Guide to estimating handyman prices by the job

Whether you’re just starting as a self-employed handyman or run a property management business, nailing down your handyman prices by the job is crucial for your success. Here’s why.

If you price yourself too low, people will think that you’re inexperienced or that there’s some sort of catch. Based on our observations, you won’t make enough money to support yourself and stay in business.

Now set your self-employed handyman hourly rate too high and you’ll force potential customers to shop around for estimates from others.

So how do you find that sweet spot when establishing your price?

Well, keep reading to learn how to price your jobs right. As per our expertise, here are the questions we’ll answer in this guide:

• How much can a handyman charge per job?
• What is the going rate for handyman work?
• How much is a typical handyman minimum charge?

Pricing your handyman work

As a reliable handyman, your technical skills will include:

• Fixing a kitchen sink.
• Installing kitchen cabinets.
• Appliance installation.
• Replacing light bulbs in any type of fixture, including ceiling fans.
• Blind installation and cleaning.
• Finding and fixing a leaky pipe.
• Stair repair and maintenance.
• Carpet installation and removal.

Besides getting paid for your experience, you need to consider that some jobs will take under an hour and some jobs that can take a couple of days.

And of course, the more experienced you are, the less time it’ll take you to install new light switches, for example.

But should you make less money for being a skilled handyman? Of course not.

This is why many businesses set their handyman prices by the job instead of at an hourly rate, especially for a minor repair.

Here are more detailed looks at both pricing models.

Handyman prices by the hour

Our findings show that a handyman rate per hour is a common way to price jobs and one that people are familiar with.

To figure out your target handyman hourly rate, you need to first consider your business expenses. Typical business expenses include your:

• Tools and equipment.
• Truck or work vehicle and its maintenance.
• Licensing fees.
• Phone and internet.
• Marketing budget.

Then, add living expenses like your:

• Rent or mortgage.
• Personal vehicle and maintenance.
• Utilities.
• Child care costs.
• Food.

The next step is incorporating taxes such as your state and federal income tax. Make sure you’re also factoring in any necessary permits or approvals needed for the job

Once you’ve totaled up your monthly expenses, divide that number by four. That will tell you how much you need to make per week to cover your overhead costs and living expenses.

Now that you have a minimum target income, divide that number by the number of hours you’d realistically work in a week. Based on our firsthand experience, working hours will have to include things like:

• Visiting and inspecting homes to give estimates.
• The time it takes to take care of banking and bookkeeping.
• Time spent working on your website and other marketing efforts.

Once you’ve figured out the number of hours you’ll reasonably be spending doing actual handyman work, dividing your living and operating costs by those hours will tell you what your minimum handyman prices per hour should be.

Of course, to make a profit to cover things like growing your business, cost of living increases, vacations, etc., you’ll have to charge more than your costs. This will be your target handyman rate.

As per our expertise, although ffering competitive pricing based on market rates is a good idea, you also want to make sure that you’re not leaving any money on the table. So basically, if your minimum charge plus profit still comes in below the market value for common handyman services, you want to adjust your rate accordingly. More on this below.

Handyman prices by the job

As indicated by our tests, this is the right pricing strategy for work with shorter job timelines, where an hourly rate wouldn’t make sense. Say, for example, you charge $100 per hour but a job will only take 30 minutes. It’s probably not worth your time and energy to make $50 on that job.

Handyman prices by the job, versus hour, are also the right call if your hourly rate multiplied over several days would shock a potential customer and is higher than a competitive market rate.

To know how to set your handyman prices by the job, you still need to know your target hourly wage. Then you need to work on accurately estimating the time needed to complete the job.

Once this is done, you can bake your target hourly rate into your quote based on the amount of work needed, plus your other costs such as your travel and overhead. More on this below!

Advantages of fixed rates

Our research indicates that one of the biggest advantages of setting your handyman prices by the job is that they can be easier for potential customers to swallow than an estimate listing a whole bunch of expenses. Of course, drawing from our firsthand experience, it also takes the right pitch to win the job.

Something else to think about is that if you charge what others do for the same job, you can make more than your target hourly wage if you finish in less time.

