Are you a self-employed handyman wondering how much to charge per hour in the UK? Pricing your services correctly is essential to running a profitable business while staying competitive.
Many factors influence handyman rates, including experience, location, and the type of work offered.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average hourly rates, key factors affecting pricing, the highest-paying cities, and strategies to maximise your earnings as a self-employed handyman in the UK.
What Are the Average Handyman Hourly Rates in the UK?
The hourly rate for a self-employed handyman in the UK can vary widely depending on several factors such as experience, location, job complexity, and additional costs like travel or materials.
Typical Hourly Rates
| Experience Level | Average Hourly Rate (UK) | Typical Job Type |
| Beginner (0-2 years) | £15 – £25 | Basic repairs, furniture assembly, minor fixes |
| Intermediate (3-5 years) | £25 – £40 | Plumbing, electrical work, painting, more complex repairs |
| Experienced (5+ years) | £40 – £60 | Specialised trades, large renovation projects, skilled carpentry |
Self-Employed vs. Company Rates
- Self-Employed Handymen: Generally charge higher rates than those employed by companies, as they need to cover their own business expenses (tools, insurance, transport, etc.).
- Company-Employed Handymen: Typically earn between £9 – £21 per hour, with stable salaries ranging from £20K – £30K per year depending on the employer.
Handyman Pricing Models
- Hourly Rate: Ideal for small jobs, with rates ranging from £15 to £60 per hour.
- Per Job Pricing: Common for larger projects (e.g., £200 for shelving installation or £95 for painting woodwork).
- Day Rate: Some handymen charge a flat day rate, often between £150 to £300 per day, depending on expertise and location.
What Factors Affect a Self-Employed Handyman’s Hourly Rate?
Several factors determine how much a self-employed handyman can charge in the UK. Understanding these can help handymen set competitive yet profitable rates.
Experience and Skill Level
- Beginner Handymen (0-2 years): Typically charge lower rates (£15-£25 per hour) as they are still building their reputation.
- Experienced Handymen (5+ years): Can charge £40-£60 per hour, especially if they have niche skills like electrical work, plumbing, or carpentry.
Location and Regional Demand
- London & South East: Higher demand and living costs allow for rates closer to £50-£60 per hour.
- Northern England & Scotland: Rates tend to be lower, averaging £20-£40 per hour.
- High-Demand Areas: Cities like Fulham (£19.77 per hour), Oxford (£18.71), and Reading (£17.64) have higher average rates.
Type of Work Performed
- Basic Tasks (Lower Rates): Jobs like furniture assembly or picture hanging cost around £15-£30 per hour.
- Specialised Trades (Higher Rates): Jobs like plumbing, electrical repairs, or carpentry can command £40-£60 per hour.
Business Overheads and Costs
- Tools & Equipment: High-quality tools may increase overhead costs.
- Insurance: Liability insurance is necessary and may impact pricing.
- Transport Costs: A handyman working in multiple locations must factor in fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
Market Competition & Demand
- If there are many handymen in an area, pricing may need to be more competitive.
- Specialised skills reduce competition, allowing for higher rates.
How Much Does a Self-Employed Handyman Charge Based on Experience?
Beginner Handyman (0-2 years)
- Hourly Rate: £15 – £25
- Typical Jobs: Basic furniture assembly, minor home repairs, picture/mirror hanging.
- Pros & Cons: Lower rates may attract more customers but limit profit margins.
Intermediate Handyman (3-5 years)
- Hourly Rate: £25 – £40
- Typical Jobs: Plumbing repairs, minor electrical work, painting, carpentry.
- Pros & Cons: Better income potential, but competition can be high.
Experienced Handyman (5+ years)
- Hourly Rate: £40 – £60
- Typical Jobs: Renovation projects, high-end carpentry, major repairs.
- Pros & Cons: Can charge premium rates but requires strong reputation and skills.
Additional Pricing Strategies
- Flat Rate for Small Jobs – Example: £45 per hour for picture hanging, £60 for minor plumbing or electrical work.
- Higher Rates for Urgent Jobs – Emergency call-out fees can range from £50-£100.
- Discounts for Repeat Clients – Some handymen offer loyalty discounts to secure ongoing work.
How Much Do Handyman Services Cost in the UK?
The cost of hiring a handyman depends on the type of job and its duration.
