Handymen perform an impressive array of jobs around the home – in fact, that’s where they get their name from. With so much diversity in their work, handymen can charge per hour or project.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average U.S. handyman makes $44,920 annually. Lower-tier earners make only about $28,910 while top-tier handymen can rack in over $62,000. This salary is affected by experience level, location, and the industry the handyman works in.
This article will discuss what factors affect handyman salaries, how much they charge, and the licensing and insurance requirements for handymen.
Factors Affecting Handyman Salaries
As with most jobs, experience level, location, and the type of work they do will affect how much a handyman earns.
Experience Level
The more you know, the more you can charge for your expertise and experience. If you hold certifications, licenses, or have extensive experience in your field, this will be reflected in your work, allowing you to reach the higher-tier salaries for handymen.
Type of Work Done by Handymen
Handymen can work in residential or commercial settings. Most handymen work in residential settings and the type of work covers all types of skills. Among the most common types of work performed by handymen are; painting, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, assembly of furniture, hanging TVs, and much more.
Location
Handymen can earn more if they live in higher-paying states or states with a higher handyman demand. Higher-paying states usually have a higher cost of living, so always double-check this before deciding to relocate for a larger paycheck.
Below are the states with the highest salaries for handymen:
- Alaska $53,000+
- District of Columbia (Washington D.C.): $53,000+
- Massachusetts: $51,000+
- Hawaii: $51,000+
- New York: $51,000+
Here are the highest-paid metropolitan areas for handymen:
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward: $60,230
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara: $59,870
- Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina: $56,650
- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue: $54,120
Finally, below are the states with the highest concentration of handymen jobs in the U.S. Most of these concentrations are found in metropolitan areas.
- New York: 126,410 jobs, $51,530 average salary
- Wyoming: 3,660 jobs, $43,890 average salary
- Alaska: 3,900 jobs, $53,370 average salary
- Missouri: 24,650 jobs, $42,850 average salary
- South Carolina: 26,030 jobs, $41,120 average salary
How Much Do Handymen Charge?
Handymen often charge per hour, with prices ranging from $60 to $125 per hour. This does not include the cost of materials they may need, which will be added to the final price.
Some handymen also charge per half or full day, while others can give you a price per project. Average handyman project prices range from $150 to $600 per job.
The more specialized the job, the higher the handyman will charge. For example, a handyman fixing your jammed doorknob will likely charge less than one who is fixing a faulty electrical outlet. Your best bet is to give as many details as possible and ask for an estimate before they begin the job.
Handyman Expenses
What handymen charge and what they make are two completely separate numbers. Handymen’s service charges must take into account their insurance requirements and other expenses.
For example, handymen need to purchase tools and equipment to help them with their job. These include hammers, levels, power tools, pliers, levelers, gloves, saws, screws and screwdrivers, and more. They also need to have a vehicle to transport their tools, since most work independently.
The largest expense for a handyman would be liability insurance. Many states require that handymen hold this type of insurance in case something goes wrong on the job. General liability insurance for handymen could cost about $800 annually.
Differences Between Handymen and Contractors
Handymen and contractors may overlap in their jobs, but they are two different positions. Handymen are called in for quick repairs or smaller jobs, usually valued under $1,000.
Contractors, on the other hand, perform major work that includes a bidding process, hiring subcontractors, and work performed over days, weeks, or months at a high value.
Almost all states require contractors to either be licensed, registered, or certified in some way. Handymen requirements vary greatly but are generally less supervised than contractor work across the U.S.
Both contractors and handymen usually need liability insurance, although the amounts for both are very different. Contractors will also require Worker’s Comp insurance if they have employees or subcontractors, whereas handymen usually work on their own.
Do Handymen Need a License?
Some states will require a handyman license or certificate, while others do not monitor handyman work. What it comes down to is the price of the job.
If the handyman is doing work less than X dollars, they may not need to be licensed. Once they cross that dollar amount, their work will require licensure or they will be considered a contractor by the state and will need to meet additional requirements.
