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Handymen are versatile tradespeople who handle a wide range of small jobs around the home. Rates vary by task complexity, region, and experience. This guide covers current 2026 handyman hourly rates and day rates across the UK.
Hourly rate
£20–£40
per hour
Day rate
£150–£280
per day
Call-out
£45–£75
minimum charge
Rates vary considerably across the UK. Here's what you can expect to pay in each region.
* Rates are typical market averages for 2026 based on industry survey data. Individual rates vary by experience, job type, and other factors.
Several factors determine how much a handyman will charge for a job.
Simple tasks like hanging pictures, assembling furniture, or fixing doors cost less per hour than jobs requiring specialist tools or skills such as tiling repairs or minor electrical work.
Most handymen charge a minimum of 1–2 hours regardless of job length. For very small jobs, this minimum charge (£45–£75) may represent the entire cost.
Booking a handyman for a full day of multiple jobs is more cost-effective than multiple separate bookings. Many handymen offer a discounted day rate versus their hourly rate for full-day bookings.
Good handymen carry a wide range of tools. For materials (screws, fixings, sealant), they may charge at cost or with a small markup. Larger materials you'll generally need to supply.
London handymen charge 40–55% more than those in Northern England. Urban areas also have higher demand and shorter availability than rural areas.
Official statistics to check these rates against, with a link to each source.
496,300
Self-employed people among the 861,800 working in skilled construction and building trades in the UK.
Source: ONS Annual Population Survey (Nomis), Jul 2025 to Jun 2026
55p a mile
HMRC flat rate for cars and vans for the first 10,000 business miles in 2026/27 (45p before 6 April 2026), then 25p.
£90,000
VAT registration threshold: you must register when taxable turnover for the last 12 months goes over this.
Source: GOV.UK, VAT registration
6% and 2%
Class 4 National Insurance for 2026/27: 6% on profits from £12,570 to £50,270, then 2% above that.
Last reviewed: . Figures are the latest official releases at that date; follow each link for the full data and any later update.
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The average handyman hourly rate in the UK is £20–£40/hr in 2026. London handymen typically charge £32–£58/hr. In Northern England and Wales, £17–£34/hr is more common.
Handyman day rates in the UK are typically £150–£280/day in 2026. In London, expect £225–£400/day. In Northern England and Wales, £128–£255/day is typical.
Handymen typically handle small to medium tasks including furniture assembly, door repairs, shelving, minor plastering, painting, tile repairs, gutter clearing, and general maintenance. They are not licensed for gas or major electrical work.
For jobs under 30 minutes, be aware that most handymen charge a minimum of 1–2 hours. However, if you have multiple small tasks to bundle together, a handyman provides great value versus booking separate tradespeople.
Unlike gas engineers or electricians, there is no legal requirement for a handyman to hold specific qualifications in the UK. However, good handymen carry public liability insurance and may hold basic trade qualifications. Always check reviews and ask about insurance.
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