Below is a detailed price guide for common handyman tasks:
| Handyman Job | Average Time Taken | Average Cost + VAT |
| Flat pack furniture assembly | 2-4 hours | £90 |
| Put up 8 basic shelves in a living room | 4-8 hours | £200 |
| Paint woodwork (skirting boards & door in a 4m x 4m room) | 3-5 hours | £95 |
| Picture & mirror hanging | 1-2 hours | £45 |
| Put up a curtain rail | 1-2 hours | £45 |
| Minor electrical work | 1 hour | £60 |
| Minor plumbing work | 1 hour | £60 |
Job Complexity and Pricing
- Smaller Tasks (1-2 hours): £45-£60
- Medium Tasks (3-5 hours): £90-£200
- Full-Day Projects (6-8 hours): £200+
Call-Out Fees & Emergency Rates
- Some handymen charge a call-out fee (£30-£50) for short tasks.
- Emergency/same-day service fees can be £60-£100 per hour.
Cost Variation by City
- London: Higher cost due to demand (£40-£60 per hour).
- Smaller towns: More affordable services (£15-£30 per hour).
How Can a Handyman Set the Right Hourly Rate?
Setting the right hourly rate is crucial for attracting clients, covering business expenses, and making a profit.
Here’s a step-by-step approach for handymen to determine a competitive yet profitable rate:
Calculate Business Costs
Before setting an hourly rate, handymen must account for all their business expenses, including:
- Tools & Equipment: Initial purchases and maintenance costs.
- Transportation: Fuel costs and vehicle maintenance.
- Insurance: Public liability insurance is essential (costs vary from £75-£150 per year).
- Marketing & Advertising: Costs for website hosting, flyers, business cards, and online ads.
- Taxes & National Insurance: Self-employed handymen must register with HMRC and set aside money for income tax and National Insurance contributions.
A good rule of thumb is to add up total monthly expenses, divide by expected billable hours, and add a profit margin.
Research Competitor Pricing
Checking what other local handymen charge can help avoid underpricing or overpricing. Here’s how:
- Browse handyman listings on sites like Checkatrade, TaskRabbit, and Rated People.
- Compare rates in similar locations (London rates will differ from rural areas).
- Consider offering introductory discounts to attract first-time clients.
Adjust for Experience & Skills
- Beginners (0-2 years): Start on the lower end of the scale (£15-£25 per hour).
- Experienced handymen (5+ years): Justify higher rates (£40-£60 per hour) by offering specialist skills like carpentry or electrical work.
- Multi-skilled professionals: If trained in multiple trades (e.g., plumbing + painting), they can charge more.
Decide on an Hourly vs. Fixed Rate
- Hourly Rate: Best for jobs that may take an uncertain amount of time.
- Fixed Rate: Preferred for projects like furniture assembly or painting, where a clear price makes it easier for customers to book.
Factor in Demand & Seasonal Trends
- Winter & Autumn: More demand for indoor work (painting, repairs, heating).
- Spring & Summer: More outdoor projects (decking, fence repairs, gardening).
- Urgent Jobs: Emergency services can justify higher pricing (£60-£100 per hour).
Adjust Pricing Over Time
- If fully booked weeks in advance, increase rates by 5-10%.
- If struggling to get jobs, offer discounts for first-time customers or referrals.
Which Cities in the UK Pay Handymen the Highest Rates?
The location of a handyman’s business plays a significant role in determining earnings. Cities with a higher cost of living or a shortage of skilled tradespeople tend to offer better rates.
Here’s a list of the highest-paying cities for handymen in the UK:
| City | Average Hourly Rate (£) |
| Fulham | £19.77 |
| Hemel Hempstead | £18.93 |
| Oxford | £18.71 |
| Reading | £17.64 |
| London | £17.46 |
| Colchester | £17.33 |
| Bristol | £17.13 |
| Morpeth | £17.11 |
| Grantham | £15.26 |
Why Do These Cities Offer Higher Rates?
- London & Oxford: High living costs require higher wages.
- Bristol & Reading: Growing urban areas with high demand for home repairs.
- Fulham & Hemel Hempstead: Wealthier areas where customers are willing to pay premium rates.
How to Charge More Based on Location?
- Adjust pricing for travel: Charge a call-out fee (£30-£50) for distant locations.
- Target high-end neighbourhoods: Advertise services in areas with higher disposable income.
