What handymen should charge in District of Columbia.
Fair billed labor here runs about $47–$92/hour, about 21% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what general maintenance and repair workers actually earn in District of Columbia; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should handymen charge in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, general maintenance and repair workers earn $23.67–$36.64 per hour (median $29.00, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 21% above the median US state for this trade. A legitimate business bills 2–2.5× wages to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment, overhead and profit, so fair billed labor in District of Columbia runs about $47–$92 per hour. For example, half-day of small repairs is about $140–$375 in fair labor, before materials.
Fair price by job
Half-day of small repairs
That assumes a punch list: doors, caulk, hardware, small drywall patches.
Typical labor: 3–4 hours at $47–$92/hr billed.
Full day of repairs
That assumes one worker, one day, materials billed separately at cost.
Typical labor: 7–8 hours at $47–$92/hr billed.
Before you hire in District of Columbia
Home improvement contractors and specialty trades are licensed by the District.
How to verify a District of Columbia license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
Find handymen near you in District of Columbia
Other fair price checks in District of Columbia
Compare handymen rates across all states · all fair price checks