Quick answer: Handymen in Rhode Island typically bill $55–$75 per hour (2025). The median handyman earns $24.47/hr ($50,900/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 Rhode Island compares to other states.
Handyman income in Rhode Island (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Rhode Island's ~4,500 maintenance, and repair workers, general:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $17.75 | ~$3,077 | ~$36,920 |
| Median (typical) | $24.47 | ~$4,242 | $50,900 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $36.49 | ~$6,325 | ~$75,899 |
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) | ~$24/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $55–$75/hr |
Where Rhode Island ranks
Rhode Island pays handymen 3% above the national median, ranking 21st of 51 states — right around the national middle:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — District of Columbia | $29.00 |
| Rhode Island (21st) | $24.47 |
| National median | $23.84 |
| Lowest — West Virginia | $18.70 |
What common handyman jobs cost in Rhode Island
At Rhode Island billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Rhode Island range |
|---|---|
| Service call / small job | $100–$250 |
| TV mounting | $100–$350 |
| Furniture assembly | $75–$300 |
| Drywall repair | $150–$525 |
| Faucet / fixture swap | $125–$350 |
| Door repair / adjustment | $100–$400 |
| Shelving / wall mounting | $100–$400 |
| Caulking & sealing | $100–$350 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $150–$400 |
| Gutter cleaning | $100–$350 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How handymen compare to other trades in Rhode Island
Here's how handyman pay lines up against Rhode Island's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $36.77/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Electrician | $35.62/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.25/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Handyman | $24.47/hr | $55–$75/hr |
| Painter | $20.00/hr | $45–$60/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 Rhode Island?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Rhode Island contractor & trade licensing to check whether handymen need a state license in Rhode Island, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do handymen charge per hour in Rhode Island?
In 2025, most Rhode Island handymen bill $55–$75 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $24/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average handyman salary in Rhode Island?
The median handyman in Rhode Island earns about $50,900 a year ($24.47/hr). Entry-level handymen earn around $37,000 and the most experienced earn $76,000 or more.
Do handymen earn more in Rhode Island than nationally?
Yes — Rhode Island's median handyman wage is about 3% above the national median of $23.84/hr, ranking 21st 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.