Handyman Cost USA 2026: Rates and Job Prices
By Our research team · Last verified · 12 min read · Methodology
Handyman costs in the US
What most homeowners pay for handyman job, labor and basic hardware included. Pick your city for local prices.
How we get this data- Typical
- $70/hr
- Low end
- $35/hr
- High end
- $200/hr
A handyman in the USA costs $45–$100 an hour in 2026, and most homeowners pay about $70/hr. Most set a $75–$200 minimum that usually covers the first hour or two; a half day of small jobs runs $180–$400, and common jobs like mounting a TV cost $100–$300.
$45–$100/hr for a US handyman — $70/hr typical. Budget $75–$200 for a one-job visit, $180–$400 for a half day and $100–$300 to mount a TV. Pick your city ↓
- US handyman rates: $45–$100/hr, $70/hr typical
- Minimum charge $75–$200; half day $180–$400; full day $360–$800
- TV mounting $100–$300; furniture assembly $50–$200 a piece
- Drywall patch $60–$250; door fix $75–$225; faucet swap $80–$300
- Pick a city below for local prices across 195 US metros
Prices come from 43 public sources — national cost guides, platform price data, retail install prices, local price guides, federal wage data and state licensing rules — checked in November 2026 and priced for 195 US metros. They cover labor and basic hardware unless a row says otherwise; fixtures, furniture and paint are extra.
Handymen charge $45–$100/hr across the US, and the median general maintenance and repair worker earns $23.84/hr ($49,590 a year) in federal data — the gap is the van, tools, insurance, travel time and profit. The highest typical rates on our city pages are in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fairbanks and New York; the lowest are in Brownsville, Laredo, McAllen, El Paso and Myrtle Beach. Credible quotes run from about $35/hr for a rural or part-time handyman to $200/hr for rush or weekend work.
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 43+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Handyman cost by city
Typical handyman ranges, re-verified November 2026 across 43+ sources. Largest cities first.
Among the biggest metros, San Francisco is the priciest at $90/hr and Tampa the least at $65/hr.
Half of the 195 metros we price sit between $65 and $75/hr.
Each city page has local rates by area, real-world handyman work costs and a city-specific FAQ. Prices shown are the low end of the typical range, per hour.
Alabama
- Birminghamfrom $40
- Huntsvillefrom $40
- Mobilefrom $35
- Montgomeryfrom $35
- Tuscaloosafrom $35
Arkansas
- Little Rockfrom $40
- Fayettevillefrom $40
California
- Los Angelesfrom $50
- San Franciscofrom $60
- Riversidefrom $50
- San Diegofrom $50
- Orange Countyfrom $50
- Oaklandfrom $60
- Sacramentofrom $50
- San Josefrom $55
- Fresnofrom $45
- Bakersfieldfrom $45
- Oxnardfrom $45
- Stocktonfrom $50
- Modestofrom $50
- Santa Rosafrom $50
- Visaliafrom $45
- Long Beachfrom $50
- Santa Barbarafrom $50
- Salinasfrom $45
Colorado
- Denverfrom $50
- Colorado Springsfrom $45
- Fort Collinsfrom $45
- Boulderfrom $45
Connecticut
- Hartfordfrom $55
- Bridgeportfrom $50
- New Havenfrom $50
- Stamfordfrom $50
Delaware
- Wilmingtonfrom $45
District of Columbia
- Washingtonfrom $50
Florida
- Miamifrom $40
