New York is really two different handyman markets wearing the same state name. There's the city, where you can charge $100/hr and people don't blink. And there's upstate, where $50/hr gets you a raised eyebrow. Knowing which market you're in and pricing accordingly makes or breaks your business.
I've gathered rate data from handymen across New York State for 2026. Let me walk through what's working.
Hourly Rates by Region
| Region | Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | $85/hr | $125/hr | $175+/hr |
| Brooklyn / Queens | $70/hr | $100/hr | $140/hr |
| Long Island / Westchester | $65/hr | $90/hr | $130/hr |
| Hudson Valley | $50/hr | $70/hr | $95/hr |
| Albany / Capital District | $40/hr | $60/hr | $80/hr |
| Syracuse / Rochester | $38/hr | $55/hr | $75/hr |
| Buffalo | $35/hr | $50/hr | $70/hr |
The gap between Manhattan and Buffalo is almost 3x. That sounds wild, but when you factor in that a parking spot in Manhattan costs $400-$600/month and your insurance is double what it costs upstate, the margins end up closer than you'd think.
Common Job Pricing (Flat Rate)
A lot of handymen in New York are moving toward flat-rate pricing for common jobs. It's easier to sell and customers like knowing the price upfront. Here's where flat rates are landing:
| Job | NYC Metro | Upstate NY |
|---|---|---|
| TV Mounting | $150 - $300 | $75 - $175 |
| Ceiling Fan Install | $175 - $350 | $100 - $200 |
| Toilet Replacement | $250 - $450 | $150 - $275 |
| Drywall Patch (small) | $150 - $275 | $75 - $150 |
| Door Replacement (interior) | $200 - $400 | $125 - $250 |
| Faucet Replacement | $175 - $350 | $100 - $200 |
| Furniture Assembly (large) | $150 - $300 | $75 - $175 |
| Shelving Install | $125 - $250 | $75 - $150 |
NYC handymen who specialize in apartment work often set a minimum job charge of $200-$300. That covers the travel time, parking hassle, and building access logistics. If somebody only needs one shelf hung, the minimum still applies. Don't feel guilty about it.
NYC-Specific Challenges
Working as a handyman in New York City comes with costs that don't exist anywhere else:
- Building access. Co-ops and condos often require COI (certificate of insurance) with specific coverage amounts. Some buildings want $2 million in liability. If your policy only covers $1 million, you either upgrade or lose the job.
- Parking. In Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, you're either paying for parking ($20-$50 per job) or risking tickets ($65-$115 each). Build this into your pricing. A lot of NYC handymen add a $25-$40 travel/parking fee per visit.
- Licensing gray areas. New York City requires a Home Improvement Contractor license (HIC) if you're doing work over $200. The license costs about $200 plus the bonding and insurance requirements. Working without it is a gamble that's not worth taking.
- Material transport. You can't just throw stuff in the back of a truck when you're taking the subway or dealing with no-elevator walkups. Some guys charge extra for jobs above the 3rd floor. That's fair.
Upstate Opportunities
Upstate New York is a different market but not a bad one. The rates are lower, but so is everything else. Here's what's working for upstate handymen:
- Property management work. College towns like Ithaca, Syracuse, and Albany have tons of rental properties that need constant turnover maintenance. Get in with 3-4 property managers and you'll have steady work.
- Seasonal work. Gutter cleaning in fall ($150-$300 per house), storm door installs in winter ($175-$350), and deck staining in spring ($2-$4/sq ft). Match your services to the season.
- Senior services. Upstate NY has an aging population. Grab bar installs ($125-$200 each), accessibility modifications, and general home maintenance for seniors is a growing niche.
Setting Your Rate
Here's a quick formula that works in any part of New York: add up your monthly costs (insurance, vehicle, tools, phone, marketing, gas) and divide by the number of billable hours you realistically work. That's your breakeven hourly rate. Now add 40-50% for profit and taxes. That's your minimum charge.
For most solo handymen in the NYC metro, that math lands somewhere between $80 and $120/hr. Upstate, it's more like $45-$70/hr. If you're below those numbers, something in your cost calculation is missing.
Our pricing calculator walks you through this math step by step. And the rate comparison tool shows where you stand against other handymen in your area.
Free Handyman Business Tools
Invoice templates, pricing guides, and job tracking sheets. All free, no sign-up.
Get Free ToolsNew York has more than enough demand for handyman work. Millions of apartments, houses, and commercial spaces need constant maintenance. Price it right, show up on time, and you'll stay busy.
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