How Much Should I Charge As A Handyman? The Final Answer! 

I’m in NYC and started at $40 an hour in 2017 just mounting tvs on task rabbit. I’ve taken more complex jobs since then and grown my knowledge to the point where I do almost everything now (tile, sheetrock, appliances, fixtures, basic plumbing, paint, etc) and charge $160/hr now. My rule of thumb is when I’m totally booked 2 weeks out or more, rates to new clients go up. I raise existing client rates once a year so they’re just under new client rate. This formula has worked incredibly well for me, very very rarely don’t have a full day of work every single day that I want to work. Good luck to everyone!

Great video. I'm a licensed residential contractor in AZ. Residential remodel is fancy speak for handyman or the same Jack of all trades and master of some on a bigger scale. I love working for myself and providing others with work to support their families. Just wanted to put some things out to ponder for those that are striking out on their own or trying to refine their business model. There are 2080 hour in a business year. As a self employed person you don get paid holidays (12 of them now) so you loss 96 hours. This leaves you with a simple math problem to get an annual salary: multiply your hourly by 2 and add the word thousand. Example $100/hr x 2 = $200 + thousand. So if you worked 8 hours a day on standard work days at you'd get $200,000/yr, which sounds awesome out the gate. But you don't get paid vacation working for yourself let's figure 2 weeks per year so $8,000 gone. You don't have access to employee benefits like medical, dental, unemployment insurance, workers comp, disability insurance, and matched retirement. You can get these as a self employed but you will absorb the full cost. I estimate thest to be about 10% of your income $20,000/year. You get no company truck or tools to drive to the jobs. I have probably $100,000 of tools. I like your concept of buying two every time so you have an inventory to maximize time and money but that will become another $50-100,000 as well. You do get a tax break for the vehicle but vehicles are expensive and insurance is more expensive if you are properly insured. If you aren't properly insured and get in an accident you risk your insurance denying the claim. As a handy man you should also carry a general liability policy to protect your family this is a cost of several thousand dollars per year. You have to pay your own FICA self employment tax 7.65% ($15,300) You will need to do things you hate or suck at like invoicing, writing, accounting, taxes, etc most of this will be in your evenings and weekends when you used to be with family, friends, faith or hobbies. You don't get an overtime rate of 1.5 when you go beyond 8 hours a day (this will be almost every day). If you get a license there are exams, bonds, insurances, and fees to be paid. You will be a business and will need a business license from various entities including city, county and state You may have to track and bay sales tax or submit monthly filings. You have to file income tax quarterly with both state and federal. You will probably need an accountant and an attorney to at least consult with on occasion. I say all of this not to discourage anyone working for me myself and I is the best. But $50/hour will starve you and your family. You need to be $100-200/hr on site to make it in most places. I know th number sounds huge but when you are footing all the bills, responsibility, and risk and give up your nights, weekend, vacation you need and deserve the "big bucks" Good luck everyone.

This is by far the most detailed and actionable information on RU-vid for handyman work. Thanks for sharing!

Best advice I’ve run across for handymen. Honest, direct, actionable and from someone who is doing it successfully and with integrity.

Also, as a property manager and investor, I can tell you that if you're still learning, a low rate is fine but ultimately, any investor is constantly looking for the most efficient use of their time and money. The cheap guys quite often will cost you far more because a lot of them don't think the same way you do - taking multiple trips to home depot for one item at a time as needed for example - a SERIOUS productivity killer. I'd gladly pay double for someone who knows how to not waste time like that. Plus the final bill often ends up cheaper and whoever I hired made more money. It's a win-win.

A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often more valuable than a master of one.

Ive never done all the RU-vid things (like, subscribe, notifications and share) but I did here. I believe this is a honest man trying to simply help and the world needs more of us to act the same. He is tying to help strangers because its the right thing, who would I be if I didn’t do likewise. Thank you for your choice to be this kind of person. For what (little) its worth you’ve earned my loyal support.

Hello Bulletproof, I've been a handyman for a lot of years and after listening to you, I know I've cheated myself trying to be fair but fair to who. Thank you for the awaking on pricing and some other things I should have known. Take care.

Another great vid. Thanks so much for breakin' it all down! 🤘🏻

keep it up man, your analysis is priceless.

Good details, appreciate you!

NewPro quoted me 12k just for a fiberglass tub and shower and nothing else. So I got a contractor to do EVERYTHING and with much better materials, including a fully tiled shower/tub, new toilet, vanity, medicine cabinet, paint, even changed out the rusty heater vents and my light switch fixtures as well as a broken brick on my entrance. He charged for labor only - $6k, including all material (toilet, tile, fixtures, paint). Some people just overcharge and is why this industry has a horrible reputation. This will change soon.

Very helpful and informative. Thanks for taking the time to breakdown everything! Love your videos!

Thank you! Very helpful video.

Great advice and I'm glad your doing well..

Thanks for covering this topic. I am in the process of getting a home services business off the ground, and this is valuable info. I look forward to more content. I find RU-vid very valuable in helping to educate myself. Not only on how to fix certain things, but also in learning how others have built their business.

