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Highlights
- The typical handyman salary runs between $29,220 to $68,930 per year, with the national average at $44,980.
- The exact salary a handyman can expect to earn will depend on their experience level, any additional skills they have, and their geographic location.
- A handyman who is licensed to perform electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work is likely to earn a higher salary than a general handyman without these licenses.
Handyman contractors are generally thought of as a jack-of-all-trades who can perform various types of repairs around the home. When it comes to how much a handyman can earn, the average salary can fluctuate based on geographic location, experience level, services offered, and any additional skills a handyman may have.
So how much does a handyman make on average? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, handyman salaries typically range from $29,220 to $68,930 per year, or an average of $44,980. In terms of hourly pay, that equates to between $14.05 and $33.14 per hour, with the national average around $21.62 per hour.
Self-employed handyman hourly rates are usually set by the individual based on their experience, skill set, and the demand for their services. The handyman hourly rate usually includes the cost of materials and travel time, although some handymen may charge extra if they need to travel a longer distance than usual.
Handyman rates generally cover a large range of services, from basic repairs to more complex projects, with emergency handyman services being more expensive due to the immediate nature of the repairs. While the average hourly rates provide a good starting point for consumers, some handymen might provide a convenient handyman pricing guide to their clients that offers a detailed breakdown of costs associated with specific repairs and projects. It’s beneficial for every homeowner to know how various factors influence a handyman’s salary or hourly rates when they search online for “the best handyman near me.”
Factors in Calculating the Average Handyman Salary
The national handyman salary average provides a good starting point for gauging earning potential. When hiring the best handyman services, it’s important for a prospective customer to understand how local salary averages can be different from the national average due to regional differences, cost of living, any additional skills a handyman may have, and demand for handyman services.
Experience Level
As a handyman gains more experience and grows their skill set, they can charge more for their services. Handymen with extensive experience may earn more money thanks to their in-depth knowledge of various repair techniques and maintenance services. Clients are often willing to pay more for the peace of mind that an experienced handyman brings to the job. An experienced handyman will often complete repairs more quickly and efficiently than one with less experience, which adds further value to a client.
Additional Skills
Having additional skills in specialized areas such as electrical work, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and more can have a considerable influence on handyman labor rates. A handyman with these types of additional skills will often charge a higher handyman cost per hour than those who have basic repair skills.
A handyman who has electrical repair skills can tackle a broad range of projects, from fixing wiring problems to installing new lighting fixtures. The ability to handle plumbing or HVAC repairs can add to the different types of services a handyman can provide.
Some clients also appreciate the convenience of calling one handyman to repair a variety of issues instead of hiring a different person for each type of job, and they may be willing to pay more for that convenience. Handymen who offer HVAC repair services or plumbing services might benefit from using the best HVAC software for small businesses or the best plumbing software, such as Jobber. Business owners will want to review online Jobber reviews to see if this tool is a good match for their business operations.
Geographic Location
Geographic location also plays an important role in determining a handyman’s salary. In areas with a higher cost of living, handymen often charge more for their services to keep up with the expenses of housing, transportation, groceries, and other day-to-day necessities.
The demand for handyman services can vary across different locations. In densely populated urban areas, the demand for repair services may be higher, which can lead to increased competition. In rural areas, the demand may be lower, and handymen can adjust their rates accordingly.
Depending on where they live, handymen may offer specialized services based on the climate and weather patterns to satisfy the local demand for services, such as winterization jobs or HVAC-related repairs.
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Average Yearly Salary |
| Alabama | $19.09 | $39,700 |
| Alaska | $25.53 | $53,100 |
| Arizona | $21.47 | $44,650 |
| Arkansas | $18.36 | $38,190 |
| California | $25.65 | $53,360 |
| Colorado | $24.02 | $49,960 |
| Connecticut | $24.80 | $51,590 |
| Delaware | $22.25 | $46,280 |
| District of Columbia | $25.22 | $52,460 |
| Florida | $19.94 | $41,480 |
| Georgia | $20.57 | $42,780 |
| Hawaii | $25.85 | $53,770 |
| Idaho | $21.18 | $44,060 |
| Illinois | $25.08 | $52,160 |
| Indiana | $22.71 | $47,240 |
| Iowa | $21.90 | $45,540 |
| Kansas | $20.63 | $42,910 |
| Kentucky | $21.94 | $45,630 |
| Louisiana | $19.77 | $41,120 |
| Maine | $22.19 | $46,150 |
| Maryland | $23.59 | $49,080 |
| Massachusetts | $26.09 | $54,260 |
| Michigan | $20.89 | $43,440 |
| Minnesota | $24.72 | $51,410 |
| Mississippi | $18.50 | $38,480 |
| Missouri | $22.14 | $46,040 |
| Montana | $20.39 | $42,410 |
| Nebraska | $21.39 | $44,490 |
| Nevada | $23.09 | $48,030 |
| New Hampshire | $22.15 | $46,070 |
| New Jersey | $24.81 | $51,600 |
| New Mexico | $19.87 | $41,340 |
| New York | $25.71 | $53,470 |
| North Carolina | $21.24 | $44,170 |
| North Dakota | $21.63 | $44,980 |
| Ohio | $22.70 | $47,220 |
| Oklahoma | $18.56 | $38,590 |
| Oregon | $23.29 | $48,450 |
| Pennsylvania | $22.64 | $47,080 |
| Rhode Island | $25.12 | $52,240 |
| South Carolina | $20.75 | $43,150 |
| South Dakota | $20.39 | $42,420 |
| Tennessee | $20.80 | $43,250 |
| Texas | $19.93 | $41,450 |
| Utah | $22.45 | $46,690 |
| Vermont | $22.34 | $46,470 |
| Virginia | $22.91 | $47,660 |
| Washington | $25.76 | $53,580 |
| West Virginia | $18.65 | $38,790 |
| Wisconsin | $22.37 | $46,530 |
| Wyoming | $22.07 | $45,900 |
| Guam | $14.35 | $29,850 |
| Puerto Rico | $11.53 | $23,980 |
| Virgin Islands | $18.82 | $39,150 |
Average Handyman Salary by Types of Services Provided
The average handyman salary can be influenced by the types of services a handyman offers as well as any specific expertise they might have. A handyman can provide a range of services from basic repairs to more specialized projects. Each service comes with its own cost considerations and how it fits into a handyman pricing list.
