How much does a handyman charge?

Handyman hourly rates

Handyman hourly rates are $50 to $80 for self-employed contractors and $75 to $125 per hour for a corporate handyman, plus materials. Handymen without insurance or those in rural areas charge $35 to $65 per hour. Handyman costs depend on job complexity, location, and experience.

*Rates not including materials, minimum charges, or trip charges.

• Consider buying the materials. Handymen who purchase materials may have a 20% to 50% markup or a trip charge of $30 to $80.
• Many states require handymen to have a license for jobs over $500 to $10,000 and insurance to protect against damage or accidents.
• Bundling multiple jobs together is cheaper. Prepare a detailed list in advance to save the handyman time.
• All payments should be made after the job is completed.
• A handyman doesn't expect a tip.

Handyman price list

Small handyman repairs cost $100 to $500 for two to five hours of work, and larger installation jobs that take from five hours to a few days are priced from $500 to $1,500 and up. The following table is a flat-rate handyman price list by service.

*The total cost depends on the job size and may not include materials. Jobs over $500 typically require a contractors license.

Handyman pricing PDF

We've compiled these services into a free handyman price list in PDF format and created a handyman pricing spreadsheet in Google Docs.

Handyman pricing PDF

Handyman pricing spreadsheet

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Handyman rates & charges

A handyman may quote jobs by the hour with a minimum charge or bid work on a flat-rate for labor and materials. Jobs outside a handyman's service area may include a mileage charge of $0.30 to $0.60 per mile or a flat fee of $10 to $50.

Handyman minimum charge

A handyman may have a minimum charge of $75 to $200, which is either a higher rate for the first hour or a minimum number of hours. A trip charge of $30 to $80 may apply for a handyman to go buy materials, which can include a 20% to 50% markup.

Ask upfront if minimum charges, trip charges, or travel fees apply and bundle multiple jobs together to save money and maximize the handyman's time.

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Handyman pricing guide

Pricing handyman work depends on the job size, complexity, location, tools and materials needed, if the contractor is licensed, insured, and self-employed, and their experience level.

Handyman experience & skill level

Hourly rates vary depending on the handyman's experience and technical skills required for a job. A skilled handyman with vast experience or licensing charges more per hour, but produces higher quality work faster.

Material costs

Handyman jobs billed at a flat rate include both materials and labor costs. When paying by the hour, materials cost extra and may require a trip charge of $30 to $80. Handymen who purchase parts or materials may also charge a 20% to 50% markup.

• Some handymen allow the homeowner to purchases the materials before they arrive.
• Some handymen have an hourly trip charge for shopping time, while others include material shopping free if there's short travel time.
• Basic building supplies needed for minor repairs, such as nuts, bolts, nails, and screws are included in their rates.

High-end materials can increase the total cost significantly, especially for large jobs. Describe the job and materials needed in detail and send photos so the handyman understands the tools and materials required before arriving.

Handyman price chart by location

A handyman charges more in regions with a higher cost of living. States such as New York, California, and Massachusetts typically cost 20% more than other areas.

*Hourly rates reported by homeowners in each location.

Handyman licensing and insurance

Many states have a “Handyman Exemption” that only requires a license for jobs over $500 to $10,000 or more, varying by state. In other states, a license is mandatory for all work. Many states also require worker’s compensation and liability insurance to protect against damage or accidents.

A licensed and insured handyman often charges more to cover their increased expenses than an unlicensed one.

Corporate vs. self-employed handyman job prices

A handyman is either independent or works for a corporate franchise, such as Mr. Handyman or Handyman Connection. A self-employed handyman typically has more affordable hourly rates, while corporate handymen are vetted, licensed, and insured by the company.

Mr. Handyman hourly rate

Mr. Handyman charges $75 to $100 per hour on average, depending on the franchise location. Some Mr. Handyman franchise rates are as high as $229 for the first two hours. Mr. Handyman is fully insured takes credit card payments. Plus, they offer a "done right guarantee."

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How to pay a handyman?

A handyman typically has flexible terms to either accept payment on an hourly basis or as a flat-rate per project after completing the job. Most handymen accept cash or digital payments, including debit or credit cards, Venmo, Square Cash, Google Pay, PayPal, and Zelle.

Do you tip a handyman?

A handyman doesn't expect a tip. When using a handyman regularly, give them a $15 to $50 tip once a year during the holidays to show your appreciation for their hard work. If a handyman provides outstanding service above and beyond your expectations, consider tipping $10 to $20 on the spot.

What does a handyman do?

