How much does a handyman cost in the US?

Need to install a ceiling fan or unclog a bathtub drain but don’t have the time? You can always hire a handyman with the right skills and tools. However, you may be wondering whether the price you pay for convenience will be too high.

Fortunately, this in-depth guide answers how much does a handyman cost. It also discusses the factors that influence pricing and lists ways to keep expenses at a minimum.

What are the average handyman prices in the US?

Check out this table that lists the average handyman costs in the US’s major cities to get an idea of how much handymen in your area typically charge:

*Prices shown are typical total costs per job based on recent Airtasker data. Actual costs may vary.

What factors affect the costs of handyman services?

Different handyman services do not have identical pricing, as various factors, such as job type, labor time, and trade requirements, can affect how much an expert charges.

Job type and complexity

Handyman tightening a metal handle on a glass door (Source: iStock)

Common handyman tasks that involve fewer steps and easier techniques are naturally more affordable than jobs that are more difficult and require many tools. This is why, as seen in the handyman price list below, hanging mirrors or picture frames has a lower fixed price compared to installing floor tiles or pet doors.

Required labor time

A handyman’s cost per hour can also be affected by labor time. More straightforward tasks such as TV mounting are inexpensive because they can be done within an hour. Meanwhile, assembling heavy furniture, hanging floating shelves, and fixing doors can take a few hours to half a day to complete, leading to higher service fees.

Materials and parts

Handyman assembling furniture with a cordless drill (Source: iStock)

The type and quality of materials involved can greatly affect the price of a handyman service. For instance, fixing a small drywall hole is usually affordable, since it typically involves inexpensive materials like spackle and paint. On the other hand, carpentry services that entail using premium parts, such as high-quality wood planks or intricate fittings, can lead to higher costs.

Property type and access

Any handyman task, such as sliding glass door installation or toilet seat fitting, can have a relatively high call-out fee or hourly rate if it will be performed in a hard-to-access area, such as a crawlspace, a high-level apartment in a building with no elevators, or a property located on the outskirts of the city.

Additionally, handyman fees are usually higher for older properties because they may have more issues and require specialized care and obsolete parts.

Licensing or specialist trade requirements

Handyman checking wiring inside a wall socket (Source: iStock)

Handyman service fees can increase if you need an expert who holds a license or certification in a relevant field. For instance, many structural, gas, and plumbing tasks are usually pricey because they must be performed by someone certified or licensed due to the safety risks, compliance requirements, and technicalities involved.

Meanwhile, drilling holes to mount wall frames and handling minor electrical work typically don’t cost much because an experienced handyman doesn’t need to be a specialist or obtain a license to handle them.

Urgency and availability

A premium is usually added for emergency, same-day, weekend, and late-night jobs. So you should expect a handyman’s minimum call-out fees to be higher than usual if you need a sink installed or a kitchen cupboard repaired right away.

On the other hand, if you book a professional to perform either minor repairs or complex jobs in advance, the handyman services charges are likely to be close to average costs.

Number of tasks or additional services

Having someone perform various odd jobs during a single visit significantly increases the handyman labor cost. Still, it is both efficient and cost-effective because it means services can be completed within one day and you won’t have to pay multiple travel and setup fees.

Consolidating services is a particularly wise move if the tasks you want done are concentrated in one part or area. For instance, window-related services, such as weather stripping, window frame repair, curtain fitting, and rod installation, are better done in one go.

What are some ways to save on handyman charges?

Follow these tips if you want to save money on handyman services and avoid costly repairs:

• Set up the job area so the handyman won’t need to spend their time moving furniture or looking for sockets before performing the task you hired them for.

• If you know the kind of material or replacement parts needed, you can purchase them in advance to avoid price markups.

• Bundle services together to save on time and call-out fees.

What should you look for in a professional handyman?

Handyman with a tool belt and repair equipment indoors (Source: iStock)

Before settling on a handyman, make sure that they possess the following qualities and qualifications:

• The right experience, skills, and tools based on your needs

• Licenses and certifications (if necessary)

• Fair price quotes and payment terms

• Warranty or guarantee offer

• Excellent customer reviews and ratings

• Communication skills

Say bye to DIY home projects with Airtasker

In need of a local handyman who can check the boxes in your home maintenance checklist? You can make the search faster by signing up on Airtasker.

To connect with professional handymen on the platform, simply post a task that indicates your budget, location, preferred date, and other important details. Afterward, expect Taskers to start reaching out to you, and you can pick someone based on their customer ratings and reviews.