How to Price Handyman Jobs in 2026 (Hourly + Flat-Rate Hybrid)

Handyman pricing is harder than it looks. The customer wants a single number for "fix three things." You need to make $80+/hour effective. Most new handymen quote too low because they're afraid of losing the job, then realize 6 months in they're making $35/hour after gas and supplies.

Here's the 2026 framework that solves it.

The Pricing Model: Hourly + Flat-Rate Hybrid

Hourly with minimum (recommended for new handymen):

• $75-$125/hour
• 1-hour minimum
• Materials at cost + 20% markup
• Travel charge if outside 15 miles

Flat-rate menu (use after 90 days of pricing data):

After 90 days of hourly work, you'll know how long common jobs actually take. Convert your top 20 most-frequent jobs to flat-rate and your effective hourly rate jumps 30-40%.

2026 Flat-Rate Benchmarks

Hanging / Mounting:

• TV mount install (basic, customer-supplied bracket): $129-$189
• TV mount install (in-wall cable concealment): $249-$349
• Curtain rod install (per window): $59-$89
• Picture / shelf hanging (3 items): $89-$129

Plumbing-Adjacent:

• Faucet replacement (customer supplies): $189-$289
• Garbage disposal replacement (customer supplies): $189-$249
• Toilet repair (fill valve / flapper): $189-$249
• Showerhead replacement: $89-$129

Electrical-Adjacent (if licensed for it):

• Light fixture replacement (basic): $129-$189
• Ceiling fan install (existing box): $289-$389
• Outlet replacement: $89-$149
• Smoke detector replacement (battery): $89-$129

Drywall:

• Drywall patch (under 12"): $189-$289
• Drywall patch (12-24"): $289-$489
• Drywall replacement (4×8 sheet): $289-$489

Doors / Windows:

• Door adjustment (sticking/squeaking): $89-$149
• Door knob / lock replacement: $89-$149
• Storm door installation (customer-supplied): $389-$589
• Weather stripping replacement: $89-$189

Furniture / Assembly:

• IKEA wardrobe assembly: $189-$389
• Standard bookshelf assembly: $89-$149
• Outdoor swing set assembly: $389-$689
• Treadmill assembly: $189-$289

General:

• Caulking (kitchen + bath): $189-$289
• Smoke / CO detector replacement (3-pack hardwired): $289-$389
• Honey-do day (4 hours, multiple small tasks): $389-$589

Travel & Materials

• Travel fee: $25-$50 if over 15 miles
• Materials markup: cost + 20-30%
• Same-day surcharge: +$25-$50 (or +25% if hourly)

The Profit Math

To clear $80K/year as solo handyman, gross ~$140K-$170K:

• 6-8 jobs per day average
• $250-$450 per job average
• 50-75% repeat / referral business by year two

Hourly effective target: $90-$120/hour after travel and supplies.

Common Pricing Mistakes

1. No minimum. A $50 "quick job" that takes 75 minutes including drive time = $25/hour.
2. Free estimates that take 90 minutes. Charge a $50 estimate fee, waived if hired.
3. Quoting on the phone. Always look first.
4. Materials at cost. You should charge cost + 20-30% — that covers your trip to the hardware store.
5. Not raising rates after year one. Solo handymen who hit $80K should be at $100/hour by year two.

The Software

Invoicerus gives handymen a flat-rate menu builder, mobile invoicing, customer history, and one-click card payments — free.

Sign up free at invoicerus.com. No credit card.