Is The Price Of Hiring A Plumber And Electrician On The Rise?

Let's face it, if you have a home, things will break down and repairs will be needed. This includes your plumbing and electrical systems. Sometimes it's a faucet that just won't stop dripping. Other times it's a faulty switch that triggers your surge protection. Now you might be a handy person, able to fix small issues on your own. However, for anything else, electricians and plumbers become your only option. Plus, there are certain household projects that are better left to the professionals. But there is a problem. Due to a labor shortage and the rising cost of materials, labor costs are on the rise, including for plumbers and electricians. According to the Producer Price Index (PPI), between November 2020 and November 2025, prices charged by electrical and plumbing contractors rose sharply, by nearly 25%.

This means that you will pay more for these services today than you did a few years ago. If you don't know what PPI is, it is basically a price tracker for what businesses charge for their goods and services. You can expect electricians and plumbers to charge anywhere from $50 to $130 per hour. The demand for these professionals are also expected to rise by 4% for plumbers and 9% for electricians within the next 10 years. And when demand for a service increases, labor costs and wage rates tend to rise with it.

Start by getting multiple quotes from a shortlist of reputable contractors. You can find them by asking for community recommendations or contacting your local technical college. Some schools, with trade programs, offer supervised student labor. There, you may be able to find help with minor home plumbing and electrical projects at a fraction of the market rate. If you live in an apartment or a managed building, get in touch with your property manager. They often have certified electricians and plumbers on call, who may be able to take care of minor problems for free or at a reduced rate.

Just keep in mind that finding affordable labor for plumbing and electrical projects at home needs a strategic approach. It is not just about the lowest price, but also about safety and reliability. So, whenever you're hiring a tradesperson, keep this in mind and make sure you know the questions you need to ask before hiring a plumber or an electrician. You never want to go with unlicensed, uninsured, or unfit contractors.

To cut down on costs, avoid weekend or after-hours appointments if possible and schedule fixes on weekdays. Emergency or urgent plumbers and electricians cost about one to three times more or charge an additional $100 to $200 along with their regular rates. You will want to ask for a written estimate that lists the scope, materials, timeline, and total price. And finally, avoid paying in full upfront for any service.