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Being a handyman often involves more than just fixing things around the house; it's about navigating the dynamic and competitive market for handyman services. It’s also about making money and earning a living.
Handymen, like anyone else, have financial needs and goals. Starting a handyman business allows them to have more control over their income potential. Instead of relying solely on one-off repair jobs, having a handyman business enables them to explore various revenue streams within the industry.
Handymen often find that they have a diverse skill set beyond traditional repair tasks. Making money as a handyman may push them to expand services, such as home improvement consulting, property maintenance or even small-scale construction projects. This diversification not only broadens the scope of their business but also enhances its profitability.
Learn more: Best businesses to start with little money
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10 ways to make money as a handyman
Handymen can leverage their skills in numerous profitable ways—here are 10 potential services to offer clients when starting a business:
Tip: Learn how to start a service business with our guide.
01.Traditional handyman services
Traditional handyman services involve providing clients with general home repairs and maintenance. As a handyman, you earn fees based on the services rendered.
Success in traditional handyman services involves effective handyman marketing, building a reliable reputation and offering a range of skills. Utilizing online platforms and staying updated on industry trends are essential.
Why is this idea profitable?
General repair and maintenance are constant needs for homeowners. By offering quality services, handymen can build a steady stream of income and attract repeat business. Consider also starting a contractor business.
A1 Nerdy Homes offers comprehensive handyman and home repair services across New Jersey. Their informative website provides details about financing, the ability to request an online quote, plus a gallery of completed projects including appliance installation, fence building, deck refinishing and room remodels.
Consider these best handyman website examples for inspiration.
02. Property maintenance
Property maintenance involves ongoing care for residential or commercial properties. This includes tasks such as lawn care, cleaning and minor repairs.
Charge a fee for routine property maintenance services. Building a portfolio of maintained properties, to show future clients, can lead to recurring income.
Why is this idea profitable:
Property owners often seek reliable maintenance services to keep their assets in good condition. Providing regular upkeep ensures a steady income flow for the handyman responsible.
Handyman Meno has a simple, professional website promising efficient and friendly service in checking off your homeowner's to-do list. They offer drywall repair, floor and cabinet installation, picture/mirror hanging, plumbing and painting.
Learn more: How to make a handyman website.
3. Handyman consulting
Handyman consulting entails providing expert advice on various aspects of home improvement, repair strategies or property enhancement. It can be provided to private homeowners, large corporate property owners or even hotel and other commercial properties.
Charge clients on an hourly or project basis for consulting services. Build a reputation for expertise to attract clients seeking specialized insights - for example, you might specialize in repairs necessary or common in hotels and how to avoid them and tackle them promptly.
Why is this idea profitable?
Consulting leverages a handyman's knowledge beyond traditional repair tasks. It's a scalable business model that allows for flexibility in pricing and target clientele. You can start small and scale, building up to larger, corporate clients.
04. Home improvement education and training
Home improvement education involves conducting workshops, webinars or training sessions to educate homeowners or aspiring handymen.
Charge fees for participation in educational programs. Consider creating online courses or partnering with educational institutions to offer your courses. You can sell your courses online, generating passive income too.
Why is this idea profitable?
Sharing expertise not only generates income but also enhances the handyman's reputation as an industry authority. Capitalizing on the demand for home improvement education can lead to a lucrative and scalable business.
05. Handyman blogging
Handyman blogging involves creating informative content about home repairs, DIY tips or home improvement trends for blogs. You can start your blog and post your own handyman-related blog posts or you can write guest posts on the subject for other blogs.
Monetize a blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored content or display advertising. Leverage the blog to showcase services and attract potential clients, by generating organic traffic to your website.
Why is this idea profitable?
Blogging establishes the handyman as an industry influencer, attracting a broad audience. Monetizing a blog diversifies income streams for the creator and complements traditional handyman activities.
Get started with a blog maker.