Hugely helpful! Thank you for encouraging excellence and pride in work and rates, and to exercise working past limiting psychological money hang ups. This video really helped push me over the edge of breaking past the $100/hr mark. There’s something so daunting about that number, but the truth is that it’s not me charging it, it’s the business with overhead charging it, and then that business pays me. Such a shift in thinking. Really appreciate you making these videos!

Great info. Thank you so much.

Right on! Great video and thank you for sharing your experiences.

Amazing stuff. This is such really good concise information... Thank you. I am looking forward to more videos to come.

Just had another job today where I didn't make that much. About $175 for 7 hours of work or so. I'm thinking of removing the word handyman from my business name. Def seems once the customer starts to think of you as a "handyman" you are now equal to a day laborer or some misfit who can't hold a steady job. As a result people are often offended when you charge more than $20-$25/hour for simple handyman tasks.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. There are so many RU-vids about handyman business that are either trying to sell something or are just bragging about how awesome they are. You get right to the meat, you name prices, and then you go into the details. Perfect.

Thanks for making this useful video. Your advice is great and I will share with my buddies.

Just subscribed! This is a awesome channel! Thanks for the great info!

So far the best handyman business video I've seem yet....and I seen a lot! You are a natural teacher as well as a handyman. Liked, shared, subscribed! Best of luck to you and your growing family!

Just found your channel. You hit the nail on the head. I do things the same as you. Great content keep it going.

Great advice about finding one thing to do and then giving an estimate on the rest. I’m 4 months into full time and half my work is property managers. I’m going to put that to use right away. Thanks!

You are straight forward and informative. I love it. Thanks for the help.

Thanks for taking the time and making this video. I needed to this.

Thank you for sharing this information with us. This is my plan eventually to, go full time Handyman. I currently work for a buddy of mine that is a small one man (and me) contractor. I’m learning more everyday, so when we move out of California, I can start my own Handyman Business. Again, thank you for sharing this valuable information, greatly appreciated.

Wonderfully thought out. Thank you for sharing your process. I'm currently running a light duty remodel business as a 2nd job and thinking out going full time. This is very helpful

Thanks for the advice and knowledge

Excellent video, nicely explained process and handling the Handyman business Thank you!

Thank you for the great info

Thank you, truly. Your video here just alleviated so much self doubt I had growing in my head lately over this almost constant financial stress from being self employed but feeling unable to fully provide because I've always struggled w charging more $ for my time & services but no fucking more -- Your video solidifed it. Thank you again for taking the time to share your perspective bc it really did just add so much mental relief, clarity and humble confidence to my Life.

Thank you so much for your amazing advice ❤

Thank you for the great video. It’s really helpful.

You're process and content is inspirational and well done my friend. We are taking notes and listening for sure. Keep it coming.

Thank you for the excellent breakdown. Valuable information for any handyman.

thankyou for the advice

Hi from Queensland Australia. Love your work bro - you're giving me inspiration to take the leap. Thanks!

This helps alot. I'm a firefighter and have been looking into doing some handyman work as a part time job between shifts. Thank you.

Great video. I recently started a home remodeling company after being head of maintenance for a property management company. This is the 3rd one I've watched from you and your info works for all businesses in our field. Keep 'em coming.

Another great video. Thank you very much and I wish you all the best.

Inspirational! Thank you

Hey Ray thanks a lot...love your insights Pronto Paul The Handyman Australia 👍

Hey, this was really helpful. Been looking at starting a handyman business just because I keep seeing the need for someone who can just be available. I have the skills and room to grow and I know I am a personable person. Thanks!

Wow awesome video answered everything I was going to ask !!!

So valuable. Thank you for being direct and transparent.

Great video and well explained very useful information. I am strongly considering becoming a handyman. This video and your other videos are very inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you sir! This was a very in depth video and was super helpful! You are awesome! Thanks for helping those of us starting out... You rock!

You are a blessing sir! Very straight to the point with no BS. I just subscribed. Thank you!

Great video, super informative. Liked and Subscribed!

Thank you. This is one of the best versions of this info I’ve ever heard of. And the motivation to VALUE yourself and your TIME is perfect!!!!!

Great video! Excellent description of what we do!

Great information!….just found your channel,and yes I also watch tons of videos to gain more knowledge,yes old dogs can learn new tricks…. I recently moved to Hawaii to “semi retire “after 30+years of busting my ass being a GC doing mostly remodeling.. I’ve discovered here folks are willing to pay whatever I want to charge not just for my quality work or knowledge,but also my good communication,and me just showing up to do what I said I was going to do.Being reliable and honest has in just a few months by word of mouth gotten me more work than I know what to do with….again great pricing video that will for sure help out tons for people getting started or even is old timers starting fresh again!!!

Just found the channel. Very informative! Thank you

I’m very happy to have came across your video, truly thank you for your time perspective and knowledge brother!

I appreciate the hell out of this video. Thanks man

This information is gold. Super concise. Thanks for sharing brother.

Solid advice, i really liked the "visualization" technique, you use. Of everything you mentioned there are only 2 things i dont do, but will now. The visualization, and charge for estimates. Tip of the hat to you my good sir.

