Handyman flat rate pricing: how to set it, with a sample price sheet

By Nicholas Lipari, founder of PlainJob · Updated October 27, 2026 · 6 min read

Short answer: a flat rate is your hourly rate × the usual time for the job + materials + a small buffer, rounded to a clean number. Quote flat rates for jobs you've done many times, keep hourly for anything you can't see inside of, and bundle small tasks into packages.

The formula

Flat rate = (hourly rate × usual hours) + materials + buffer
Buffer: 10–20% of the labor for surprises
Round up to a clean number

Example: TV mount
$80/hr × 1.25 hrs = $100
Materials (anchors, cable kit) = $15
Buffer 15% of labor = $15
Flat rate: $130

Don't have an hourly rate yet? Start with the handyman rate calculator, then read how to price handyman jobs.

Or skip the math: the flat rate calculator does it for you.

A sample flat rate sheet

These are examples for the format only. Use your own rate and times; our handyman price list has typical ranges.

Job	Usual time	Flat rate at $80/hr
Mount a TV up to 65" (customer's bracket)	1–1.5 hrs	$130
Swap a light fixture, same box	1 hr	$95
Replace a faucet	1.5 hrs	$140
Patch a small drywall hole, ready for paint	1 hr + return visit	$150
Hang 3 shelves	1.5 hrs	$140
Recaulk a tub	1.5 hrs	$140

Set a minimum charge (often one hour) so small calls cover your drive.

Handyman packages

Packages bundle small jobs into one visit, which customers like and which saves you drive time:

Half day: up to 4 hours of small tasks from the customer's list, one price.
Move-in package: curtain rods, TV mount, shelves, smoke detectors.
Seasonal: gutters, caulk, weatherstripping, filter changes. Pair with gutter cleaning.
Rental turnover: a fixed price per unit for a standard punch list.

When not to flat-rate

Rot, water damage or anything behind a wall you can't see yet. Quote a diagnosis visit or hourly.
Jobs you've done fewer than three or four times. Track your time first.
Customer-supplied materials of unknown quality. Say on the quote what happens if they fail.

Put every flat rate in a written quote that lists exactly what's included. A free quote maker or a rate card keeps it consistent.

Questions

How do handymen calculate flat rates?

Multiply your hourly rate by the usual time for the job, add materials and a 10 to 20 percent buffer on labor, and round up to a clean number.

Is flat rate or hourly better for a handyman?

Flat rate for jobs you know well, since customers prefer a fixed price and you keep the gain when you're fast. Hourly for repairs where you can't see the problem yet.

What are handyman packages?

Bundles of small jobs sold at one price, like a half-day of tasks, a move-in package or a rental turnover price per unit.