Handyman Salary Guide 2025 in the United States
Curious about the average handyman salary in the United States?
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to hire one or a professional aiming to set fair rates, understanding how much do handymen make is key.
From hourly rates to fixed prices, this guide has everything you need to know about handyman pay, the factors that influence rates, and what handymen do.
Let’s explore the average handyman salary in the US, salary trends by years of experience, and how rates vary across states.
Handyman Salary Topics in this Guide
What Do Handymen Do?
A handyman, or handyperson, is a versatile & professional repair worker who takes care of various general maintenance, minor repairs, and improvement tasks.
Some handypeople may offer landscaping or moving services, as well.
In short, they’re the go-to experts for jobs that don’t require specialized contractors, helping homeowners and businesses keep things running smoothly.
Common Handyman Work
- Fixing doors, windows, and cabinets: For instance, realigning a squeaky door, fixing a broken cabinet hinge and other minor repairs.
- Repairing drywall or flooring: Handymen are often called in to patch holes in walls or repair cracked tiles.
- Installing light fixtures, fans, or faucets: Whether replacing a ceiling fan or installing a kitchen faucet, these tasks are often straightforward for a skilled handyman.
- Painting and staining walls or furniture: Small-scale painting projects, like refreshing a bathroom or staining a patio bench, are common requests.
- Assembling furniture or shelving units: From IKEA shelves to office desks, many handymen are pros at deciphering complex instructions.
- Handling basic plumbing or electrical repairs: Fixing leaky faucets or replacing electrical outlets often falls within a handyman’s skill set.
How Much Do Handymen Make in the United States?
Handyman earnings can vary significantly based on factors like location, experience, and the scope of work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Annual Average Salary: $54,612
- Hourly Rates: $24.30/hour on average
- Entry-Level Salary: $42,657/year
- Experienced Handyman Salary: $66,086/year
Pro Tip: If you’re a handyman juggling multiple jobs, streamline your invoicing with tools like the Invoice Maker. It saves time and ensures professionalism.
RELATED ARTICLE: How To Start A Handyman Business in 10 Steps?
Average Handyman Salary by Experience
Experience plays a major role in determining a handyman’s earnings.
The more you hone your skills and build a reputation, the more you can charge for your services.
Specialized skills, like carpentry or historic property repairs, can also command premium rates.
Examples of Career Progression
- Entry-Level Handyman: A handyman just starting out might handle smaller jobs like furniture assembly or patching minor drywall holes. These tasks are a great way to build confidence and a client base.
- Mid-Level Handyman: After five years, a handyman may move into more complex tasks like light carpentry or installing appliances. Their growing expertise allows them to raise their rates.
- Expert Handyman: With over 20 years of experience, a seasoned handyman could specialize in high-end custom work, such as building outdoor decks or restoring historic properties.
Want to track your earnings over time? Use Reporting Software to monitor and optimize your income.
RELATED ARTICLE: How To Get Your Handyman License in the United States?
Break-down: Handyman Salary State-by-State
Where you live has a significant impact on how much you can earn as a handyman. States with higher costs of living tend to offer better salaries.
States with the highest Handyman Salaries
- Alaska: $63,925 – High demand for general repair professionals in remote areas.
- California: $59,061 – Larger cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco offer more opportunities and higher rates.
- New York: $60,371 – Many urban residents hire handymen for tasks in small apartments or brownstones.
- Washington: $58,523 – The Pacific Northwest sees steady demand for maintenance work, especially during rainy seasons.
States with Lower Handyman Salaries
- Arkansas: $43,361 – Rates are lower due to lower living costs and less competition.
- Mississippi: $44,120 – A more rural setting often means fewer high-paying opportunities.
- South Dakota: $43,888 – Handyman services in small towns tend to focus on basic repairs.
A handyman in Alaska might charge a premium to account for travel between remote job sites, while one in Arkansas might focus on offering budget-friendly services to attract more clients.
RELATED ARTICLE: How To Get Your Handyman Insurance in 2025?
Handyman Rates Per Hour vs. Fixed Prices
Handymen generally charge either by the hour or offer flat rates for certain tasks. You can dive deeper into pricing in our How to Price Handyman Jobs [link to Article 2 – How To Price Handyman Jobs] article, but here’s a quick breakdown:
Hourly Rates
Hourly rates are ideal for unpredictable tasks or jobs where the time required isn’t clear upfront.
- National Average: $60–$70/hour
- Low End: $45–$50/hour
- High End: $100–$125/hour
As an example: A handyman replacing damaged drywall might charge by the hour, as hidden issues like mold or structural damage could add time to the project.
Fixed Prices
Flat rates work well for straightforward, repeatable tasks that are easy to estimate.
- Replacing a faucet: $125
- Installing a ceiling fan: $75
- Repairing drywall: $200
What Affects Handyman Rates?
Several factors influence how much handymen charge for their services. Understanding these can help both homeowners and professionals set fair expectations.
1. Material Costs
While many handymen include basic materials like screws or nails, specialized parts can drive up costs.
For example: Replacing a garbage disposal may require an additional $100 for parts.
2. Minimum Service Fees
To cover travel and setup time, some handymen charge a minimum fee.
Typical Fee: $60–$100
3. Travel Costs
Jobs in remote areas may include extra travel fees, either as a flat rate or per mile.
Example: A handyman driving 40 miles to a rural client might charge $0.50 per mile for the extra distance.
4. Scope and Complexity
Tasks requiring advanced skills, licensing [link to Article 4 – Handyman License], or certifications, like minor electrical work, tasks related to plumbing, or HVAC, often cost more.
5. Location
Urban areas with higher living costs usually have higher handyman rates compared to rural locations.
Stay organized! Use tools like the Receipt Scanner to track material and travel expenses.
What the Data Says: Handyman Salary Trends
Let’s look at some trends to help you understand what handymen typically earn for their work.
Hourly Rates
- Average: $60–$70/hour
- High-Skill Tasks: $75–$100/hour
- Basic Repairs: $45–$60/hour
Hourly Rates
- Installing shelves: $100
- Replacing a toilet: $150
- Painting a room: $400–$850
For instance, painting a small room might cost $400, while a larger or more detailed project (like a room with multiple trim colors) could reach $850.
Want to manage job pricing more easily? Tools like Time Tracking Software can help you log hours for accurate billing.
How to Hire a Handyman
Hiring a handyman can save you time and money on home repairs. Here’s what to keep in mind when finding the right professional:
- Research Reviews: Look for someone with consistent positive feedback online.
- Verify Experience: Ensure they’ve successfully completed similar jobs before.
- Discuss Rates: Confirm whether they charge hourly or use fixed prices.
- Set Clear Expectations: Communicate the scope of work to avoid surprises.
Tip! If you need multiple tasks done—like fixing a leaky faucet and installing shelves—ask if the handyman offers a discount for bundling services.
Final Thoughts
Understanding handyman salaries and rates is essential, whether you’re hiring one or working in the trade yourself.
From hourly rates to fixed prices, there are many factors to consider when determining fair pay or choosing the right professional.
Experience, location, and material costs all play a role in pricing, making transparency and planning key to success.
For handymen, tools like our Invoicing Softare built for Handyman Small Businesses streamline your business operations by simplifying invoicing, expense tracking, and client management.
With the right approach, a handyman career—or hiring the perfect pro—can transform any project into a success.
Ready to get started?
Download Invoice Fly today!
