Contractor Cost Calculator
Know what to expect before you call a contractor. Estimates based on 2026 national labor rate averages by trade.
Average Contractor Hourly Rates (2026)
| Trade | Hourly Rate | Typical Minimum Call |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $50–$150/hr | 2–4 hour minimum |
| Electrician | $50–$130/hr | 1–2 hour minimum |
| Plumber | $45–$120/hr | 1–2 hour minimum |
| HVAC Technician | $75–$150/hr | 1–2 hour minimum |
| Carpenter / Framer | $35–$90/hr | 4 hour minimum |
| Painter | $25–$70/hr | Full day (often priced per sq ft) |
| Tile Setter | $30–$80/hr | Often priced per sq ft |
| Flooring Installer | $25–$65/hr | Often priced per sq ft |
| Roofer | $35–$85/hr | Often priced per sq ft / square |
| Landscaper | $25–$65/hr | 2 hour minimum |
| Drywall Installer | $25–$70/hr | Often priced per sq ft |
| Concrete Contractor | $30–$80/hr | Often priced per sq ft / cu yd |
How to Get Accurate Contractor Quotes
Hourly rates are a starting point, but most contractors quote projects on a fixed-price basis. To get an accurate comparison across multiple bids, always provide the same written scope of work to each contractor — including materials you've selected, dimensions, and any specific requirements.
Vague requests ("redo my bathroom") lead to vague quotes that can't be compared. Specific requests ("install 120 sq ft of 12×24 porcelain tile in a bathroom floor and 3-wall shower surround, using customer-supplied tile") get you comparable, binding quotes.
For large projects, require an itemized quote that separates labor from materials. This lets you see where the money is going and identify where you might save by supplying materials yourself.
What's Included in Contractor Costs?
Contractor hourly rates cover labor only. Most projects also require materials (lumber, pipe, wire, fixtures), permits ($50–$500+ depending on project and municipality), equipment rental, and in some cases subcontractors. Always clarify in writing what's included in any quote before signing a contract.
For large projects, general contractors typically charge 10–20% of total project cost as their management fee on top of subcontractor costs. This is standard and covers coordination, scheduling, and accountability for the finished product.
When Do Contractors Charge Per Square Foot?
Painters, flooring installers, tile setters, roofers, and drywall contractors typically quote per square foot rather than hourly. This protects both parties — the contractor knows their scope, and you know your total cost upfront. Per-square-foot pricing makes comparison shopping straightforward and removes the incentive to work slowly.
| Trade | Per Sq Ft Rate (labor only) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Painter (interior) | $1.50–$3.50/sq ft | Per paintable surface sq ft |
| Flooring installer | $2–$6/sq ft | Varies by material type |
| Tile setter | $5–$15/sq ft | Higher for mosaic or pattern work |
| Roofer | $3–$7/sq ft | Per roofing square (100 sq ft) |
| Drywall installer | $1.50–$3/sq ft | Includes taping and finishing |
Contractor Red Flags to Watch For
- No written contract — Never start work without a signed contract specifying scope, timeline, and payment schedule
- Large upfront payment demands — Standard is 10–30% upfront, remainder tied to milestones
- No license or insurance — Verify at your state contractor board before signing anything
- Unusually low bids — Bids 30%+ below competitors often mean cutting corners, unlicensed subcontractors, or low-quality materials
- Pressure to decide immediately — Legitimate contractors don't use high-pressure sales tactics