06. Home staging services
Home staging involves enhancing the visual appeal of a property before it goes on the market. Handymen can offer staging services by arranging furniture and decor to highlight the home's best features to help it sell.
Charge fees for staging services. Collaborate with home sellers or real estate agents to enhance the market appeal of properties. Once you partner with a real estate agent, you can make more money by working with them on all their properties that need home staging services.
Why is this idea profitable?
Staging improves a property's perceived value and can expedite sales. Providing staging services positions the handyman as a comprehensive home improvement professional, potentially leading to increased referrals and more clients.
07. Home flipping
Home flipping involves putting your handyman skills to good use by purchasing properties that need repairs or improvement to be sellable, then working to improve them to sell them on for a higher profit.
Generate substantial income through property appreciation, once you’ve done repairs by selling properties for a profit. You may need to work with someone who understands real estate investments and selling.
Why is this idea profitable?
Repairing and flipping houses is a great business idea if you understand both home improvement and real estate. While it can require extensive time and resources, it can also prove to generate significant income.
So popular has house flipping become in recent years, that it’s now the premise of several popular TV shows around it - including, The Flipping El Moussas.
Making a website is important to establish an online presence and show off your work. Use a handyman website template to get started.
08. Handyman networking events
Hosting handyman networking events brings together industry professionals, potential clients and homeowners seeking repair or improvement services.
Charge entrance fees, secure sponsors or partner with local businesses. Use the events to network, generate leads and showcase your services. Building a community of handymen and clients can benefit your business and help you make money, helping others too.
Why is this idea profitable?
Networking events provide exposure and build relationships. Income from events can supplement your general handyman earnings while positioning you as a community leader.
09. Podcasting
Podcasting as a handyman involves creating audio content discussing repair and improvement trends, home maintenance tips or DIY projects.
Monetize your podcast through sponsorships, affiliate marketing or premium content for subscribers. Leverage the podcast to promote your handyman services and build a loyal audience who can become clients.
Why is this idea profitable?
Sharing your stories through audio episodes boosts your brand, attracts a diverse audience and creates opportunities for making money with a podcast. Monetizing your show adds to your income and gives you a platform to highlight your expertise.
10. Commercial handyman services
Commercial handyman services can be a profitable niche but require a different approach than residential work. Businesses rely on regular maintenance to keep things running smoothly, so offering recurring service contracts can bring steady income.
Property managers and business owners want long-term relationships with a handyman who can handle everything from minor repairs to emergency fixes without delays. Prioritize fast response times, a professional appearance and clear communication—businesses don’t like surprises when it comes to costs or scheduling. If you’re just starting out, connecting with property managers, real estate agencies and local businesses is a great way to build your client base quickly.
Typical commercial jobs include fixing doors, replacing light fixtures, repairing drywall, assembling office furniture and maintaining plumbing in offices, retail stores and rental properties. Commercial clients often prefer work done after hours or on weekends to avoid disruptions, so offer flexible scheduling. Also, make sure to have the right insurance since many businesses will ask for proof before hiring.
Why is this idea profitable?
Commercial repair projects often involve higher values and payments, leading to substantial fees. Specializing in commercial handyman services can result in a lucrative niche market.
Consider creating a portfolio website to showcase your commercial service experience for future clients.
Looking for other types of service businesses to pursue? Check out:
Handyman business ideas
Choosing the right handyman business idea isn’t just about what you’re good at—it’s about what people need and what pays well. Start by figuring out your strengths. Are you skilled with power tools? Great at fixing leaks? Maybe you can assemble furniture faster than most people can read the instructions.
Check out what’s in demand in your area. If clogged gutters are a common issue, that could be your opportunity. Think about costs too—some jobs require pricey tools or licenses, while others, like furniture assembly, only need basic equipment. Focus on services with long-term potential, like seasonal maintenance or high-ticket projects like deck repairs, to grow your business faster.