Say, for example, you know that it will take you half an hour to install a kitchen faucet and that your target handyman wage is $100. If the current market rate for a faucet installation is $75, you can charge that flat rate and make more than you would at your hourly rate.

To be successful with this strategy, you have to know your industry well and be skilled at what you do. You also need a sixth sense of which price is more likely to convince a customer and win you the contract.

How to estimate handyman jobs

Now that you know where to start with your handyman labor cost, it’s time to figure out how to attractively set your handyman prices by the job so that your estimates turn into actual work.

Based on our observations, below are a few things to take into account when estimating your handyman job prices.

Determine the handyman services needed

Handyman work is a general term that can include almost everything under the sun. From toilet or sink installation to more skilled trades such as technical construction work, and general contracting services — our research indicates that your experience and licenses can lead to different handyman jobs.

And the harder and more skilled the work, the higher the handyman prices for the job. Assessing the scope of the job to be done is crucial.

It is, however, equally important for your reputation and long-term success not to take a job you’re not able, or licensed, to handle.

But if you are going to take on a job as a general contractor, your estimate will have to include accurate costs to hire HVAC specialists, electricians, and plumbers, for example.

There’s little worse than contracting a job to paint a house that suffered water damage only to pay the roofers or drywallers from your painting profits, or worse, out of your pocket.

Research your competitors’ rates

As you learned earlier, whether you charge by the hour or set your handyman prices by the job, you need to know what other handymen are charging in your area.

Based on our firsthand experience, here are a few sites where you can find that information out quickly:

• Angie’s List.
• Home Advisor.
• Craigslist.
• Thumbtack.
• TaskRabbit.

And based on our observations, some sites, like Craigslist, are popular with more budget-oriented customers and the handymen who cater to them.

While it’s frustrating that your prices can be skewed this way, our research indicates that it’s easy to set yourself apart from the rest.

Being good at your work is the first step to this. But being fully licensed and insured can help with your reputation as a top-rated handyman. Based on our firsthand experience, you have to market yourself this way and assure potential clients that you’re worth the money.

Make the decision: Hourly cost or project-based?

Before deciding on which pricing strategy works best for you, consider the pros and cons of each.

And drawing from our experience, some of the advantages of charging by the hour are that:

• It’s easier to track your hours than make sure you’ve factored in all your costs.
• You won’t lose money if a job takes longer than expected.

On the other hand, our findings show that when you charge by the hour:

• You’re not guaranteed a minimum payment on a project.
• Your hourly rate total could end up being less than the average flat-rate fee for the same work.

When it comes to setting your handyman prices by the job, here are the benefits:

• If you work efficiently and finish a job early, that’s extra money in your pocket.
• You can charge more than your target hourly wage for jobs with a higher value.
• Your customers will know exactly what they’re paying.

The flipside to pricing by the job is that:

• If you underestimate your costs or the time it takes, you are stuck working at a loss.
• Some customers might not be comfortable with a flat fee rate.

Your decision will probably be based on your experience and the type of work you usually do. If you’re still not sure which is the best pricing model for you, you can always mix it up and price by the job for smaller projects and by the hour for larger ones.

Handyman prices by the job for special projects

When setting your handyman prices by the job, something else to keep in mind is any special tools or equipment needed.

Similar to subcontracting different trades, you may need to rent special equipment to get the job done. You might also have to pay someone to operate it.

Equipment like jackhammers, backhoes, and power washers are expensive and need to be accounted for when delivering estimates.

Calculate your material costs

Our research indicates that this is one of the costs that have the biggest impact on your handyman prices by the job.

For determining the cost of materials needed for a job, you need a tape measure, calculator, and an up-to-date price list for the materials you need to get a job done. On top of this, you need to account for your time to pick out materials at the local big-box store.

In fact, our findings show that most handymen will charge a markup of anywhere from 20 – 50% when they buy the materials themselves.

And what about delivery? If materials are being delivered to the job site, that cost needs to be added to your flat rate. Same thing if you’re using your own vehicle and gas to transport the materials yourself.

Labor costs

If you have employees, there’s much more to consider than what they make in pay.

Typical expenses that need to be factored into your handyman prices, by the job or the hour, include:

• Worker’s compensation.
• Employee benefits and bonuses.
• Insurance.
• Gas for work vehicles.
• Other expenses you may cover for them.

