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Working as a handyman is a steady, skillful job that can be profitable. Exactly how much you make depends on where you live, how long you’ve been in the field, and whether you’re running your own business or working for someone else. Across the U.S., the national median salary for handymen is about $48,620 per year, or $23.38 per hour.*
Our guide breaks down handyman pay by state, explains factors that affect earnings, and gives tips to increase earning potential.
*All data compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Key highlights:
- Handymen make an average of $41,000–$58,000 per year.
- Washington, Minnesota, and Hawaii are among the highest-paying states.
- West Virginia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma pay the lowest.
- Experience level is the biggest driver of pay.
- Carpentry, plumbing, and electrical are the most lucrative handyman skills.
How much handymen make by state: Hourly and annual wages
Handyman salaries vary across states. Some areas pay near $60,000 annually, while others average closer to $40,000. Here’s an overview of the median hourly and annual wages for handymen by state in 2025:
| State | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $20.00 | $41,600 |
| Alaska | $26.75 | $55,650 |
| Arizona | $22.72 | $47,260 |
| Arkansas | $19.65 | $40,870 |
| California | $26.94 | $56,030 |
| Colorado | $27.00 | $55,740 |
| Connecticut | $25.76 | $53,570 |
| Delaware | $23.62 | $49,130 |
| Florida | $21.64 | $45,000 |
| Georgia | $22.49 | $46,770 |
| Hawaii | $27.63 | $57,480 |
| Idaho | $22.61 | $47,030 |
| Illinois | $26.07 | $54,220 |
| Indiana | $23.70 | $49,290 |
| Iowa | $24.65 | $51,270 |
| Kansas | $22.40 | $46,590 |
| Kentucky | $22.17 | $46,110 |
| Louisiana | $20.03 | $41,660 |
| Maine | $23.36 | $48,590 |
| Maryland | $23.94 | $49,790 |
| Massachusetts | $26.94 | $56,040 |
| Michigan | $22.68 | $47,170 |
| Minnesota | $27.76 | $57,750 |
| Mississippi | $19.51 | $40,580 |
| Missouri | $23.21 | $48,270 |
| Montana | $21.97 | $45,710 |
| Nebraska | $23.63 | $49,150 |
| Nevada | $24.12 | $50,170 |
| New Hampshire | $24.86 | $51,720 |
| New Jersey | $24.63 | $51,240 |
| New Mexico | $20.13 | $41,860 |
| New York | $27.01 | $56,180 |
| North Carolina | $22.69 | $47,200 |
| North Dakota | $23.80 | $49,510 |
| Ohio | $24.29 | $50,520 |
| Oklahoma | $19.57 | $40,710 |
| Oregon | $24.58 | $51,120 |
| Pennsylvania | $23.54 | $48,950 |
| Rhode Island | $24.00 | $49,920 |
| South Carolina | $22.50 | $46,800 |
| South Dakota | $22.32 | $46,420 |
| Tennessee | $22.54 | $46,880 |
| Texas | $21.61 | $44,940 |
| Utah | $23.59 | $49,070 |
| Vermont | $25.62 | $53.290 |
| Virginia | $23.59 | $49,070 |
| Washington | $27.84 | $57,910 |
| West Virginia | $19.18 | $39,900 |
| Wisconsin | $24.75 | $51,470 |
| Wyoming | $23.06 | $47,960 |
What states pay handymen the most?
The top-paying states for handymen typically have higher costs of living and a high demand for skilled trades. In Washington, for example, strong construction growth and higher living costs push handyman pay near $58,000 per year. Hawaii also ranks high thanks to labor shortages and expensive housing.
The five highest-paying states for handymen are:
| State | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $39,730 | $57,910 | $81,490 |
| Minnesota | $37,650 | $57,750 | $77,640 |
| Hawaii | $36,890 | $57,480 | $79,050 |
| New York | $37,120 | $56,180 | $83,600 |
| Massachusetts | $37,910 | $56,040 | $79,100 |
What states pay handymen the least?
Some states pay handymen well below the national average. This is due to lower demand, smaller populations, and lower costs of living. In West Virginia, for example, fewer urban centers and less construction bring wages to just under $40,000 a year on average.
