Change formula based on results of a drop down

[Megtruck]

Hi All:
I am hoping what I want to be able to do is a function of excel. I am sure it is, I just dont know how to do it, and have a hard time explaining it, so bare with me!!

I have a spreadsheet for work with a bunch of different drop down columns and formulas based on the different vehicles we work on.

I work for a heavy duty collision repair shop and I have created a spreadsheet to track all of our jobs.

So I have a column for "job type" and there are many types listed in the drop down. I also have another column labeled "job total". That column has a formula in it to add up the totals of all other categories and give me one total. Part of these categories include different labor rates.

I am wondering if there is a way to have excel recognize when i pull up a certain "job type" that the formula will change the labor rate automatically?

I hope this makes sense. I am willing to share my spreadsheet if that would help.

Thanks
Meaghan