- Tampafrom $40
- Orlandofrom $40
- Fort Lauderdalefrom $40
- Jacksonvillefrom $45
- West Palm Beachfrom $40
- St. Petersburgfrom $40
- Sarasotafrom $40
- Fort Myersfrom $40
- Lakelandfrom $40
- Daytona Beachfrom $40
- Palm Bayfrom $40
- Pensacolafrom $40
- Tallahasseefrom $40
- Gainesvillefrom $40
Idaho
- Boisefrom $45
Indiana
- Indianapolisfrom $45
- Fort Waynefrom $45
- Evansvillefrom $45
- South Bendfrom $45
Iowa
- Des Moinesfrom $45
- Davenportfrom $45
- Cedar Rapidsfrom $40
Kentucky
- Louisvillefrom $45
- Lexingtonfrom $40
Louisiana
- New Orleansfrom $40
- Baton Rougefrom $40
- Lafayettefrom $35
- Shreveportfrom $40
Maine
- Portlandfrom $50
Maryland
- Baltimorefrom $45
Massachusetts
- Bostonfrom $55
- Worcesterfrom $50
- Springfieldfrom $50
Michigan
- Detroitfrom $45
- Grand Rapidsfrom $45
- Lansingfrom $45
- Flintfrom $40
- Ann Arborfrom $45
Minnesota
- Minneapolisfrom $55
- Duluthfrom $50
- Rochesterfrom $50
Mississippi
- Jacksonfrom $40
- Gulfportfrom $40
- Hattiesburgfrom $35
Missouri
- St. Louisfrom $50
- Kansas Cityfrom $45
- Springfieldfrom $45
- Columbiafrom $40
New Hampshire
- Manchesterfrom $45
New Jersey
- Newarkfrom $55
- Trentonfrom $50
- Jersey Cityfrom $55
- Atlantic Cityfrom $45
New Mexico
- Albuquerquefrom $45
- Las Crucesfrom $40
- Santa Fefrom $40
New York
North Carolina
- Charlottefrom $45
- Raleighfrom $45
- Greensborofrom $45
- Winston-Salemfrom $40
- Durhamfrom $45
- Fayettevillefrom $40
- Ashevillefrom $40
- Wilmingtonfrom $40
- Greenvillefrom $40
North Dakota
- Fargofrom $45
Ohio
- Cincinnatifrom $50
- Columbusfrom $50
- Clevelandfrom $45
- Daytonfrom $45
- Akronfrom $50
- Toledofrom $50
- Youngstownfrom $45
- Cantonfrom $45
Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Cityfrom $40
- Tulsafrom $40
Pennsylvania
- Philadelphiafrom $45
- Pittsburghfrom $45
- Harrisburgfrom $45
- Scrantonfrom $45
- Eriefrom $40
Rhode Island
- Providencefrom $45
South Carolina
- Greenvillefrom $45
- Columbiafrom $45
- Charlestonfrom $45
- Myrtle Beachfrom $35
South Dakota
- Sioux Fallsfrom $45
Tennessee
- Nashvillefrom $45
- Memphisfrom $45
- Knoxvillefrom $40
- Chattanoogafrom $45
Texas
- Dallasfrom $45
- Houstonfrom $40
- San Antoniofrom $40
- Fort Worthfrom $45
- Austinfrom $45
- McAllenfrom $35
- El Pasofrom $35
- Killeenfrom $40
- Corpus Christifrom $40
- Brownsvillefrom $35
- Beaumontfrom $40
- Arlingtonfrom $45
- Lubbockfrom $40
- Wacofrom $40
- Laredofrom $35
- Amarillofrom $40
Utah
- Salt Lake Cityfrom $50
- Provofrom $45
- Ogdenfrom $45
- St. Georgefrom $40
Vermont
- Burlingtonfrom $45
Virginia
- Virginia Beachfrom $45
- Richmondfrom $45
- Roanokefrom $45
- Norfolkfrom $45
West Virginia
- Charlestonfrom $35
Wyoming
- Cheyennefrom $45
Handyman prices, 2026
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handyman hourly rateper hour | $45 | $70 | $100 |
| Minimum charge (usually the first 1–2 hours)per visit | $75 | $130 | $200 |
| Trip or materials-run fee (where charged)per trip | $30 | $55 | $80 |
| Half day (4 × the hourly rate)per half day | $180 | $280 | $400 |
| Full day (8 × the hourly rate)per day | $360 | $560 | $800 |
| TV wall mounting (drywall, up to about 65", your mount)per job | $100 | $180 | $300 |