The five lowest-paying states for handymen are:
| State | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $26,650 | $39,900 | $67,970 |
| Mississippi | $25,480 | $40,580 | $68,220 |
| Oklahoma | $28,470 | $40,710 | $64,610 |
| Arkansas | $28,820 | $40,870 | $61,620 |
| Alabama | $28,390 | $41,600 | $62,870 |
Handyman salary by experience level
As with other trades, handyman pay grows with experience. As an entry-level worker, you might make close to $20 per hour, but you can charge substantially more as time goes on. Here are estimates based on industry averages:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 years) | $42,500 | $20 |
| Intermediate (2–4 years) | $50,000 | $24 |
| Senior (4+ years) | $60,000 | $29 |
| Master or specialist | $67,500 | $32 |
What handyman job pays the most?
Certain skills make you more marketable as a handyman, allowing you to charge more. The highest-paying handyman jobs include:
- Remodeling/renovation ($48,000–$70,000 per year): Handles larger projects like bathroom or kitchen upgrades that bundle multiple skills.
- Plumbing focus ($47,000–67,000 per year): Completes minor plumbing tasks, such as leaky faucets, toilet installs, and pipe repairs.
- Electrical focus ($46,000–$66,000 per year): Takes on basic electrical work, such as swapping fixtures, outlets, or simple wiring.
- Carpentry focus ($45,000–$65,000 per year): Handles framing, trim work, shelving, and cabinetry work.
- General maintenance worker ($38,000–$58,000 per year): Covers the day-to-day handyman scope, such as basic home repairs, painting, and fixture replacement.
Note: Handymen typically aren’t allowed to perform complex plumbing or electrical work without a proper license. Read our handyman licensing guides for details about the laws in your state, or check with your local licensing board.
What affects a handyman’s salary?
Several factors influence how much you can expect to make as a handyman, including:
- Location: States with higher costs of living, like Washington and Hawaii, pay around $58,000 per year. States with a lower cost of living, such as West Virginia or Mississippi, pay closer to $40,000 annually.
- Experience: More years mean higher hourly rates.
- Skill set: The broader your skill set, the more types of work you can take on, and the higher you can charge. Carpentry, plumbing, or electrical skills add earning potential.
- Employer type: If you work for a property management company, construction firm, or government agency, you may get more consistent work. That can translate to higher, steadier pay compared to independent gigs.
- Licensing and certifications: If you live in a state that requires additional credentials for certain tasks (often true for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work), having a license can mean earning more for your work.
Read more: 25 handyman services to offer clients
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How to increase your handyman salary
Earning more as a handyman typically comes down to strategy as much as skill. If you’re looking for ways to rake in more each year, you can:
- Expand your skill set: Learn the ins and outs of a higher-paying skill like plumbing, electrical, or carpentry. This opens the door to higher-paying jobs. Just be sure to check licensing requirements before taking on work.
- Get licensed or certified: If you do need credentials for those higher-paying jobs, get them. This not only keeps you compliant with the law but also builds trust with customers, making it easier to win bigger, better-paying projects.
- Build a reputation: Becoming known for reliable work goes a long way toward keeping your schedule full. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews to speed up your reputation-building process, bring in repeat business, and justify higher rates.
- Specialize in larger projects: If you have the time and experience, focus on bigger projects, like kitchen or bathroom remodels and other multi-trade jobs. These usually pay more than small repairs, and since they take longer, you won’t have to worry about finding as many jobs to fill your schedule.
Read more: Free handyman templates and calculators to market your business and price jobs
Starting your own handyman business
Starting a handyman business is a natural progression toward earning a higher income. This allows you to set your own rates, choose what projects you take on, and build direct relationships with customers.
It may seem like a big shift to go from employee to business owner, but the right tools can make it easier. Housecall Pro’s handyman software gives you everything you need to run operations smoothly from day one:
- Schedule and dispatch jobs efficiently so you never miss an appointment.
- Automate invoices and payments to save time and get paid faster.
- Track performance metrics and profitability with built-in reporting tools.
- Manage customer relationships to encourage repeat business and referrals.
Ready to take the next step? Try Housecall Pro free today.
FAQ
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Is being a handyman profitable?
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Absolutely. Handymen earn around $50,000 on average, and many business owners break six figures annually. The exact amount you’ll make depends on the specifics, such as where you live and what services you offer.
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How much should I charge as a handyman?
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Handymen charge anywhere from $50–$150 an hour, though rates vary by location, experience, and job type. You can also set flat rates for common tasks, like installing faucets or repairing drywall. To stay profitable, calculate your hourly rate based on labor, materials, overhead, and desired profit margin, then adjust for your local market.
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Can a handyman make over $100,000 per year?
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Yes, especially those who run their own businesses or specialize in skilled, high-demand niches.