Add these expenses to your team’s hourly wages and your labor cost will look a lot different.

Factor in other markups for handyman prices by the job

Besides the markup on your estimates to cover skilled workers, special equipment — your material, labor, and travel costs need to be known.

This means time, gas, and wear and tear on your vehicle(s) need to be included in your estimates.

And it’s not just the traveling you’ll be doing to and from the job site. Our research indicates that travel costs to and from a waste disposal facility could also be a factor. Wear and tear on your vehicle is something else to consider when setting a flat rate for your handyman jobs.

Plan ahead: What if the job takes longer?

This is one of the disadvantages of setting handyman prices by the job. Any unforeseen problems or a picky customer, and suddenly you can forget about finishing on time and making a profit.

Based on our firsthand experience, one way to deal with this challenge is to make sure you clearly explain to customers that your estimates are based on the average price for similar jobs. In other words, if any issues that you couldn’t have reasonably predicted do come up, you aren’t stuck working at a loss.

As per our expertise, this is a sensitive situation that needs to be handled with care. So when you are giving estimates, make sure to:

• Pay attention to all the little details and really inspect the item to be repaired or the conditions you’re working in.
• Assure your customers that, 9 times out of 10, the price in the estimate is what your customers end up paying for the job.

Typical hourly rates for a handyman

Although you don’t typically include costs like materials in your hourly rate, the scope of work does affect how you should price a job.

Our findings show that in areas where the cost of living is higher, for example, handyman services are generally more expensive to account for increased living expenses. This rings true for states like New York, California, and Massachusetts, where handyman prices are higher than in other states.

That said, our research indicates that average hourly rates for a handyman in the U.S. are usually fit in the below ranges:

• Self-employed: $50 – 80/hr.
• Corporate: $75- 125/hr.
• Low-end handyman: $40/hr.
• High-end handyman: $130/hr.
• National average: $60/hr.

Handyman cost per day

Most handymen charge between $50 and $80 per hour, making an average of $150 to $600 per job.

Rates depend on their specialty, experience, level of education, and whether the handyman is insured, requires specialized equipment, or services rural locations. Setting prices based on the type of property (residential vs commercial) is common practice as well.

Price ranges may also vary according to whether the handyman is self-employed or employed by a corporation. And our findings show that corporate contractors can earn 15 to 20% more than independent ones.

Now, let’s look at how much to charge for the top 7 most popular handyman jobs.

The average handyman price for these 7 common jobs

Without any further delay, below are the average, typical handyman prices by the job for everyday tasks! The following prices are based on national averages that were found by researching several handyman websites.

#1: Install a bathroom fan

Our investigation demonstrated that the estimated price for installing a bathroom fan will be influenced by three things.

1. The type and the cost of the fan itself.
2. If you’re installing a new fan and doing the ductwork to vent it to the outside.
3. Whether or not you need to hire an electrician.

Drawing from our experience, bathroom fans alone can range from $20 to a few hundred dollars so it’s smart to connect with your customer on what they’re looking for here.

All in, the average price range to simply replace an existing fan is $150- 550. This includes the fan and labor needed for installation. This job usually takes around 2 hours and the price for it is $375 on average.

Based on our firsthand experience, installing a new fan may require you to hire a licensed electrician to sign off on electrical work depending on your state’s rules. You may also need to hire an HVAC specialist, so it’s best to thoroughly scope out the job before creating the estimate.

That said, as per our expertise, the average range to install a new bathroom fan is between $250 – 1,000 and can take a few hours or days depending on the situation.

#2: Repair tile and grout

If you’ve ever had tile floors, you know first-hand how quickly a tile can crack and how much dirt can get stuck in the grout. In fact, our findings show that these are the top reasons this work is a really common job for handymen.

The many different designs and shapes of tiles, however, make creating an estimate for this work a bit tricky. The first challenge comes with stock availability and cost.

When fixing cracked tiles, for example, the material of the tile and availability of replacements are an issue. Let’s say your customer wants their tile floor repaired instantly but the matching tile is on backorder, or worse, is obsolete.

Different materials can also make this work expensive as marble and slate tiles, for instance, can get quite pricey. What’s more, is that it’s not always an option to purchase tiles individually, even if you just need to replace one.