Here are the license requirements and links for handymen in each state.
|
State |
Handyman License (or Similar) Required? |
Details |
|
Alabama |
No |
Work valued under $50,000 does not require a license |
|
Alaska |
Yes |
|
|
Arizona |
No |
If the work is valued at over $1,000 or needs a building permit, a contractor’s license is required |
|
Arkansas |
No |
Work over $2,000, or painting, flooring, or roofing requires a Home Improvement License |
|
California |
No |
If the work is valued at $500 or less. |
|
Colorado |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Connecticut |
No |
If performing permanent changes to a residence, you’ll need a Home Improvement registration |
|
Delaware |
No |
Work valued under $50,000 doesn’t require a license |
|
Florida |
No, unless completing structural repairs |
Handymen completing structural repairs must hold the appropriate license(s) |
|
Georgia |
No |
Work over $2,000 requires a Residential Basic Contractor License |
|
Hawaii |
No |
If the work is valued at over $1,000 or needs a building permit, a contractor’s license is required |
|
Idaho |
No |
Unless you engage in contracting work, there are no regulations around handymen |
|
Illinois |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Indiana |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Iowa |
No, unless you make more than $2,000 per year |
If you make more than that, you’ll need to become a contractor and/or hold the right license (plumbing, electrical, etc.) |
|
Kansas |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Kentucky |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Louisiana |
No |
Projects worth more than $7,500 require a contractor’s license or Home Improvement registration |
|
Maine |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Maryland |
Yes |
A Home Improvement License is required |
|
Massachusetts |
Yes |
A Home Improvement License is required or a Construction Supervisor License if performing structural work |
|
Michigan |
No, unless you perform painting/carpentry jobs |
Painting and carpentry jobs require a Maintenance and Alteration Contractor License |
|
Minnesota |
No, unless you make more than $15,000 per year |
Those making more than that amount require a Residential Remodeler license. |
|
Mississippi |
No |
Projects valued at over $10,000 require a contractor’s license |
|
Missouri |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Montana |
No |
If you work with electrical systems, you must register |
|
Nebraska |
Yes, registration is required |
You must register as a contractor |
|
Nevada |
No |
Projects over $1,000 or requiring a building license need a contractor’s license |
|
New Hampshire |
No, unless you work with plumbing, electricity, or asbestos |
That type of work requires the appropriate license |
|
New Jersey |
No |
You must register your handyman business with the DOCA. Certain types of work require a contractor’s license too. |
|
New Mexico |
Yes |
If making less than $7,200 gross annual, you’ll need to fill out the Handyman Declaration Certificate |
|
New York |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
North Carolina |
No |
Projects over $30,000 are for contractors only |
|
North Dakota |
No |
Projects over $4,000 are for contractors only |
|
Ohio |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Oklahoma |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Oregon |
No |
Projects over $1,000 are for contractors only |
|
Pennsylvania |
No, unless you make more than $5,000 annually |
If you make over this amount, you will need to become a PA Home Improvement Contractor |
|
Rhode Island |
No, unless you alter, remodel, or perform large repairs on residential properties |
If so, you must register as a contractor |
|
South Carolina |
No |
Projects over $5,000 require a contractor’s license |
|
South Dakota |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Tennessee |
No |
Projects over $3,000 require a Home Improvement License |
|
Texas |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Utah |
No |
Work over $1,000 requires an Affirmation of Exemption |
|
Vermont |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
|
Virginia |
No |
Projects over $1,000 are for contractors |
|
Washington |
No |
Projects over $2,000 or requiring a building permit must be done by registered businesses |
|
West Virginia |
No |
Projects between $2,500-$10,000 are for contractors |
|
Wisconsin |
Yes |
A WI Dwelling Contractor Qualifier license is required |
|
Wyoming |
No |
Check your city’s regulations |
Do Handymen Need Insurance?
Much like licensing, insurance requirements are also decided state-by-state. Generally speaking, most states will require handymen to have liability insurance.
General liability insurance covers bodily injury for both the handyman and those living in the residence, property damage, and personal injury against the business. If the handyman has employees, they will also be required to get Workers’ Compensation insurance. Additional insurance options that may or may not be required for handymen include business property insurance, tools/equipment insurance, and professional liability insurance.
