What handymen should charge in Washington.
Fair billed labor here runs about $46–$87/hour, about 19% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what general maintenance and repair workers actually earn in Washington; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should handymen charge in Washington?
In Washington, general maintenance and repair workers earn $23.20–$34.78 per hour (median $28.44, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 19% 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 Washington runs about $46–$87 per hour. For example, half-day of small repairs is about $140–$350 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 $46–$87/hr billed.
Full day of repairs
That assumes one worker, one day, materials billed separately at cost.
Typical labor: 7–8 hours at $46–$87/hr billed.
Before you hire in Washington
Contractors register with L&I; the "Verify" tool shows bond, insurance and lawsuits against the bond. One of the best lookup tools in the country — use it.
How to verify a Washington license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
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Other fair price checks in Washington
Compare handymen rates across all states · all fair price checks