So you’ll need to think about who keeps and pays for the additional tiles in the pack when creating your estimate.

Regardless of these variables, the average cost to repair tiles and refresh the grout is around $440. If you’re just replacing the caulking around a shower, the average price range is between $100 – 280 depending on the amount of work needed.

#3: Install an awning

Like bathroom fans, awnings come in a wide range of sizes, features, and prices. Retractable awnings can cost anywhere from $2,000 – 3,500.

Installing a new awning can take around 5 hours and the average price range for this job, including the awning, is between $800 – 2,500.

Fixing a broken awning takes, on average, an hour to do with an average price between $250 – 1,000.

#4: Holiday lighting set up

The price for putting up holiday lights depends on how many lights there are and the height of the building you’re installing them on.

The average range to put up holiday lights on a single-story home is between $200 – 400. This range can go up to between $650 – 1,500 for a multiple-story install.

If your customer wants you to supply the lights and decorations, you’ll need to factor this into your cost.

One option is to bill the customers for the costs of the lights and the time that went into buying them and let them keep them at the end of the season.

Another option is to lease lights to your customers and store them over the summer for reuse during the next holiday season.

Either way, it’s best to connect with your customer and decide what the best-case scenario is for both of you!

#5: Install childproofing devices

The price for this job will depend on the type and number of devices. Typical childproof devices include:

• Cabinet locks.
• Corner guards.
• Baby monitors.
• Outlet covers.

The price range for childproofing an area is between $200 – 700, with an average price of $420 including the devices.

#6: Replace a bathroom faucet

Replacing a bathroom faucet is a standard handyman job and one you’ve probably done many times.

The price range to replace a bathroom faucet is typically between $120 – 300. The average price tends to be at the lower end of that scale at around the $150 mark.

And if it’s an emergency faucet replacement on a holiday or weekend you can, of course, charge a premium for your services.

#7: Clean the gutters

While this job doesn’t need much equipment (usually just a ladder, gloves, and a power washer) it can be dangerous.

Depending on the size of the roof, gutter cleaning prices range from between $100 – 250. This makes the risk, often worth the reward for tradespeople.

How to get handyman jobs

Today, there are plenty of avenues to secure handyman jobs. You can discover listings through:

• Word-of-mouth referrals.
• Internet forums and job boards.
• Social media postings on Facebook or LinkedIn.
• Government contracting websites.
• Handyman-specific websites.

You can also secure handyman jobs by developing business profiles online. Include relevant contact information and a short explainer of your services.

As you advertise your business, take the time to develop your skills as well. Consider completing certifications to grow your skill set, offer more specialized services, and assure potential customers that you are the most qualified for the job.

Also, keep an eye on your equipment and consider replacing outdated tools.

Websites for finding handyman jobs

Some of the best places to bid on handyman or maintenance jobs include:

• TaskRabbit: Bid on tasks uploaded by customers, look up gigs, set your rate, and schedule job appointments. TaskRabbit even makes price suggestions according to your skill set.
• Craigslist: Craigslist is a job-posting platform with opportunities for every industry. Advertise your services according to location and price point.
• Indeed: Plug in your zip code and industry preference to find out what jobs are available in your area.

Top handyman estimate FAQs

Click the links below to get to the answers:

• How much should I charge when starting a handyman business?
• How much does a handyman make per year?
• How to start your own handyman service?
• What is the going rate for handyman services?
• How much does a handyman charge to paint a room?
• How do you price a handyman job?

How much should I charge when starting a handyman business?

When you first start, you won’t make as much as an experienced handyman. You do have to take the time to make sure you’re doing the job right so your hourly rate may not be super high in the beginning.

Make sure you’re at least covering all of your expenses and making at least some money on your jobs though. Offering additional services, such as site cleanup or debris removal, for an additional fee is a common way to reap higher profits.

It’s also important not to take jobs you can’t handle and get in over your head.

Most businesses survive on repeat business and referrals. Offering discounts for repeat customers or larger jobs as well as being trustworthy are important for your long-term success. The key is to be patient and understand building a career and a business don’t happen overnight.