General Services
One of the benefits of hiring a handyman is that these pros are typically able to provide a broad range of general services. Working as a jack-of-all-trades allows handymen to fix various types of problems, and this ability can increase the overall demand for their services.
Homeowners may also appreciate that hiring a handyman can reduce the need for hiring multiple people to address different problems. Handymen are usually skilled at making basic repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets or repairing minor household issues. These types of tasks are generally straightforward and require minimal specialized skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), general maintenance and repair workers earn $44,980 per year, or $21.62 per hour.
Electrical
Pros who offer electrical repairs, such as installing new outlets or fixing wiring problems, generally require specialized knowledge and a higher skill level. Handymen with electrical expertise will typically charge more since electrical work requires specific training and certifications and comes with safety risks. They also need to invest in the proper tools and equipment while staying up to date with industry regulations.
For handymen who are looking to up their game, the best online electrician schools can help. Electrical work can also take more time, which results in higher pay. The BLS reports that the median annual pay for electricians is $60,240 per year, or $28.96 per hour.
Plumbing
Handymen who provide plumbing work can also justify higher handyman prices. Some handymen may apprentice to a skilled plumber or take some of the best online plumbing courses to learn a new skill. By being able to address plumbing issues such as installing new fixtures or fixing leaky pipes, handymen can earn a higher hourly rate than those offering only general repair services.
Plumbing work can often involve repairs that deal with water lines, drainage, and sometimes gas lines. The BLS shows that plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters average $60,090 per year, or $28.89 per hour.
HVAC
Incorporating HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) services into a handyman’s offerings can also increase their pay. HVAC work involves servicing heating and cooling systems to ensure the unit works properly. Repairing HVAC units requires specialized skills to ensure they run efficiently. Proper handling of hazardous materials, such as refrigerants, means handymen need to adhere to safety regulations to keep their clients and themselves safe.
According to the BLS, the average yearly salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $51,390, or $24.71 per hour. To meet the rising demand for HVAC professionals, a handyman can enroll in one of the best online HVAC certification programs.
How to Increase Your Handyman Salary
Increasing a handyman salary involves a few steps that go beyond just honing an individual’s skills. Handyman contractors can review several tips to help them increase their earnings.
- Broaden your skill set. By acquiring additional skills, such as the ability to perform electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC services, a handyman can offer a wide range of services, thereby increasing their hourly rate.
- Get certified and licensed. Handymen who invest in certifications and licenses to perform electrical or plumbing work can often earn higher wages.
- Offer emergency services. Providing emergency services to clients allows handymen to command higher rates due to the urgent nature of the repairs.
- Specialize in a high-demand area. Specializing in a specific type of service can help increase the demand for a handyman’s services and make them an expert in the field.
- Enhance customer service. Providing exceptional customer service can build a handyman’s positive reputation and lead to repeat business and referrals. Using business management software can help a handyman manage scheduling, booking, invoicing, marketing, and manage tailored customer relationships.
- Do some research. Researching how much other handymen in the area are charging can help an individual price their rates competitively.
- Create a polished online presence. Creating a professional website and being active on social media can help promote a handyman’s business and provide credibility to their services. This can attract more clients, which can lead to making more money.
- Network. Building relationships with local real estate agents, rental companies, contractors, and other local professionals can result in partnerships or referrals, which can expand a handyman’s client base.
- Invest in quality tools. A handyman who uses high-quality tools demonstrates to their clients that they are a professional who cares about their job and takes pride in their performance.
FAQs
Handyman salaries can vary widely based on geographic location, the handyman’s experience, the types of services offered, and more. Whether an individual is considering a career as a handyman or is curious about the earning potential in this profession, it’s natural for them to have questions. These frequently asked questions and answers provide insights into what types of jobs pay the most, the best type of business structure for a handyman, tipping etiquette, the requirements for licensing, and the cost of handyman insurance.
Q. What handyman job pays the most?
One of the most in-demand handyman services is plumbing. A general handyman can typically handle replacing a faucet or unclogging a toilet, but a handyman who has the ability to repair or replace a garbage disposal or replace pipes is usually in high demand. However, many states require those who tackle large, complex plumbing projects to have a plumbing license.
Q. What is the best business structure for a handyman?
When starting a handyman business, many individuals will choose between an LLC (limited liability company) and a sole proprietorship. For those who work on their own part-time and don’t have employees, a sole proprietorship is an excellent option since it’s simple to manage, free to set up, and doesn’t require paperwork. The one major downside of a sole proprietorship is that the owner is responsible for all the financial obligations of the company. The benefits of an LLC are that it provides more legal protection for the owner’s personal assets and it can lead to potential tax savings. To choose the best business structure, it’s recommended for a handyman to talk to a professional before making a decision.
Q. Do you tip a handyman?
For many handymen, tips are not expected, but they are appreciated.
Q. Should a handyman be licensed and insured?
Each state has its own requirements for licensing and acquiring the best handyman insurance. It’s a good idea for individuals to check with their local government, but handymen who do electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work will most likely need a license and certifications to work in those fields.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics