what is a handyman?

A handyman is skilled in performing general repair and maintenance work that electricians, plumbers and similar professionals do not cover. Even though you don't have the training and education necessary to complete work in a specific area, you provide the versatility that other tradespeople don't have. For instance, when someone works as a plumber, they generally do not perform work that doesn't directly relate to plumbing systems.

Most handymen complete repairs and maintenance in manufacturing or mining companies and residential settings. Standard tasks for handymen are simple repairs on heating systems and fixture installations. If a home appliance malfunctions, you diagnose the problem and provide basic repairs. When the repair work is more intricate, you recommend a plumber or a professional electrician who can provide specialised work.

As a handyman, you work in different industries and work environments. For instance, you can work for a service company providing services to a range of clients or in the construction or mining industries offering repair and maintenance services.

handyman vacancies
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average handyman salary

A handyman's average salary in Australia is $68,000 per year. When you are new to the role and have minimal experience, you take home a remuneration package of $60,000 annually. As you gain experience and learn additional skills, your salary increases to over $75,000 yearly based on your skills and additional qualifications.

what factors increase the salary of a handyman?

As a handyman, your remuneration depends on experience and qualifications. Since qualifications are not mandatory in the profession, completing a few short courses improves your salary prospects. You are likely to earn more when you learn new skills or gain a few years of experience.

Aside from experience and qualifications, the industry you work in also determines your earnings. You are likely to perform complex tasks when you work for commercial businesses. Hence, the earnings are higher due to the additional expertise required. When you work in residential areas, the salary depends on your tasks, with minor roles attracting a lower salary. Metro areas also have a higher remuneration package for handypersons due to the high demand for their services.

Want to know what you will earn as a handyman? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

handyman careers
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types of handymen

As a handyman, you are a repair and maintenance tradesperson with skills in various trades. You can specialise in the following sectors:

  • electrical appliance maintenance work: a handyman can fix small appliances and install smart home devices. As a handyman, you maintain simple problems in HVAC systems and install thermostats, sensors and doorbells.
  • window fitting: as a handyman, you handle window fitting or repairs. For instance, you clean up a broken glass and replace it with a new one. You also replace the window frames.
  • roofing repairs: as a handyman, you can specialise in removing dirt and debris from roofs, repainting them or repairing and replacing shingles.
view available handyperson roles
view available handyperson roles
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working as a handyman

A handyman completes residential and business premises maintenance, repair and installation jobs. If you are interested in the role, explore the daily duties, work environments and career outlook of handypersons.

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education and skills

There are no mandatory educational qualifications for becoming a handyman. However, some of the services you provide require a licence. The educational requirements of a handyman include:

  • completing a course or apprenticeship: decide on the type of handyman you want to be and the services you will offer. For instance, if you want to offer plumbing or electrical work, you require qualifications to obtain a licence. A Certificate III in plumbing or a Certificate III in carpentry and joinery prepares you for a general handyman role.
  • gain experience: you can learn the ropes by working with another handyperson or assisting plumbers and electricians in their work. With enough experience, you can open a business and offer services directly to customers.

handyman skills and competencies

A handyman requires the following skills:

  • construction skills: as a handyman, you need basic construction skills like knowledge of using tools for repairs and building structures. Sometimes, the job involves using power tools, operating machinery and reading blueprints. Construction skills help you complete projects safely and efficiently.
  • mechanical aptitude: as a handyman, you use mechanical aptitude to understand how machines work and develop solutions for problems. It also helps you understand mechanical diagrams in troubleshooting manuals to solve problems successfully.
  • problem-solving skills: as a handyman, you need expert troubleshooting skills to perform repairs and fixtures on various projects. Problem-solving skills help you come up with innovative ways to solve issues.
  • maintenance skills: as a handyman, you require extensive experience in maintenance and repairs. Some of the maintenance skills you require include carpentry, electrical work, interior and exterior property maintenance and appliance installation.
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FAQs about working as a handyman

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a handyman.

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