| TV mounting with wires hidden in the wallper job | $150 | $305 | $500 |
| TV over a fireplace or on brick or stoneper job | $200 | $350 | $700 |
| Furniture assembly (average piece)per piece | $50 | $110 | $200 |
| Hang pictures, mirrors or a shelf (a few items)per job | $60 | $150 | $300 |
| Put up a curtain rod or blindsper window | $40 | $80 | $150 |
| Drywall patch, small holeper job | $60 | $140 | $250 |
| Drywall repair, larger patch (up to about 4 × 4 ft)per job | $200 | $450 | $850 |
| Re-caulk a tub or showerper job | $100 | $175 | $300 |
| Fix a sticking or sagging doorper job | $75 | $150 | $225 |
| Hang a pre-hung interior door (door not included)per job | $150 | $300 | $600 |
| Replace a faucet (you supply the faucet)per job | $80 | $175 | $300 |
| Replace a toilet, like for like (you supply it)per job | $100 | $200 | $350 |
| Swap a light fixture on existing wiringper job | $65 | $130 | $250 |
| Replace a ceiling fan on a fan-rated boxper job | $100 | $200 | $300 |
| Replace a door lock or fit a smart lockper job | $75 | $140 | $200 |
| Install a grab bar (into studs or blocking)per job | $100 | $200 | $350 |
| Paint one room, about 12 × 12 ft (labor only)per job | $350 | $600 | $1,000 |
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 43+ American pricing sources · See methodology
National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.
Got it as a PDF or photo? Upload up to 3 quotes and compare →
Get free quotes from up to 2 local handymen
Free · No obligation · About a minute
- 1The job
- 2Budget
- 3Your details
What do you need a handyman for?
Tap one to start.
What's your rough budget?
A ballpark is fine. It helps the handymen who reply.
Where should they text you?
- Max 2 handymen. No call floods.
- 100% free. No obligation.
- 🔒 Only your matched handymen see your number.
By continuing, you agree to our Terms and to up to 2 handymen contacting you by phone or text.
Check your phone
Ways to hire a handyman compared: cost and when each fits
Independent handymen bill $50–$80/hr and franchises $75–$125/hr. For long lists, a half day ($180–$400) or full day ($360–$800) is the best value.
| Way to hire | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Independent handyman | $50–$80/hr | Short repair lists and small jobs at the lowest hourly rate — ask for proof of insurance |
| Handyman franchise (Mr. Handyman, Ace Handyman Services and others) | $75–$125/hr | Insured, background-checked staff, a written workmanship promise and set half-day or full-day packages |
| Minimum-charge visit | $75–$200 per visit | One quick fix — the minimum usually covers the first hour or two |
| Rush, evening or weekend booking | $70–$160/hr | A leak or urgent fix that can't wait for a weekday slot |
| Half-day booking (4 hours) | $180–$400 | A list of small jobs done in one trip |
| Full-day booking (8 hours) | $360–$800 | Move-in lists, rental turnovers and getting a house ready to sell |
| Flat price per job | $100–$300 to mount a TV; $75–$225 to fix a door | One clear job with a known scope, so the price can't creep |
Whoever you hire, ask for proof of liability insurance and a written price. Jobs over your state's small-job limit, or that need a permit, belong with a licensed contractor or trade.
