Handyman Job Description: How to Write Your Own [+ Free Template]

1. Role summary

Start your handyman job description with a role summary. This is a short overview of the handyman position you’re hiring for, so include details like:

• Position title
• Supervisor
• Seniority level
• Main responsibilities

The role summary should also briefly describe what the role involves and what kind of person would do well in that job. Your handyman role summary could look something like this:

2. Job responsibilities

Write down a list of handyman job responsibilities and duties. There could be a long to-do list of odd jobs, so make sure you’re covering all possible tasks by asking questions like:

• What clients does your handyman business work with (e.g., residential, commercial)?
• What handyman tools and equipment will they use (e.g., hammer, electric drill, circular saw)?
• What do your current handymen do in any given week (e.g., painting, carpentry, electrical work, routine maintenance)?
• Will your new employee need to complete any other non-handyman tasks (e.g., customer service, pricing handyman jobs, scheduling work, invoicing clients)?

Your new handyman’s job responsibilities could look like this:

3. Handyman skills and qualifications

Start by creating a list of handyman skills a candidate will need to be successful. Here are a few essential handyman skills to include on your job description:

• Plumbing (e.g., toilet repairs, faucet and sink repair, water leak repair)
• Carpentry (e.g., building decks and railings, fence repair, installing crown molding)
• Electrical work (e.g., installing light fixtures and fans, installing electric car charging stations)
• Appliance installation and repair
• Furniture assembly
• Painting (e.g., interior and exterior painting)
• Physical demands (e.g., working at heights, weight lifting capacity)

Soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral skills that will help the candidate work well with your team and on-site at a client’s property. To find the best applicant, consider adding these soft skills to your job description:

• Customer service
• Communication
• Organization
• Working with others

Then, include any professional qualifications you’re looking for in a new hire, like:

• Years of handyman experience
• Handyman license, if required by your state
• Successful completion of a handyman apprenticeship program
• Valid driver’s license and clean driver’s record, if required

You can also add optional skills that aren’t needed for the role but would help candidates stand out, like being fluent in Spanish or having experience with handyman software.

READ MORE: Must-have handyman apps for busy contractors

4. Working hours

Your handyman job description should include your working hours or shift options so candidates know what to expect. That way, they’ll only apply if your schedule works for their needs.

Include any other relevant information about the time commitment, like whether the job is full-time or part-time, permanent or temporary, and seasonal or year-round.

5. Role compensation

Include the salary or hourly wage for the role, even if it’s a pay range. This sets expectations early and tells applicants whether the compensation is in the right range for them.

Candidates will compare employers to see which one they like best, so include non-financial compensation, too. This could include your employee bonus program, paid days off, and health insurance.

6. Company overview

Tell applicants more about your handyman business and why they should work for you. Include details like:

• How many years you’ve been in business
• Company mission, vision, and values
• What kind of employee experience you offer
• Why employees work with you
• Professional development and career-building opportunities

Your handyman company overview could look like this:

Pro Tip: When your handyman company overview is finished, you can reuse it in future job postings.

READ MORE: How to build a business where employees want to work

Make sure your handyman job description includes instructions for applying, whether that’s through email or using an online application form on job boards like Indeed.

These instructions should also say when the application deadline is and whether you need a handyman resume, cover letter, and references.

Frequently asked questions

How much to pay a handyman

On average, handymen earn $54,612/year (USD). This amount can vary depending on their experience. New handymen earn around $42,657 per year, while handymen with 20+ years of experience make $66,086.

Geographical area can also affect a handyman’s wages. A handyman living in Alaska can earn $63,925 a year, but they may only earn $43,361 providing the same service in Mississippi.

What does a handyman do?

Handymen complete a wide variety of installation, maintenance, and repair tasks around a home or office. These tasks can require specialized knowledge or tools, or the customer may not have time to do the tasks themselves.

Here are a few examples of handyman services:

• Furniture assembly
• Minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry tasks that don’t require a trade ticket
• Interior and exterior surface painting, staining, maintenance, and minor repairs
• Window covering installation and door hardware upgrades
• Babyproofing and senior home upgrades
• Pressure washing, window cleaning, and gutter cleaning
• Yard maintenance and fence repairs
• Preventative maintenance like fixing door seals and replacing furnace filters

Handymen can work as independent contractors, or they can be employed or subcontracted by a property management company or other business.

What are some handyman duties and responsibilities?

A handyman’s duty is to help customers maintain their homes and offices. This includes coordinating visits, performing site walkthroughs, and providing a wide range of handyman services.

As part of their role, a handyman may work with suppliers to source and maintain an inventory of products and materials.

Depending on the handyman’s seniority level and the business’s needs, they may also be responsible for quoting jobs, sending invoices, and collecting customer payments.

What skills, experience, or training does a handyman need?

Handyman companies often prefer to hire employees who have previous experience as a handyman, plumber, carpenter, electrician, painter, or similar role in home services.

Many handyman jobs require a high school diploma or GED. Some areas also require a handyman license, trade ticket, or other certification before a handyman can legally provide services.

What makes a good handyman?

The best handymen can quickly find and solve a variety of problems in a home or office. They work well with customers, clearly communicate with others, and stay focused for long periods of time.

Successful handymen can also work within tight spaces like attics and crawlspaces, climb and stand on ladders, and occasionally lift heavy loads.

The more industry knowledge a handyman has, the better. Ideally a professional handyman has strong general repair skills and experience in at least one trade, like plumbing or electrical.

What should you look for in a handyman resume?

Always get applicants to send you a copy of their handyman resume. Look for past experience as a handyman, including trade certification (if that’s important for the role you’re hiring for).

If you’re hiring for an entry-level role, look for applicants who show willingness to learn. They should also have at least one year’s experience in each previous role so you know they won’t leave for another job right away.