How Much Money Can You Make by Starting a Handyman Business?

Starting a handyman business can be a profitable venture. The earning potential depends on location, experience, and the range of services offered.

In this guide, we'll explore the factors that impact earnings in the handyman industry and give you a clearer picture of the income potential.

Contents

What Does a Handyman Business Involve

Average Earnings: How Much Can You Make

What Influences Earnings

How to Maximize Your Earnings

Potential Earnings

FAQs

Final Thoughts

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What Does a Handyman Business Involve?

A handyman business provides general repair, maintenance, and improvement services to residential or commercial clients.

Tasks include fixing leaky faucets, painting walls, installing fixtures, and assembling furniture. As a handyman, you can offer various services, allowing you to have a broad client base and multiple revenue streams.

Average Earnings - How Much Money Can You Make by Starting a Handyman Business

Earnings in the handyman industry vary widely, influenced by hourly rates, services provided, location, and marketing effectiveness. On average:

• Hourly rates for handyman services typically range from $50 to $100 per hour, with a national average of around $60 to $75 per hour. These figures will vary by location.

• Annual earnings can range from $40,000 to $70,000 for solo handymen, with the potential for more if you expand your business and hire additional workers.

What Influences Handyman Earnings?

Several factors impact how much you can make as a handyman. Let's look at each factor in detail.

1. Location and Market Demand

How does location affect handyman earnings?

Your geographic location plays a significant role in determining your earning potential. Handymen in urban or affluent areas often charge higher rates due to a larger client base and increased demand. For example, handymen in large cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago typically charge more than those in rural or suburban areas.

 

Researching Local Rates

Research competitors in your area to get a clear picture of local demand and rates. Understanding the going rate for handyman services can help you set competitive, profitable prices while meeting local client expectations.

2. Range of Services Offered

What services do clients need most?

The variety of services you offer significantly impacts your earnings. While general handyman tasks like painting, drywall repair, and furniture assembly are common, specializing in higher-paying services can boost your income. For example:

• Appliance installation and minor plumbing/electrical work tend to pay more than basic repairs.

• Carpentry and flooring installation services can also command higher rates due to the skill involved.

How to Increase Your Value with Specialized Skills

Developing specialized skills through training or certification can justify higher rates and increase earning potential. For instance, handymen with basic electrical knowledge can offer ceiling fan or light fixture installation, which can command rates of $80 to $120 per hour in some markets.

3. Hourly vs. Flat-Rate Pricing

Should you charge hourly or by the job?

Most handymen charge hourly, but many offer flat rates for specific jobs. Choosing the right pricing strategy can impact your overall earnings:

• Hourly rates are ideal for jobs with unpredictable time requirements, such as troubleshooting a plumbing issue or fixing minor damages.

• Flat-rate pricing works well for tasks with predictable timelines, like painting a room or assembling furniture. Flat rates can appeal to clients who want to know the cost upfront.

Pricing Examples

Here are some common handyman tasks and potential earnings based on industry averages:

• Painting a room: $150 to $500

• Furniture assembly: $50 to $200

• Drywall repair: $100 to $300

• Appliance installation: $100 to $250

These rates can vary based on complexity, time required, and location. Adjusting your rates to reflect your experience and local market conditions can help you maximize your income.

4. Full-Time vs. Part-Time Work 

Can you make a living as a part-time handyman?

A key advantage of starting a handyman business is flexibility. Many handymen begin part-time to test demand and build their client base before transitioning to full-time work. Here's a rough estimate of potential earnings based on time commitment:

• Part-Time: Working 20 hours per week at $60 per hour could bring in about $1,200 per week or $4,800 monthly, totaling around $57,600 annually.

• Full-Time: Working 40 hours per week at the same rate could yield $2,400 per week or $9,600 per month, totaling around $115,200 per year.

Whether you work part-time or full-time, demand, skill level, and efficiency will affect your earnings. Working full-time and increasing efficiency through streamlined processes can increase income.

5. Building a Reputation and Client Base

How does a good reputation impact earnings?

In the handyman business, reputation is everything. Earning trust through quality work, punctuality, and professional service can lead to repeat clients and referrals, significantly increasing your income. Here are a few ways to build a reputation and client base:

Offer top-notch customer service: A good impression goes a long way, and providing excellent customer service can lead to more repeat business and referrals.

• Ask for reviews: Positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook can boost your credibility and attract new clients.

• Network with real estate agents and property managers: These professionals often require reliable handymen for ongoing maintenance and repairs, making them excellent referral sources.

With a strong reputation and steady client base, you can charge premium rates, increasing your earning potential.

6. Expanding the Business and Hiring Employees

Can hiring employees increase your earnings?

