The problem
You quote $85/hr for electrical work and a competitor quotes $55. You're not sure if you're priced right or if you're losing jobs because you're too expensive. Without any context, every rate decision is a guess.
Why we built it
Knowing where you land relative to other contractors in your market — same trade, same geography — is the first step to pricing with confidence. Benchmark tells you the range, not a single number, so you can see if you're high, mid, or low.
How it works
- 1
Open Stats and tap "Benchmark."
- 2
DIRT shows a range for your trade in your metro area based on aggregated, anonymized DIRT data.
- 3
See where your current EHR lands on that range.
What changes for your business
Before
Guess at whether your rate is competitive based on occasional word-of-mouth.
After
See the local range. Know exactly where you stand. Price with confidence.
Common questions
How do I know if my hourly rate is competitive?
DIRT's benchmark view shows the range for your trade in your metro area — based on aggregated, anonymized data from DIRT users. You see where your current EHR lands on that range: high, mid, or low. It is a reference point, not a prescription.
What is the average hourly rate for an electrician or plumber?
Rates vary significantly by metro area, experience level, and commercial versus residential work. DIRT's peer benchmark shows local ranges rather than national averages — because what $80/hr means in Dallas is different from what it means in rural West Texas. For national data, DIRT links to trade LP pages with market-specific breakdowns.
Am I undercharging as a contractor?
DIRT's benchmark tells you whether your current EHR is below the local range for your trade. If you are at $50/hr and local electricians are running $75–90/hr, the data supports a rate increase. You still have to make the decision — but you make it with evidence instead of guesswork.
Should I raise my rates?
Look at two things: your current EHR versus your overhead-included target, and your EHR versus the local benchmark range. If you are below both, a rate increase is justified by the numbers. Start with new clients or new job types — it is easier to move rates on new work than to renegotiate with established clients.
How do I justify a higher rate to clients?
You usually do not need to justify it — you just charge it. Contractors who explain their rates are often selling against their own price. The best justification is a professional presentation: clear bids, branded invoices, prompt follow-up. DIRT helps with all three.
Is the DIRT peer benchmark based on real data?
Yes — it is based on aggregated and anonymized EHR data from DIRT users in your trade and metro area. The data gets more accurate as the user base in your area grows. Where data is thin, DIRT will tell you rather than show an unreliable number.
Start free
Try it free.
Every DIRT plan includes this feature — Solo included. No credit card, no trial that expires. Set up in minutes and use it on your next job from the truck.