Handyman Cost Per Hour in California
$69 – $123We estimate a handyman in California bills about $69 to $123 an hour, based on the state's median wage of $27.41 from BLS (2025). The U.S. median is $23.84.
A contractor's license is required for projects of $1,000 or more in labor, materials and all other items. An unlicensed person may do smaller jobs only if the work needs no permit and the person employs no workers.
Metro areas
| Place | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $27.17 | $68 | $122 |
| San Francisco | $30.59 | $76 | $138 |
| Riverside | $25.75 | $64 | $116 |
| San Diego | $26.22 | $66 | $118 |
What common jobs cost in California
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance Repair | $100 | $500 |
| Drywall Repair | $80 | $550 |
| Mold Removal | $510 | $4,300 |
| Garage Door Repair | $90 | $670 |
Neighboring states
Sources
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.