Handyman Hourly Rate: How Much Does a Handyman Cost?

Self-Employed handyman: average hourly rate

A handyman typically charges between $55 and $75 per hour, depending on factors like the location of your home, the handyman's experience level, and the job's complexity.

In some areas, you might find rates as low as $35, while other areas may charge up to $125 per hour. We break down the costs of hiring a handyman — how long each task takes on average, how much it costs to hire a handyman, and how to save money when hiring one.

Hourly rates for the top 5 handyman platforms

• Angi: $50 to $150 per hour
• HomeAdvisor: from $60 to $125 per hour
• Taskrabbit: starts from $40 per hour
• Thumbtack: from $35 to $80 per hour
• Handy: from $35 (in rural areas) to $125 per hour

How many hours does the average handyman job take?

A small task like replacing light bulbs or replacing your garbage disposal can often be completed within 30 minutes to an hour. However, larger projects can take up to 16 hours, spread across several days.

The table below outlines some common tasks you might hire a handyman to complete, how long it takes, and the labor cost associated.

What’s included in a handyman service?

A handyman service typically includes repairs, maintenance, installations, improvements, and even shopping for materials (if you choose). A general handyman can fix or make home improvements that do not require significant work by an expert contractor 

Some of the tasks can involve any of the following:

• Fixing leaky faucets, repairing toilets, or unclogging drains.
• Replacing light fixtures, switches, and outlets.
• Fixing door frames, window frames, or cabinet repairs.
• Drywall and painting touch-ups
• Gutter cleaning and repairs
• Furniture assembly or setting up storage systems
• Appliance installation
• Ceiling fan and light fixture installation
• Childproofing and safety modifications
• Weather stripping
• Caulking windows and bathtubs
• Deck and fence repairs
• Lock replacement for doors or windows
• Security camera and smoke detector installation

How can I save money on a handyman?

Here are some cost-saving strategies to save money without affecting the quality of work.

Group similar tasks together

Handymen often charge by the hour, so even if a task takes just 30 minutes, you will be charged for the full hour. Group similar tasks that can be completed in the same visit to maximize the value of their time and your money. 

For instance, if you need to fix a leaky faucet, hang a curtain rod, and replace a light fixture, tackling these tasks in one appointment helps make the most of the hourly rate. The more you can get done in a single visit, the more cost-efficient the visit becomes.

Provide the materials

Many handymen charge extra for time spent shopping or mark up the materials they buy for you. You can cut these costs by sourcing the materials yourself. Once you have a list of the items required, go to your local hardware stores or online and source for the best price. 

Another advantage to sourcing the materials yourself is that you have everything ready when the handyman arrives, allowing them to get straight to work.

Compare quotes

Prices for handyman services can vary significantly depending on the provider. Before hiring anyone, get multiple quotes from different sources, such as Angi, TaskRabbit or Thumbtack. 

Also, look at the handyman's reviews, ratings, and experience. This ensures you are getting the best quality work for your money. The Angi platform in particular has excellent detailed listings so you can hire the more affordable handyman who has the relevant expertise for your home project.

Schedule during off-peak times

Handymen are often busiest during weekends or right before holidays, and prices reflect this increased demand. If you can be flexible with your timing, try scheduling the work on a weekday or during less busy seasons. Many handymen are more willing to offer discounts or lower rates if they have fewer bookings. 

DIY prep work

Time is money when you’re paying for a handyman’s services, and anything that can be done before they arrive helps reduce how long they will need to be on the job. Small actions like clearing the workspace, removing old hardware, or cleaning up the area can save valuable time and, in turn, reduce your costs.

If you want to have your room painted, move the furniture and cover it yourself. If you're installing a new light fixture, remove the old one beforehand. 

Ask for discounts or special offers

Many handymen offer discounts for first-time customers or give a reduced rate for referrals and repeat business. If you're booking multiple jobs, ask if the handyman can offer a bulk rate or if any promotions are running at the time. 

Some handymen are willing to negotiate, especially if you provide steady work or have future projects in mind.

Regularly maintain your home to prevent larger repairs

Regular home maintenance can prevent larger, more costly repairs in the future. For example, cleaning out gutters every month can help prevent water damage that might lead to a much more expensive roofing or fence repair. 

Similarly, regular inspections of plumbing and electrical systems can catch issues early on, reducing the likelihood of emergency repairs that come with higher costs.

Is a handyman worth the cost?

Short answer? Yes, a handyman is worth the cost.

A good handyman is a lifesaver because they save you time and the hassle of dealing with repairs yourself. Instead of spending your weekends tackling a list of home repairs, a handyman can knock out those tasks efficiently in a single visit.

Beyond just the convenience, a handyman can solve problems quickly, prevent small issues from turning into bigger, more expensive repairs down the line, and maintain (or increase) your home value. As the saying goes, “A well-maintained home reflects its owner”. 

We recommend Angi

If you're considering hiring a handyman, you can hire your local handyman independently or use a professional platform like Angi. 

We recommend Angie's List for a few key reasons. First and most important, it offers a large database of vetted and skilled handymen in your local area. Second, the platform features reviews and ratings from real customers, giving you valuable insights into the quality of work you can expect and if a handyman specializes in a particular type of project.

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