Looking to boost your income without spending years on a trade license? Good news: If so, handyman gig jobs and labour gigs near you. Offer great opportunities to make between $25 to $75 per hour. Even if you’re not licensed. Looking for more ideas? Check out the Best Gig Jobs of 2025.
By combining basic skills, a positive attitude, and effective self-promotion, you can create a steady flow of handyman gigs and grow it into a dependable side hustle.
Let’s explore how to start making real money with handyman and labour gigs today.
Why Handyman Gig Jobs Are a Smart Side Hustle Choice
In 2025, apprenticeships are flourishing. Homeowners constantly need help with small tasks. These include furniture assembly, painting, plaster patching, minor repairs, and gardening.
These little jobs are perfect for those who want to serve without full-time jobs. In particular, you get flexibility, cash flow, and satisfaction to help people solve real problems.
The best part? Many of these handyman side hustles don’t require official certification. If you’re reliable, skilled, and professional, people are willing to pay well for your services.
Common Handyman Gig Jobs and Labour Gigs You Can Start Today
You don’t need fancy equipment or years of experience to land jobs. Here’s a list of services you can offer right away:
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Furniture assembly (IKEA and others)
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TV wall mounting
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Light yard work and landscaping
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Gutter cleaning
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Drywall repair
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Fence or deck staining
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Minor plumbing (like fixing a leaky faucet)
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Hanging shelves, pictures, or blinds
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Basic power work
Fortunately, the good news is that in many states, you can perform minor repairs and basic home maintenance without needing a professional license. Want to learn more about typical handyman services? Check this detailed list on HomeAdvisor.
Essential Tools You Need to Start Your Handyman Side Hustle
Starting an apprentice side hustle. Does not mean you need to spend thousands of dollars on equipment. Most basic handyman gig jobs require only a few essential tools.
Here’s a starter list:
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Cordless drill (and drill bit set)
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Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
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Hammer
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Tape measure
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Level
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Adjustable wrench
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Stud finder
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Utility knife
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Ladder (at least 6–8 feet)
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Safety equipment (gloves, glasses, dust masks)
Best of all, you can easily get all these under $300. Some jobs might even reimburse you. For special tools, especially for furniture assembly or TV mounting.
Tip: Buy tools slowly as you land more gigs. Start small and reinvest some earnings into better equipment.
How to Become a Handyman Without a License (Step-by-Step)
If you are wondering how to become a handyman without a license, here’s the simple truth:
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Start small. Focus on tasks that don’t legally require permits.
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Check local rules. Different states and cities have their regulations. In most places, you can work unlicensed if the project cost is below a set amount (like $500 or $1,000).
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Offer services that homeowners cannot or don’t want to do themselves. This keeps you in high demand without crossing into licensed trade work.
Above all, always be honest with your clients. Let them know you specialise in small jobs. Honesty creates trust and builds repeat business.
Handyman Gig Jobs: How Much Can You Earn Per Hour?
Now for the exciting part: your earning potential.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
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Furniture assembly: $30-$60 per hour
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Gutter cleaning: $50-$75 per hour
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Painting a small room: $25-$50 per hour
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Yard clean-up: $25-$40 per hour
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Drywall repair: $30-$60 per hour
Typically, handymen can make anywhere from $25 to $75 per hour, depending on their skills and location. Depending on the type of work, location, and experience level.
Over time, as you build your reputation. Eventually, as you can charge premium prices — even more than $100 per hour for specialised services!
How to Price Your Handyman Services
One mistake many beginners make is underpricing. Labour gigs near you might vary based on city, neighbourhood, and service type. Here’s a smart approach:
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Check local competition: See what other handymen are doing. Charge on platforms like Thumbtack or TaskRabbit.
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Charge by the job or hour: For small fixes (like mounting a TV), charge a flat fee. For larger jobs (like painting a room), an hourly rate may be better.
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To protect your time, set a minimum fee: Even if a job takes only 20 minutes, set a $50 minimum to cover travel and setup time.
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Offer discounts when you bundle jobs together. For example, you could charge $150 to assemble furniture and hang shelves at the same time. It’s a good deal for customers — and better for you.
Over time, you will be faster and more efficient. Increasing your effective hourly rate.
Where to Find Labour Gigs Near Me and Handyman Side Hustle Opportunities
Finding labour gigs near you is easier than ever. Use a mix of online platforms and traditional methods to stay booked.
Here are some top websites to get handyman gig jobs:
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TaskRabbit: Perfect for short-term apprentices.
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Thumbtack: Great for finding local customers.
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Craigslist: Still a strong place for posting services.
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Facebook Marketplace and Groups: Local groups are goldmines for labour gigs.
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Nextdoor: Homeowners love hiring trusted neighbours.
Offline methods:
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Flyers: Post at community centres, grocery stores, and hardware stores.
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Word of mouth: Tell friends, family, and neighbours you’re available.
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Partnerships: Network with real estate agents or property managers. Those who often need quick repairs.
Consistency in promoting yourself means consistent gigs.
Tips to Succeed in Your Handyman Side Hustle
Here are simple but powerful tips to make your handyman side hustle profitable:
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Be reliable: Always show up on time and keep your promises.
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Communicate clearly: Confirm job details, pricing, and deadlines before starting.
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Bring your equipment: Being prepared makes you look professional.
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Stay safe: Importantly, always use proper safety gear, even for small tasks.
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Keep learning: Watch YouTube tutorials, read handyman blogs, and practice new skills.
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Offer package deals: Combine services for higher-paying jobs.
How to Grow Your Handyman Side Hustle into a Full-Time Business
Steady part-time or full-time work, focus on repeat clients and referral business.
Here’s how:
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Offer a “Home Maintenance Package” to your clients. This could include checking gutters. Fixing small issues, touching up paint, and charging a flat seasonal fee.
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After each project, send polite follow-ups after jobs to thank clients and offer future help.
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Create simple business cards and leave a few behind after every job.
People love having a “go-to handyman.” Building loyalty means you spend less time hunting for gigs and more time earning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Handyman Gig Jobs
When starting your handyman side hustle, avoid these common pitfalls:
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Overpromising: Only accept jobs you are sure you can complete well.
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Skipping legal checks: Always know what you legally can and cannot do without a license.
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Ignoring pricing research: Stay competitive with other handymen in your area.
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Poor presentation: Dress neatly, keep tools clean, and act professionally.
Remember, building a good reputation takes time. But one bad experience can quickly damage your business. Always deliver your best work.
Final Thoughts on Building a Successful Handyman Side Hustle
You don’t need a degree or a license to start earning $25–$75 an hour with handyman gig jobs and local labour gigs.
With basic skills, hard work, and smart marketing, you can turn small jobs into a steady income. Over time, this can grow into a full-time career.
Remember: Start small, do quality work, and build trust. You can start small with handyman side hustle opportunities. Or you can launch a full business without a license. Either way, the possibilities are wide open.
So, take the first step today — grab your toolbox, sign up on a platform, and start offering your services. Success is just one gig away!
