How Much Do Handymen Make? Rates and Getting Booked
Minimum call-out fees, what to charge per hour, which jobs to take, and the licensing line you can't cross
By the Monthly Income Booster editorial team · Updated · How we research and fact-check
On this topic
Handyman work is in permanent demand because most trades won't take small jobs. If you're reliable and quote clearly, you can stay booked with weekend work almost indefinitely.
What BLS data shows (May 2025)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025 national estimates) puts the median wage for maintenance and repair workers, general (SOC 49-9071) at $23.84 an hour, or $49,590 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earned under $17.00 an hour and the top 10% more than $37.11. General maintenance and repair workers is the BLS line for handyman-type work done as an employee (property, facilities and building maintenance). Self-employed handymen are not counted.
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (lowest-paid 10% earn less) | $17.00 | $35,350 |
| Median | $23.84 | $49,590 |
| 90th (top 10% earn more) | $37.11 | $77,180 |
Worked example
The service pricing calculator's starting inputs for a three-hour job — example numbers, not a market rate:
| Input or result | Value |
|---|---|
| Hours on the job | 3 |
| Helpers | 0 |
| Hourly you want to clear | $45.00 |
| Supplies for the job | $12.00 |
| Round-trip miles (at $0.70) | 18 |
| Tax set-aside | 25% |
| = Job costs (helpers, supplies, driving) | $24.60 |
| = Price to quote the customer | $212.80 |
| = Your take-home after tax | $135.00 |
| = Real hourly for you | $45.00 |
The Minimum Call-Out
A ten-minute fix still costs you the drive, the tools, and the slot. A minimum charge that covers roughly the first hour is standard and protects your day from tiny jobs.
Jobs Worth Taking
Furniture assembly, mounting, door and lock work, small drywall repairs, fixtures, shelving, and general maintenance lists. Repeat maintenance visits for landlords and letting agents are the steadiest work of all.
Know the Licensing Line
Electrical, gas, and structural work is licensed in most places and carries real legal and safety consequences. Refer those out — the referral protects you and buys goodwill.
Materials and Markup
Either bill materials at cost plus a modest markup for sourcing, or ask clients to supply them. Decide in advance and put it in the quote to avoid arguments.
Staying Booked
Answer messages fast, arrive when you said, and leave the space clean. In this trade those three things beat any advertising.
Related reading: Licensing Income; How Much Do Voice Over Artists Make?; and How Much Do Proofreaders Make?. Thinking about a carpentry job instead of side work? See how much carpenters make an hour, with BLS pay by state and what weather weeks cost.
Official sources
Tax rules, limits and pay data change. Check the current figures with the primary source before acting on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a handyman charge per hour?+
Set a target take-home, add travel, tools, and unbillable admin, then divide by billable hours. The freelance rate tool does this.
Do I need a licence to be a handyman?+
General repair work usually doesn't require one, but electrical, gas, plumbing, and structural work typically do. Rules vary by state and country — check locally.
Should I charge a call-out fee?+
Yes. A minimum charge covering the first hour keeps small jobs from costing you money once travel is counted.
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