Common handyman jobs and what they cost (2026)
Most handyman jobs are priced by the job, not the hour. Fixing a sticking door is $75–$225, mounting a TV $100–$300, and a larger drywall repair $200–$850. Time on site is in brackets.
| Block or rate | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Put up a curtain rod or blinds (blinds take 15–30 min a window) | $40 | $80 | $150 |
| Assemble a piece of boxed furniture (1–4 hrs) | $50 | $110 | $200 |
| Fix a sticking or sagging door (up to 1 hr) | $75 | $150 | $225 |
| Patch a small drywall hole (1–2 hrs, plus drying time) | $60 | $140 | $250 |
| Hang pictures, mirrors or a shelf | $60 | $150 | $300 |
| Replace a door lock or fit a smart lock (under 1 hr) | $75 | $140 | $200 |
| Swap a light fixture (1–2 hrs) | $65 | $130 | $250 |
| Re-caulk a tub or shower | $100 | $175 | $300 |
| Replace a faucet (about 1 hr) | $80 | $175 | $300 |
| Mount a TV on drywall (about 1 hr) | $100 | $180 | $300 |
| Install a grab bar (under 1 hr) | $100 | $200 | $350 |
| Replace a ceiling fan (1–2 hrs) | $100 | $200 | $300 |
| Hang a pre-hung interior door (1–2 hrs) | $150 | $300 | $600 |
| Repair a larger drywall patch (2–5 hrs, often over more than one visit) | $200 | $450 | $850 |
Most handymen charge a minimum of one to two hours ($75–$200), so the cheapest way to get small jobs done is to bundle them. For a long list, ask for a half-day price.
Handyman vs licensed contractor vs electrician or plumber
A handyman costs $45–$100/hr and suits small repairs under your state's limit. Bigger or permitted work goes to a licensed contractor, and new wiring or plumbing to a licensed electrician ($50–$130/hr) or plumber ($75–$175/hr).
| Factor | Handyman | Licensed contractor | Electrician or plumber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical rate | $45–$100/hr, or a flat price per job | A fixed price per project | $50–$130/hr electrician; $75–$175/hr plumber |
| License | Often none below a state small-job limit; some states require registration for any job | State or city license above the limit | A state or local trade license almost everywhere |
| Job-size limit | Under the state limit — e.g. $1,000 in California and Arizona, $2,500 in Florida, $600 in Michigan | Set by license class | None within the trade |
| Permits | Jobs that need a permit are usually off-limits | Pulls building permits | Pulls electrical or plumbing permits |
| Best for | Repair lists, mounting, assembly, drywall, doors, caulking, painting | Remodels, structural work, anything over the limit | New circuits and outlets, panels, moving pipes, water heaters |
When in doubt, ask the handyman where your state draws the line — a good one will tell you which jobs to send elsewhere.
Handyman trip fees, minimums and hourly rates
Most bills start with a $75–$200 minimum, then $45–$100/hr or a flat price. Rush and weekend work costs more.
| Fee or rate | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum charge (usually the first 1–2 hours) | $75 | $130 | $200 |
| Trip or materials-run fee | $30 | $55 | $80 |
| Standard hourly rate | $45 | $70 | $100 |
| Independent handyman, hourly | $50 | $65 | $80 |
| Franchise handyman, hourly | $75 | $100 | $125 |
| Rush, evening or weekend rate | $70 | $105 | $160 |
| Half day (4 × the hourly rate) | $180 | $280 | $400 |
| Full day (8 × the hourly rate) | $360 | $560 | $800 |
Materials are extra — usually the receipt plus a 10–30% markup if the handyman buys them. Franchises often sell half-day and full-day packages with one trip charge.
What affects handyman costs
Who does the work
Independent handymen bill about $50–$80/hr; franchises $75–$125/hr, with insured staff and a workmanship promise.
Minimums and travel
A $75–$200 minimum is normal, sometimes with a $30–$80 trip fee. Tiny jobs cost far more per minute than long lists.
The job itself
Simple installs like blinds ($40–$150 a window) sit at the bottom; doors, drywall repairs and painting ($350–$1,000 a room) at the top.
Your city
Pay for general maintenance and repair workers runs from under $37,000 a year in parts of South Texas to over $63,000 in the San Francisco and San Jose metros in federal data. Typical handyman rates on our city pages run from $50/hr in Brownsville to $90/hr in San Francisco.
