Typical margins by trade.
EXAMPLE ranges, labeled as such. Not shipped job history. Use them as a check, then keep the number against a real job.
| Trade | EXAMPLE range | This site’s EXAMPLE |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing (service) | 30–40% | Water heater EXAMPLE on this site: 24% |
| HVAC (install / changeout) | 25–35% | Ridge condenser EXAMPLE: 35% |
| Electrical (service / panel) | 25–40% | Panel EXAMPLE on this site: 14% |
| Handyman (mixed tickets) | 35–50% | Deck EXAMPLE on this site: lost money |
EXAMPLE ranges contractors use as a starting check. Not CostPerJob job history. Not a promise your market will pay it.
Suggested bid
$2,480.00
$1,612.00 ÷ (1 − 35%) = $2,480.00. Keep this against a real job.
The formula, in plain English
Suggested bid = cost ÷ (1 − target margin). Compare the result to the trade EXAMPLES on plumbers, HVAC, electricians, and handyman. Those cards are EXAMPLES, not a bid we write from past jobs.
Ranges are a check. The scorecard is what that job actually did.