When hiring a handyman, one of the first questions that comes to mind is “How much do handymen charge per hour?” Handyman rates can vary greatly depending on several factors like experience, location, and the type of project. Understanding typical handyman hourly rates can help homeowners budget for projects and find fair prices.
Page Contents
Typical Hourly Rates for Handymen
Most handymen charge between $50 and $100 per hour on average. However, prices range from as low as $25 per hour to as high as $150 per hour depending on the handyman’s skills and experience. Here are some typical handyman hourly rates:
- $25 to $50 per hour – Apprentice or handyman just starting out
- $50 to $70 per hour – Skilled handyman with a few years of experience
- $70 to $100 per hour – Highly experienced handyman or specialist in a trade like electrical
- $100 to $150 per hour – Master craftsman with 10+ years experience
Keep in mind that pro handymen may have a minimum fee of 1 hour labor even for small projects that only take 15 or 30 minutes. The total project cost also factors in any material fees on top of the hourly rate.
Factors That Influence Handyman Hourly Rates
Many variables impact how much a handyman charges per hour. Being aware of these factors can help homeowners understand the range in prices:
Experience Level
A handyman’s skill level and years in business are major factors in hourly rates. Apprentices generally charge $25 to $50 per hour. Skilled handymen with 5 to 10 years experience charge $50 to $80 per hour. Highly skilled craftsmen and master tradesmen with decades of experience can charge $100 to $150 per hour.
Location
Like most services, handyman rates are higher in major metropolitan areas compared to rural towns. Handymen in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago often charge $75 to $150 per hour. Rates in small towns can be $25 to $50 per hour.
Type of Project
Simple handyman projects often cost less than specialized skills and trades. Some examples of project rates:
- Furniture assembly or hanging pictures – $50 to $70 per hour
- Minor plumbing or electrical – $70 to $100 per hour
- Major electrical rewiring or HVAC work – $100 to $150 per hour
After Hours or Emergency Fees
Handymen may tack on extra fees for emergency calls or night/weekend appointments. Expect to pay an extra $20 to $50 per hour for after hours handyman projects.
Travel Fees
For handymen located in rural areas, a travel fee based on mileage may be added to projects located far from their base location. Long distances or times can mean $25 to $50 in travel fees.
Minimum Fees
Most handymen charge a minimum 1 hour labor fee even for fast 15 or 30 minute projects. This covers the cost and time of loading tools and supplies, driving, and setup.
Material Costs
On top of hourly rates, projects require paying for parts and supplies the handyman purchases for the job. Most pros either charge marked up retail prices for materials or simply pass wholesale costs on to the customer.
Average Handyman Hourly Rates by Project Type
Hourly rates for handymen can vary significantly based on the type of project. Complex jobs requiring expert skills warrant higher rates. Here are typical hourly rates handymen charge for common projects:
| Project Type | Typical Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Furniture assembly | $50 – $70 |
| Hanging pictures and shelves | $50 – $70 |
| Minor plumbing repairs | $70 – $100 |
| Minor electrical repairs | $70 – $100 |
| Installing appliances | $70 – $100 |
| Building fences | $70 – $100 |
| Painting interior rooms | $50 – $70 |
| Laying tile | $70 – $100 |
| Deck repair | $70 – $100 |
| Drywall installation | $70 – $100 |
| Door installation | $100 – $150 |
| Window installation | $100 – $150 |
| Siding repair | $70 – $100 |
| Roof repair | $100 – $150 |
| Electrical rewiring | $100 – $150 |
Getting the Best Handyman Hourly Rate
While most handymen charge between $50 and $100 per hour, its possible to get lower rates if you follow some simple tips:
Hire Newer Handymen
Brand new handymen generally charge only $25 to $50 per hour as they build skills and experience. The tradeoff is potentially lower quality work.
Bundle Multiple Projects
Ask your handyman about discounts when booking large blocks of time or multiple projects. Bundle tasks to fill a whole day or multiple days.
Schedule Off-Peak Times
Book handyman projects during slower seasons or times of day to avoid premium rates. Weekdays in the winter often have lower demand.
Provide Your Own Materials
Shop for project supplies yourself to avoid handyman markups. But make sure to consult them first about brands and specs.
Pay Cash
Some handymen provide 10% to 20% discounts for cash payments since it avoids credit card processing fees.
Ask About Unadvertised Discounts
It never hurts to inquire politely about any other discounts or coupons that may lower your handyman’s hourly rate.
Average Handyman Hourly Rates by Location
Another major factor determining a handyman’s hourly rate is geographic location. Higher prices are charged in large metropolitan areas versus rural small towns. Here are typical hourly rates in various cities:
| City | Average Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $100 – $150 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $90 – $130 |
| Chicago, IL | $80 – $120 |
| Houston, TX | $70 – $100 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $80 – $110 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $70 – $100 |
| San Antonio, TX | $60 – $90 |
| San Diego, CA | $80 – $120 |
| Dallas, TX | $70 – $100 |
| San Jose, CA | $90 – $130 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $70 – $100 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $70 – $100 |
| Austin, TX | $70 – $100 |
| Columbus, OH | $70 – $100 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $70 – $100 |
| Charlotte, NC | $70 – $100 |
| Detroit, MI | $70 – $100 |
| El Paso, TX | $50 – $80 |
| Memphis, TN | $60 – $90 |
| Denver, CO | $70 – $100 |
| Washington, DC | $80 – $120 |
| Boston, MA | $80 – $120 |
| Nashville, TN | $70 – $100 |
| Baltimore, MD | $80 – $110 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $60 – $90 |
| Louisville, KY | $60 – $90 |
| Portland, OR | $80 – $120 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $70 – $100 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $70 – $100 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $60 – $90 |
| Tucson, AZ | $60 – $90 |
| Fresno, CA | $70 – $100 |
| Sacramento, CA | $80 – $120 |
| Kansas City, MO | $60 – $90 |
| Mesa, AZ | $60 – $90 |
| Atlanta, GA | $70 – $100 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $60 – $90 |
| Raleigh, NC | $70 – $100 |
| Omaha, NE | $60 – $90 |
| Miami, FL | $70 – $100 |
Saving on Handyman Costs
While most handymen charge fairly for their services based on experience and local rates, there are some ways to get lower rates:
Find Handyman Specials
Some companies offer first time customer discounts or coupon codes up to 20% off.
Book During Off-Peak Times
Fill your handyman’s slower days in winter or summer with projects.
Do Prep Work Yourself
Completing demo or prep yourself means less hourly charges for a pro.
Provide Tools/Materials
Supplying your own tools and materials avoids handyman markups.
Pay Cash
Paying cash can secure a 10%+ discount since it saves credit card fees.
Barter Services
Offering to trade services or goods can be an alternative payment method.
Conclusion
In most areas, average hourly rates for handymen range from $50 to $100 per hour depending on experience, project complexity, materials, and location. Homeowners can expect to pay around $70 per hour for a skilled handyman in an average metro area. Use this guide to handyman prices per hour to budget appropriately and find fair rates for your next home repair or improvement project.