Your state's license line
Where a state caps unlicensed work — $1,000 in California and Arizona, $2,500 in Florida, $600 in Michigan — bigger jobs move to a licensed contractor at a higher price.
Timing
Rush, evening and weekend work costs about $105/hr, against $70/hr on a weekday.
How to save on handyman
- Bundle small jobs.One $130 minimum can cover two or three fixes. Write a list before the visit.
- Book a half day for long lists.Four hours ($180–$400) usually costs less than several flat prices paid one at a time.
- Buy your own parts.Supplying the faucet, fixture, blinds or furniture skips the 10–30% markup and the store run.
- Send photos for a flat quote.A clear photo of the wall, door or fixture gets you a firm price and the right parts on the first trip.
- Book weekdays.Rush and weekend work runs about $105/hr against $70/hr standard.
- Keep licensed work licensed.Don't pay a handyman for wiring, plumbing moves or permitted work. A failed inspection costs more than the right trade.
Get two real quotes
Local handymen · free · max 2 will contact you · no spam.
Handyman cost in the USA by job size
One small fix is $75–$200 (the minimum charge), a half day of small jobs $180–$400, and a full day $360–$800, plus materials.
Worked example: a move-in list of 3 pieces of furniture at $110 each, a few pictures hung for $150 and blinds on 4 windows at $80 each comes to about $800 if each job is priced on its own. A full day is about $560, so book the day.
A bathroom refresh: re-caulking the tub at $175, swapping a faucet you bought at $175 and adding a grab bar at $200 is about $550.
What a handyman quote should include
A real handyman's quote answers all of these. If it answers fewer than six, ask before you pay a deposit.
- The handyman's name, business name and proof of liability insurance
- A flat price, or the hourly rate plus the minimum charge
- Every job on the list, one line each
- How materials are billed — at cost, or with a markup
- Any trip fee or charge for hardware-store runs
- Whether any job needs a license or permit, and who handles it
- Cleanup and hauling away boxes or old parts — included or not
- A workmanship guarantee
- The rate if the job runs long, and when payment is due
Handyman cost: FAQ
How much does a handyman cost per hour?
$45–$100/hr in 2026, with $70/hr typical. Credible rates run from about $35/hr for a rural or part-time handyman to $200/hr for rush or weekend work.
What is a handyman's minimum charge?
$75–$200 in most places, and it usually covers the first hour or two. Some add a $30–$80 trip fee.
How much is a handyman for a half day or full day?
About $180–$400 for 4 hours and $360–$800 for 8 hours, before materials.
How much does it cost to mount a TV?
$100–$300 on drywall for a TV up to about 65", or $150–$500 with the wires hidden in the wall.
How much does furniture assembly cost?
About $50–$200 per piece; a bed frame is $70–$160 and a wardrobe $150–$450.
How much does it cost to patch drywall?
$60–$250 for a small hole and $200–$850 for a larger patch up to about 4 × 4 ft.
Does a handyman need a license?
It depends on the state. Many let unlicensed handymen take small jobs: under $1,000 in California and Arizona (only if no permit is needed), under $2,500 in Florida and under $7,000 in Utah. Michigan requires a license from $600. Washington and New Jersey require registration for nearly any paid work. Electrical and plumbing work need a licensed trade almost everywhere.
Can a handyman do electrical or plumbing work?
Only simple like-for-like swaps, and only where the state allows. New circuits, new outlets, moving pipes and anything that needs a permit go to a licensed electrician or plumber.
Is a franchise handyman better than an independent?
Not always, but you pay for extras: franchises bill $75–$125/hr against $50–$80/hr for independents, and usually include insurance, background checks and a workmanship promise.
Are handyman prices going up in 2026?
Slowly. The median pay for general maintenance and repair workers rose 2.0% in a year in federal data, from $48,620 (May 2024) to $49,590 (May 2025), and labor is most of a handyman bill.
Done your research?
Pick your city for local prices, or get two real handyman quotes now. Free, no spam.