What Are the Salary Expectations for Handymen in the UK?
While self-employed handymen set their own rates, those employed by companies have fixed salaries. Here’s what handymen can expect to earn across different work models:
Salaries for Employed Handymen
| Company | Hourly Rate (£) | Annual Salary (£) |
| SelfEmployed.com | £7 – £14 | £25K – £30K |
| Mitie | – | £25K – £26K |
| Amey | – | £20K – £26K |
| Home Group | – | £21K – £27K |
| VINCI Construction | £12 – £21 | £16 Median |
| TaskRabbit | £6 – £13 | £9 Median |
How Self-Employed Handymen Compare?
- Hourly Rates: £15 – £60 per hour.
- Annual Income: Can range from £25K to £50K+, depending on workload.
- Profit Potential: Self-employed handymen keep 100% of earnings but must manage expenses.
How Can a Handyman Increase Their Hourly Earnings?
Here are five proven ways handymen can earn more money:
Offer Specialised Services
- Electrical & Plumbing Work: Clients pay more for these skills (£40-£60 per hour).
- Carpentry & Joinery: Custom furniture or woodwork can be lucrative.
Expand Service Areas
- Target high-paying locations like London, Oxford, and Fulham.
- Charge for travel costs if working outside a base location.
Improve Marketing & Online Presence
- List on Platforms: Checkatrade, MyBuilder, TaskRabbit.
- Create a Website: Showcase past work and testimonials.
- Social Media Advertising: Use Facebook & Instagram to reach local customers.
Offer Package Deals & Subscriptions
- Create monthly home maintenance plans (£100-£200/month).
- Bundle multiple services for a discounted rate.
Charge Higher for Urgent or Weekend Work
- Emergency call-outs can be £60-£100 per hour.
- Offer weekend availability at premium rates.
What Is the Best Pricing Strategy for a Self-Employed Handyman?
The best pricing strategy ensures profitability while staying competitive. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Define a Base Hourly Rate
- Calculate business costs.
- Research local competition.
- Factor in profit margins.
Offer Multiple Pricing Options
- Hourly Rate: For smaller tasks (£15-£60).
- Per Project Pricing: Example – £95 for woodwork painting, £200 for shelving installation.
- Call-Out Fees: Typically £30-£50 to cover travel time.
Adjust Rates Based on Demand
- Increase prices by 5-10% if fully booked.
- Reduce rates temporarily if struggling for work.
Encourage Repeat Customers
- Offer loyalty discounts to regular clients.
- Set up monthly maintenance plans for long-term income.
Review & Update Rates Annually
- Adjust for inflation and rising business costs.
- Test different rates to find what works best.
Conclusion
Setting the right hourly rate as a self-employed handyman in the UK requires careful planning. Factors like experience, location, job complexity, and business expenses play a crucial role in determining rates.
While beginners typically charge £15-£25 per hour, experienced handymen can command £40-£60 per hour, especially for specialised services.
To maximise earnings, handymen should offer additional services, target high-paying locations, and implement smart pricing strategies. Marketing through online platforms and social media can also help attract more clients.
Ultimately, balancing competitive pricing with profitability will ensure long-term success in the handyman business.
FAQs
What is the average self-employed handyman hourly rate in the UK?
The average hourly rate for a self-employed handyman in the UK ranges from £15 to £60, depending on experience, location, and job type.
How do handyman rates vary by location in the UK?
Handymen in London, Oxford, and Fulham tend to charge higher rates (£40-£60 per hour), while those in smaller towns may charge £15-£30 per hour.
Should a handyman charge a call-out fee?
Yes, many handymen charge a call-out fee of £30-£50 to cover travel and ensure profitability for short jobs.
What are the best ways to increase handyman earnings?
Handymen can increase earnings by offering specialist services (plumbing, electrical), targeting high-paying cities, and improving online marketing.
Do self-employed handymen have to pay VAT in the UK?
Self-employed handymen must register for VAT if their annual turnover exceeds £90,000, meaning they must charge VAT on their services.
Is it better to charge hourly or per project?
For small tasks, an hourly rate works best, while fixed pricing is better for larger projects like painting or shelving installation.
What are the highest-paying handyman jobs?
The highest-paying handyman jobs include electrical work (£40-£60 per hour), plumbing repairs (£40-£60), and custom carpentry (£50+).