That said, to find out how much you should be charging for your handyman prices by the job, talk to veteran handymen, check out handyman websites, and look up pricing guides like this one!

How much does a handyman make per year?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that handymen earn an average of $39,080 a year.

The lower 10% of earners with an average hourly rate of $11.83 have annual earnings of $24,600, while the highest 10% of earners with an average hourly rate of $30.36 have annual earnings of $63,140.

These earnings may also vary according to industry. Here are the lowest to highest-earning industries for handymen:

• Travel: $36,610 annually.
• Real estate: $39,510 annually.
• Local government: $43,590 annually.
• Education: $44,350 annually.
• Motor vehicle manufacturing: $63,080 annually.
• Natural gas distribution: $68,030 annually.

How much a handyman earns annually depends on certain factors, such as:

• Specialty: Your area of expertise and how in-demand it is can affect how much you make per year. The highest-earning handymen are typically carpenters.
• Education and training: While handymen don’t need college degrees to work, getting certified can boost your profitability. Consider undergoing workshops and obtaining certification to increase your chances of winning a bid.
• Experience: If you don’t have ample experience in your field, don’t expect to receive fair pay. Having more experience ensures potential clients that you can deliver on your promise.

How to start your own handyman service?

If you want to start a profitable handyman business, follow these five steps:

• Step 1: Select Your Services: Handymen don’t have to do everything. Limit your range of services to those that you are most skilled in. Consider the handyman services already available in your area and where you may have the most competition.
• Step 2: Review the Laws in Your State: Depending on the services you offer, you may have to obtain a license or certification to operate your business. Keep in mind that these licenses may cost a lot of money.
• Step 3: Determine Your Customers: When developing a business plan, always consider a specific type of customer. List down the services that are available in your area and whether your demographic can afford them. In addition, keep in mind where your customers are. Do they live in the same neighborhood? Are they a thirty-minute drive away?
• Step 4: Set Your Pricing: Determine your hourly rate according to:
  • The services you provide
  • The equipment you need
  • Your level of experience
  • The scope of the project
• Step 5: Market Your Business: The next step is to determine the best way to reach your customers. Come up with a robust marketing plan. Because some handyman services are seasonal, timing your ads is imperative to your success.

What is the going rate for handyman services?

The going rate for handyman services will ultimately depend on the following factors:

• Materials: While most jobs come at a flat cost that covers basic materials, customers may have to shoulder trip charges for additional shopping. Alternatively, homeowners can purchase the materials themselves to save on costs.
• Location: Adjusting pricing based on the location of the job site is important as it’s common charge more for high-cost areas. Areas in the United States with the highest cost of living include New York, Massachusetts, and California.
• Licensing and insurance: While some states have a handyman exception, you may have to obtain insurance for jobs that cost more than a specified amount. Some states also require liability insurance. Obtaining both a license and insurance enables handymen to charge more.
• Independently employed vs. corporate employment: Generally, self-employed handymen are more affordable thanks to lower overhead. They are flexibly priced because their work is not subcontracted. On the other hand, handymen under corporate employment are higher priced and can cost 15% to 20% more.
• Job size: The scope of the project directly impacts costs. Simple jobs that take less than two or three hours to complete might cost between $50 and $250, while multi-day jobs with several applications can cost up to $1,500.

How much does a handyman charge to paint a room?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Handymen can charge different rates depending on a variety of factors, such as the:

• Room size.
• Type of paint used.
• Experience and expertise of the handyman.

However, handymen typically charge between $100 and $250 to paint a room. Prices tend to be on the higher end for larger rooms or rooms that require more work.

How do you price a handyman job?

In a nutshell:

• Before setting your handyman prices by the job or the hour, you need to know all of your business and living expenses.
• Calculate your minimum target hourly wage + profit.
• Find out the going rate for the same job.
• Be sure to include the following costs:
• Skilled workers and other subcontractors.
• Materials.
• Labor costs.
• Travel costs and other markups.
• Special tools and equipment.

Your price for a handyman job will also depend on the job itself and how difficult it is. Considering the complexity of the job, such as electrical or plumbing work will help you come up with a reasonable price for your services.

With all these factors considered, you stand a great chance at creating estimates that win customers and fuel your growth!

Image credit: Seventyfour via Adobe Stock