Quick answer: Handymen in Massachusetts typically bill $60–$85 per hour (2025). The median handyman earns $28.04/hr ($58,320/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 Massachusetts compares to other states.
Handyman income in Massachusetts (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Massachusetts's ~29,830 maintenance, and repair workers, general:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $18.63 | ~$3,229 | ~$38,750 |
| Median (typical) | $28.04 | ~$4,860 | $58,320 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $38.55 | ~$6,682 | ~$80,184 |
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) | ~$28/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $60–$85/hr |
Where Massachusetts ranks
Massachusetts pays handymen 18% above the national median, ranking 5th of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — District of Columbia | $29.00 |
| Massachusetts (5th) | $28.04 |
| National median | $23.84 |
| Lowest — West Virginia | $18.70 |
Handyman rates by Massachusetts metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median handyman wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $28.69/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| Barnstable Town | $27.70/hr | $60–$85/hr |
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area | $27.58/hr | $60–$85/hr |
| Worcester | $26.52/hr | $60–$80/hr |
| Springfield | $25.38/hr | $55–$75/hr |
| Amherst Town-Northampton | $24.83/hr | $55–$75/hr |
| Pittsfield | $23.53/hr | $50–$70/hr |
What common handyman jobs cost in Massachusetts
At Massachusetts billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Massachusetts range |
|---|---|
| Service call / small job | $125–$300 |
| TV mounting | $125–$400 |
| Furniture assembly | $100–$350 |
| Drywall repair | $175–$600 |
| Faucet / fixture swap | $150–$400 |
| Door repair / adjustment | $125–$475 |
| Shelving / wall mounting | $125–$475 |
| Caulking & sealing | $125–$400 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $175–$475 |
| Gutter cleaning | $125–$400 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How handymen compare to other trades in Massachusetts
Here's how handyman pay lines up against Massachusetts's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $45.14/hr | $100–$135/hr |
| Electrician | $38.18/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Carpenter | $36.16/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Handyman | $28.04/hr | $60–$85/hr |
| Painter | $27.65/hr | $60–$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 Massachusetts?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Massachusetts contractor & trade licensing to check whether handymen need a state license in Massachusetts, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do handymen charge per hour in Massachusetts?
In 2025, most Massachusetts handymen bill $60–$85 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $28/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average handyman salary in Massachusetts?
The median handyman in Massachusetts earns about $58,320 a year ($28.04/hr). Entry-level handymen earn around $39,000 and the most experienced earn $80,000 or more.
Do handymen earn more in Massachusetts than nationally?
Yes — Massachusetts's median handyman wage is about 18% above the national median of $23.84/hr, ranking 5th of 51 states.
Which Massachusetts city pays handymen the most?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH, at a $28.69/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
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.