Man I really appreciate giving your time for this video. This really helped make silense of everything

Great video thank you

Tons of great insights. Thank you!

Thank you so much for sharing this! I have a lot of skills but have been quite scared to put myself out there. I'm much more confident having heard this. Thank you so much.

Great information !! You’re know what you are talking about, that’s for sure !!! Keep up the good work. I hope for only the best for you and your family !!!

What a great presentation! Nicely prepared and professionally spoken. You have encouraged me to continue my business! Thanks for the confidence.

You hit home at the end when talking bout providing for your family. Great information. Thank you

i just want to let you know how much i appreciate your efforts and the information you are sharing. i was a single father of 1 15 year old a year and a half ago and since then i have gotten engaged and taken on FOUR more little people and realized i was not happy working for someone else and that i wanted to try to make something of myself that would provide for this NOT SO SMALL family i have recently found myself providing for. This is the 1st video of yours that i have watched and i am already so very thankful! thanks so much, and God Bless!

I like hearing this guy think and talk, I've been doing this over 20 years working for companies and also working for myself in between and his philosophy and the way he approaches Things are great. I have learned a lot listening to him.

Thank You! I just found your channel. I’ve recently moved my handyman business from Salt Lake City to the Park City, Utah, area and I’m in the process of building up my business here. Lots of vacation and rental homes around here. I’m good at what I do, and I’m getting better all the time. My biggest opportunity to increase my business is in many of the areas you covered in this video. So many good ideas. I just subscribed and I will be watching more as I grow my business. Thanks!

Very informative . Subbed right away. Thanks

Hey man thanks for the information and time you took to make this. I agree with everything you said. Ive been a residential HVAC lead install mechanic for 6 years and i have learned so much over the last 10 years doing new construction, geothermal systems, radiant heat and typical ac/heat pump changeouts, plumbing, and am always taking on jobs on the side. I do have a wide range of knowledge and do feel comfortable doing anything in a house. I know for a fact that if i keep slaving away in attics for pennys on the dollar wht the company i work for is charging i will never be able to get a home for myself. Ive been wanting to start off doing something on my own for years now and the transition seems to be the most difficult part. I love what i do and Love working with my hands. I am always interested in learning new things. I think one of the personal traits i have grown over the years of being so non social and to myself all the time is it hinders me to go out and build new relationships with people and find work. Any suggestions?

Absolutely loved it, thanks for sharing. This was the exact video I needed to watch tonight!

Thank you

Can’t thank you enough for the ideas you suggested to me in this video. I live in a high concentration of vacation and mid length rentals. The move outs and rental check ups sounds like a great opportunity here. Especially as getting good work done here is difficult. I think you created my niche.

Valuable information for us trying to start in this business. Thank you.

Thank you for all of the amazing value, you deserve your success!

Great video, I'm really considering starting a handyman business soon and videos like this are a great resource.

I love the "Estimate" speach. Bravo sir. Absolutely!

This is what I was looking for, Thank you so much‼️💣💨💥💥

Thank you! Getting ready to head out on my journey. I've always been one who doesn't charge enough. I've found that when I almost charge enough customers are surprised at my low prices. If they won't pay. They aren't your customers! Thanks again!

As a new person in the Handyman profession, I’m a cpl yrs into it and each week I find new issues, learn and update new techniques in general ~ this video was Very helpful, one of the best I’ve seen to cover pricing and building relationships with people. I tell everyone I work for I’ll treat their place as if it’s my parents place, most become friends over time. This is my best “report card” to evaluate my work.

Thanks for the advice.

I have had my own business since 2015 as a handyman. I have been in construction my entire life started working with my dad when I was 12. I cannot tell you how much help this video was. I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video h a lot

Thanks for the video It was really worth listening From Canada

Great information. I just started Kingman Drain Service in Arizona.

Ive seen a lot of great handyman channels but you are the best as far as IN DEPTH onformation. Im switching my entire handyman structure thanks to your help. Im currently in Alabama, 24 years old full time doing this. Thank you sir 🙏

Great video! I am just starting out with my handyman business, what are some must-have tools as a starter handyman?

Very nice video, thanks man 👍🏿

Very informative. Thank you sir

You are a true legend. I like your style! It would be an honor to be in your presence. Keep up the hard work. Thanks for the real talk.

thanks for the information, very helpful as fellow handyman.

Bravo! Best most honest video I’ve seen! I’m a new contractor who’s been making someone else money for 17 years and finally ready to go out on my own. It’s scary but this gives me confidence thank you!

Well done. I agree with your methods.

Great presentation! You spelled it out perfectly! This video will be helpful to send to prospective clients to help them understand the realities of what’s involved in our profession. 👍👍👍

I LOVE YOU, YOU SPEAK YOUR TRUTH! YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL WISE SOUL. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE WITH US. I SUBSCRIBED WITHIN 2 MINUTES OF HEARING YOU SPEAK . HONESTY DOES NOT LIE

This video popped up an hour ago after watching another handyman video. First video of yours I have watched. Tremedous information. Excellent content. New subscriber here. Thanks for video.

I am just starting my business out and this video was a huge help with some aspects I was cloudy on. Thank you!

You nailed it!