A handyman, also known as a handyperson or handywoman, is a skilled person or jack-of-all-trades at a wide range of home repairs and maintenance services. Handyman tasks include trade skills, small jobs, odd jobs, side work, and repair work, both interior and exterior.

Common home projects a handyman can do from your to-do list are:

• Painting
• Drywall repair
• Minor plumbing and electrical work
• Remodeling
• Carpentry
• Window repair
• Small roof repairs
• Landscaping and lawn care
• TV mounting
• Furniture assembly
• Cleaning
• Unclog a drain

What jobs can a handyman NOT do?

A handyman cannot perform home repairs that require special licenses or permits, or jobs costing more than $500 to $10,000, depending on the state. The following jobs typically require a permit and are best performed by a licensed contractor:

• New construction
• New roof installation
• Major home remodeling
• Modifying existing electrical, plumbing, or gas systems
• HVAC installation
• Water heater replacement
• Building a retaining wall
• Drainage system installation
• Building a raised deck
• Fireplace or wood stove installation

Handyman vs. contractor

• Handyman work involves minor repairs, odd jobs, or low-cost projects that typically don't require permits or licensing. Handymen charge by the hour or job and are often cheaper than a contractor.
• Licensed contractors work on jobs with a bidding process and permits, such as electrical, plumbing, and remodeling work.

Can a handyman do plumbing or electrical work?

A handyman can do small plumbing and electrical work that doesn't require licensing.

• For plumbing, a handyman can replace a toilet or faucet, or unclog a drain, but can't modify lines.
• For electrical, a handyman can replace a light bulb or hang a TV, but can't replace wiring or modify the circuit box.

How much does a handyman make?

A handyman makes $30,000 to $60,000 per year in salary, depending on their hourly rates and time worked. Handyman wage rates are $18 to $30 per hour when including travel time between jobs, material runs, labor, and breaks.

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How to find and hire a handyman

A handyman takes care of your to-do list, odd jobs, and saves you time and money. Look for a handyman that you can develop a trusting relationship with over time.

Here's the best way to find a reliable handyman:

1. Make a detailed list of what you need done.
2. Set a budget for each task.
3. Find handymen on Google, HomeGuide, or ask your friends, family, and neighbors.
4. Get quotes from at least three handymen to compare.
5. Ask questions about their experience, licensing, and insurance.
6. Check their prior work and ask for their references.
7. Get the contract in writing.
8. Pay after the job is complete.

Getting handyman quotes

Most handymen offer free cost estimates or have a flat-rate pricing sheet.

• Get at least three quotes to compare.
• Ask friends, family, and neighbors, check with the local hardware store, and use review websites like HomeGuide to get quotes.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for longer than five years.
• Discuss rates upfront and payment methods upfront.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Ask for at least a 1-year labor warranty.
• Get a full breakdown of all labor and material costs involved.
• Confirm that they provide new quotes for all unexpected expenses.
• Discuss job timelines, work hours, and expectations for larger projects.
• Avoid making payments upfront. Instead, pay when the handyman completes the work.

Questions to ask a handyman

1. What type of work can you do?
2. How do you charge?
3. Can you provide a quote upfront?
4. Can you provide a written contract showing labor and material costs?
5. Do you have local references or a portfolio of your work?
6. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
7. What hours do you work?
8. How long will the job take?
9. Do you have a trip charge for getting materials?
10. How much do you mark up materials?
11. How do you handle additional work that arises?
12. Do you provide a guarantee?
13. How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
14. Do you work alone, or will you use subcontractors?
15. What’s your payment schedule?

How to save on handyman jobs

There are several ways to save money when hiring a handyman:

• Combine multiple jobs – Bundling multiple jobs together at once is cheaper. Prepare a list in advance to save the handyman time.
• Compare estimates – Get at least three estimates before hiring. Handymen with less experience are more affordable and are suitable for easier projects.
• Buy Materials – Purchasing the materials yourself avoids a trip charge from the handyman. If you are unsure, ask the handyman for advice.
• Planning – Write down the exact specifications of the job, such as dimensions, paint colors, repairs, materials required, and take several photos from different angles to share with the handyman. Specs and details help the handyman understand what tools to bring to complete the job more efficiently.
• Preparation – Move furniture, clean, and prep the working area to save the handyman time. Some projects have additional ways to save, such as tearing up and disposing of old carpet before the handyman installs new carpet.
• Negotiate / discounts – Some companies offer discounts for low-income seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals. A handyman's rates may be negotiable, especially when bundling multiple tasks.

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