What should the job cost?

Pick a trade, a city and a common job. The estimate comes from what that trade is paid in your metro, how long the job usually takes and what the materials cost.

TradeWhere

JobReplace a light fixture or ceiling fanAdd an outlet on a new circuitUpgrade the panel to 200 amps

Assumptions

Starting points for a typical job, not measurements. Change them to match your job or a quote you have.

Worker-hoursTypical 1 to 2.5, all workers added together.Materials, $Typical $10 to $60.Contractor bills × the wagePayroll costs, insurance, vehicles, overhead and profit.

Estimated price in Phoenix$76–$226

Labour: $116
Materials: $35
Wage: $29/hr

Labour is worker-hours × the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler median wage (BLS, May 2025) × 2.25. Permits are extra.Licensed electricians in Phoenix

Pricing a paint job?

The painting estimator works from your wall area, coats and prep, with paint included.

Painting cost estimator

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, median hourly wage by metro area. The 2–2.5× billing multiple is our assumption; real quotes vary with the job, materials and season.

Sources

Electricians: Electricians (SOC 47-2111)
HVAC contractors: Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers (SOC 49-9021)
Plumbers: Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152)
House painters: Painters, construction and maintenance (SOC 47-2141)
Roofers: Roofers (SOC 47-2181)
Landscapers: Landscaping and groundskeeping workers (SOC 37-3011)
Flooring contractors: Floor layers, except carpet, wood and hard tiles (SOC 47-2042)
Cabinet and carpentry contractors: Carpenters (SOC 47-2031)
Tile contractors: Tile and stone setters (SOC 47-2044)
Security system installers: Security and fire alarm systems installers (SOC 49-2098)
Concrete contractors: Cement masons and concrete finishers (SOC 47-2051)
Pool builders: Construction laborers (SOC 47-2061)
Drywall contractors: Drywall and ceiling tile installers (SOC 47-2081)
Window and glass contractors: Glaziers (SOC 47-2121)
Masonry contractors: Brickmasons and blockmasons (SOC 47-2021)
Movers: Laborers and freight, stock and material movers, hand (SOC 53-7062)
Pest control companies: Pest control workers (SOC 37-2021)
Garage door contractors: Maintenance and repair workers, general (SOC 49-9071)
Locksmiths: Locksmiths and safe repairers (SOC 49-9094)
Fence contractors: Fence erectors (SOC 47-4031)
Asbestos removal contractors: Hazardous materials removal workers (SOC 47-4041)
Insulation contractors: Insulation workers, floor, ceiling and wall (SOC 47-2131)
Solar installers: Solar photovoltaic installers (SOC 47-2231)
Septic contractors: Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152)
Water treatment contractors: Home appliance repairers (SOC 49-9031)
BLS OEWS wage tables