 |
| Furnace Replacement | $3,050 | $8,800 |
| Toilet Replacement | $250 | $1,050 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,300 | $3,950 |
| Drain Cleaning | $120 | $490 |
| Garage Door Repair | $90 | $680 |
Hourly rates in Washington
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $38.96 | $97 | $175 |
| Electrician | $45.78 | $114 | $206 |
| HVAC Technician | $36.38 | $91 | $164 |
| Handyman | $28.44 | $71 | $128 |
| Roofer | $29.16 | $73 | $131 |
| Carpenter | $35.67 | $89 | $161 |
| Painter | $28.68 | $72 | $129 |
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.