If you're interested in growing beyond a solo operation, hiring additional handymen can help you expand your business and increase earnings. While hiring employees requires more management and payroll, it can boost revenue if demand is high.

• Adding employees: You can take on more jobs simultaneously with additional staff. Suppose you charge clients $60 per hour and pay your employees $20 to $30 per hour. After payroll expenses, you could still earn $30 to $40 per hour per employee.

• Subcontracting specialized tasks: If a job requires specialized skills, subcontracting can help you take on larger projects without losing clients.

Growing your handyman business requires solid organizational skills and a clear pricing structure. Over time, expanding your team can allow you to service more clients and boost revenue.

How to Maximize Your Earnings as a Handyman

Whether you're starting solo or aiming to grow, there are several strategies to increase your handyman earnings:

1. Upsell Additional Services: During initial consultations, suggest additional repairs or maintenance to enhance the project. For example, if you're installing a door, you could offer to install new door hardware or paint touch-ups.

2. Offer Seasonal Services: Many handymen see increased demand for certain services during specific seasons. Gutter cleaning, power washing, and holiday light installation are popular in fall and winter, while lawn maintenance and deck staining can increase earnings in spring and summer.

3. Package Your Services: Bundling services can attract clients needing multiple tasks and looking for a one-stop shop. For instance, you could offer a "spring maintenance package" that includes window cleaning, gutter clearing, and minor repairs.

4. Network with Other Local Businesses: Building relationships with local businesses, such as hardware stores, real estate agents, and contractors, can lead to referrals and regular clients.

5. Invest in Training or Certification: Additional certifications or skills—such as basic plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work—can enable you to offer higher-paying services and boost your overall income.

6. Maintain a Professional Online Presence: A simple website or social media page with customer reviews, before-and-after photos, and contact information can increase visibility and attract more clients.

Potential Annual Earnings Breakdown

Based on the factors discussed, here's an estimate of potential annual earnings for a handyman business based on various scenarios:

Scenario	Estimated Annual Earnings
Part-time (20 hrs/week)	$57,600
Full-time (40 hrs/week)	$115,200
Specialize in high-paying services	$80,000 - $150,000
Expanding and hiring employees	$120,000 - $200,000 +

These figures are estimates and vary widely based on local market conditions, individual skill levels, and business strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much do handymen typically charge per hour?

Handymen usually charge between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on location, experience, and type of service provided. The national average is around $60 to $75 per hour, but rates can go higher in high-demand or urban areas.

2. What is the average annual income for a handyman?

A full-time handyman working independently can earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually. However, this figure can vary significantly based on work hours, service types, and regional demand. Those specializing in high-paying services or operating in high-cost areas may earn more.

3. What factors can increase a handyman’s income?

Specializing in high-demand services (like minor plumbing, electrical work, or appliance installation), working in a high-demand area, building a strong reputation, and consistently marketing your services can all help increase income. Adding team members or subcontracting larger projects can also expand business earnings.

4. Can you make a good living as a part-time handyman?

Yes, many people work as part-time handymen and earn a supplemental income. Working part-time at around 20 hours per week could still bring in approximately $25,000 to $35,000 annually, depending on hourly rates and demand in your area.

5. What types of handyman services are most profitable?

High-paying services include specialized tasks like electrical and plumbing repairs, appliance installation, carpentry, and tiling. These services usually require specific skills, allowing handymen to charge higher rates than general repair or maintenance tasks.

6. How can I maximize my income as a handyman?

To increase income, consider:

• Expanding your skill set with additional training or certifications

• Offering flat-rate packages for common tasks to make pricing clearer and more attractive

• Networking with property managers or real estate agents to secure ongoing contracts

• Increasing visibility through online marketing, social media, and positive customer reviews

7. Is it possible to earn six figures as a handyman?

Reaching six figures is possible, mainly if you operate in a high-demand area, offer specialized services, or expand your business by hiring additional staff or subcontractors. Strategic pricing, efficient scheduling, and a strong client base are key to reaching this income level.

8. How does seasonality affect handyman income?

Some services, such as gutter cleaning in the spring, may experience higher demand during certain seasons, fall or outdoor repairs in the spring. Offering seasonal services or package deals can help stabilize income year-round, even during slower periods.

Final Thoughts

Starting a handyman business offers substantial earning potential, especially with a strong reputation, a steady client base, and specialized skills.

Whether you work solo or expand by hiring employees, focusing on customer service, building a network, and continuously refining your skills can help maximize your income.

The flexibility to charge hourly, offer flat-rate packages or specialize in higher-paying services gives you control over your earnings.

A handyman's business can be a lucrative and fulfilling career with the right approach.

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