Ready to put your skills to work? Explore these handyman business ideas to turn your know-how into a steady paycheck.
General handyman services: A bit of everything—fixing leaks, patching walls, assembling furniture. Perfect if you like variety and steady work.
Plumbing repairs: Leaky faucets, clogged drains and running toilets are constant headaches for homeowners. If you know your way around pipes, this is a solid niche.
Electrical repairs: Light fixtures, outlets, ceiling fans—basic electrical work pays well, though some jobs might require a license.
Furniture assembly: Not everyone has the patience for IKEA manuals. If you like putting things together, this is an easy, in-demand service.
Home maintenance packages: Offer seasonal services like HVAC filter changes, gutter cleaning and weatherproofing—great for repeat business.
Drywall repair & painting: People are always putting holes in walls, whether from moving furniture or rowdy kids. Fix, smooth and paint for a fresh finish.
Smart home setup: Install smart locks, video doorbells and home security cameras. With smart home tech booming, this field has huge potential.
Door & window repair: Sticking doors, broken locks, drafty windows—simple fixes homeowners will happily pay for.
Deck & fence repair: Wooden decks and fences need regular maintenance, and most homeowners don’t want to do it themselves. That’s where you come in.
Tile & grout repair: Cracked bathroom tiles and grimy grout make a house look old fast. A little repair work can make a big difference.
Gutter cleaning & repair: No one wants to climb a ladder and scoop out leaves—except you, for a solid payday.
Carpentry & custom woodwork: From custom shelves to built-in cabinets, if you love working with wood, this is a rewarding niche.
TV mounting & home theater setup: Save homeowners the hassle of getting that perfect, no-wires-showing TV setup. Bonus points if you offer surround sound installation.
Exterior pressure washing: Dirty siding, grimy driveways, mossy decks—blast them clean and boost curb appeal fast.
Moving help & junk removal: Not everyone has a truck or the muscle to haul heavy stuff. If you do, there’s always demand for moving help and junk removal.
Handyman side hustle
A handyman side hustle is a great way to make extra money without committing to a full-time business. Start with small, quick jobs like furniture assembly, TV mounting, minor repairs or painting touch-ups—tasks that don’t need special licenses or expensive tools.
Advertise locally on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and Nextdoor where homeowners look for affordable help. Word-of-mouth is key, so always ask happy customers to refer you. Evenings and weekends are ideal for side gigs, making it easy to fit around a regular job while you build your reputation.
Keep it simple by focusing on jobs that pay well for your time. Flat-rate pricing often works better than hourly rates for small tasks since customers like knowing the cost upfront. Carry basic tools, be professional and always show up on time—reliability gets people to call you back.
If demand grows, consider specializing in high-demand services like smart home setup or seasonal home maintenance. Over time, this side hustle could even grow into a full-time business if you decide to take it further.
How much do handymen make
How much a handyman earns depends on their skills, location and the types of jobs they take on. On average, handymen make $25 to $75 per hour, but experienced pros in high-demand areas can charge even more. Focusing on the most profitable handyman services like electrical repairs, plumbing fixes, smart home installations and custom carpentry can boost earnings to $100+ per hour for more complex jobs.
Flat-rate pricing for smaller tasks, like TV mounting or furniture assembly, is another great way to boost earnings since quick jobs mean more clients in a day. The real money often comes from recurring clients and service contracts with property managers, landlords or businesses.
Seasonal jobs like gutter cleaning, pressure washing and HVAC filter replacements also bring in repeat business. Offering emergency or after-hours repairs can be especially profitable, with premium rates for urgent plumbing or electrical issues.
With smart pricing and a focus on the right services, a handyman can make $50,000 to $100,000+ annually, whether full-time or as a lucrative side hustle.
How to make money as a handyman FAQ
How do handymen earn money?
Handymen primarily earn money by charging fees for their repair, improvement or maintenance services. Fees can be based on an hourly rate, a project basis or a combination of both.