Quick answer: Handymen in District of Columbia typically bill $65–$85 per hour (2025). The median handyman earns $29.00/hr ($60,310/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — a handyman business charges roughly 2–3× that to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what handymen earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how District of Columbia compares to other states.
Handyman income in District of Columbia (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for District of Columbia's ~4,860 maintenance, and repair workers, general:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $20.24 | ~$3,508 | ~$42,099 |
| Median (typical) | $29.00 | ~$5,026 | $60,310 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $40.57 | ~$7,032 | ~$84,386 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a handyman takes home. What a handyman business bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median handyman wage (earned) | ~$29/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $65–$85/hr |
Where District of Columbia ranks
District of Columbia pays handymen 22% above the national median, ranking 1st of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia (1st) | $29.00 |
| National median | $23.84 |
| Lowest — West Virginia | $18.70 |
What common handyman jobs cost in District of Columbia
At District of Columbia billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical District of Columbia range |
|---|---|
| Service call / small job | $125–$300 |
| TV mounting | $125–$425 |
| Furniture assembly | $100–$375 |
| Drywall repair | $175–$600 |
| Faucet / fixture swap | $150–$425 |
| Door repair / adjustment | $125–$475 |
| Shelving / wall mounting | $125–$475 |
| Caulking & sealing | $125–$425 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $175–$475 |
| Gutter cleaning | $125–$425 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How handymen compare to other trades in District of Columbia
Here's how handyman pay lines up against District of Columbia's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $48.57/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Electrician | $37.97/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.67/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Handyman | $29.00/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| Painter | $28.61/hr | $65–$85/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free handyman estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do handymen need a license in District of Columbia?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See District of Columbia contractor & trade licensing to check whether handymen need a state license in District of Columbia, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do handymen charge per hour in District of Columbia?
In 2025, most District of Columbia handymen bill $65–$85 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $29/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average handyman salary in District of Columbia?
The median handyman in District of Columbia earns about $60,310 a year ($29.00/hr). Entry-level handymen earn around $42,000 and the most experienced earn $84,000 or more.
Do handymen earn more in District of Columbia than nationally?
Yes — District of Columbia's median handyman wage is about 22% above the national median of $23.84/hr, ranking 1st of 51 states.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes.