The US Economy of the 2020s is increasingly influenced by technological influences such as remote work and AI automation. However, plenty of the traditional manual skills that have defined the economy in years gone by are needed as much as ever. In fact, over the past three years, a trend has emerged that might be surprising at first glance. Demand for skilled handymen is booming and is expected to increase by eight percent between now and 2030. This is driving up hourly rates, especially in certain states.
So while the job boards and career fairs might be focusing on honing tech skills and the digital economy, statistics suggest that the smart money might just be to pursue a more traditional career. Choose the right niche combined with the right state and an annual salary in excess of $50,000 could be within reach. Let’s take a look at which states are leading the handyman boom and why.
New York and California provide the most opportunities
Almost 100 years have gone by since the mass migration from the Southern States to the West Coast depicted in The Grapes of Wrath. Yet California is still seen as a beacon of hope for those searching for employment and a better life. Data from the US Department of Labor suggests that along with Florida and New York, the Golden State is in the top three states in terms of handyman job openings.
| Rank | State | Job openings | Notable cities |
| 1 | New York | 57 | NYC Buffalo |
| 2 | California | 50 | LA San Francisco |
| 3 | Florida | 45 | Miami Orlando |
| 4 | Texas | 40 | Dallas Austin |
| 5 | Illinois | 35 | Chicago Springfield |
Table 1
The “Boom States” noted in Table 1 are seeing demand surges that are driven by such factors as rapidly growing populations, robust real estate markets, and aging housing stocks that need constant upkeep and repair. Professionals entering these high-demand markets with adequate commercial contractor insurance can command premium rates, as property managers and homeowners increasingly prefer insured contractors for valuable real estate investments.Urban hubs such as New York City, Austin, and Miami present particularly rich hunting grounds for those providing handyman services, as busy residents here tend to outsource practically everything, from routine maintenance and minor repairs all the way to major remodeling projects.
Conversely, it is worth taking a brief look at the other end of the scale. Table 2 shows those states in which demand is at its lowest. It is predominantly populated by those states with lower populations and sparser urban centers, such as Alaska, Vermont, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
| Rank | State | Job openings | Notable cities |
| 46 | South Dakota | 12 | Sioux Falls |
| 47 | Vermont | 11 | Burlington |
| 48 | North Dakota | 10 | Fargo |
| 49 | Wyoming | 9 | Cheyenne |
| 50 | Alaska | 8 | Anchorage |
Table 2
Migration patterns and aging population fueling growth
The parallel with Steinbeck’s classic only takes us so far. In The Grapes of Wrath, hardship and desperation drove the economic migration, and the longed-for opportunities were not as plentiful as hoped. But today, the economy is more stable and the migration is healthier, driven by genuine demand.
States like Illinois, Florida, and Texas are seeing significant inward migration for a host of reasons, ranging from employment opportunities to tax benefits to lifestyle choices. As new residents settle into recently purchased homes, the need for repairs, renovations, and upgrades follows close behind.
Another influencing factor is the aging population. By 2030, the entire baby boomer generation will be aged 65 and over. As well as fueling the migration to states like Florida and California, it means a significant uptick in demand for home modifications that make it easier to age in place, such as installing grab bars or ramps and widening doorways. Customers are also less likely to undertake their own home maintenance tasks as they get older.
The big money is not where you might think
High demand does not always equate to maximum earning potential. Other factors come into play, such as cost of living, taxation, and labor shortages. For this reason, the states that offer the best earning potential may present some surprises. The top five are set out in Table 3.
| Rank | State | Average annual salary (US$) | 90th percentile income (US$) |
| 1 | Alaska | 58,994 | 79,000 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 58,590 | 87,000 |
| 3 | Washington | 58,000 | 75,000 |
| 4 | New York | 49,211 | 73,000 |
| 5 | Texas | 42,236 | 68,000 |
Table 3
Realistically, these numbers are most likely on the conservative side. In a recent discussion on Reddit, a user remarked: “I firmly believe a well-structured handyman business can easily generate six figures a year. The opportunity is massive for all of us.”
Again, there is a significant disparity between the highest and lowest earning states, and those with the lowest average payouts for handyman services are shown in Table 4. But even in those states with lower average pay, handymen can make a good living and there are simple and effective ways of boosting their bottom lines. These include going independent, specializing in niche tasks such as cabinetry or smart home installations, and most important of all, by building a strong local reputation.
| Rank | State | Average annual salary (US$) | 90th percentile income (US$) |
| 46 | West Virginia | 35,012 | 46,000 |
| 47 | Mississippi | 34,800 | 44,000 |
| 48 | Arkansas | 34,300 | 45,500 |
| 49 | Montana | 33,500 | 43,200 |
| 50 | Wyoming | 33,000 | 42,000 |
Table 4
Going it alone to reap the rewards
Information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a sharp increase in handymen who are choosing to go solo or launch small service businesses of their own. Social and digital marketing and positive referrals through online reviews make it easier than ever to build a strong customer base and compete with established businesses in a rapid timeframe.
Startup costs are typically modest. As little as $5,000 can set up an individual with the requisite tools, vehicle and digital presence. Going it alone provides the flexibility to operate wherever he or she chooses, and by opting for a state where there is booming demand, it is possible to rapidly fill a schedule and establish a client base with very little recourse to advertising. However, independent handymen must ensure they have proper handyman insurance to protect their business from liability claims and property damage – a critical step that many overlook when starting out. For those who offer the best service, referrals are typically the main source of income.
Ideally, anyone looking to set up needs to hit the “sweet spot” in a state that combines both high demand and the best possible earning potential. Revisiting the data discussed earlier from this perspective provides the top ten shown in Table 5.
| Rank | State | Demand level | Average annual salary (US$) |
| 1 | New York | High | 49,211 |
| 2 | California | High | 42,528 |
| 3 | Florida | High | 37,056 |
| 4 | Texas | High | 42,236 |
| 5 | Illinois | Medium | 43,901 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | Medium | 45,983 |
| 7 | Ohio | Medium | 43,657 |
| 8 | Georgia | Medium | 39,925 |
| 9 | North Carolina | Medium | 39,581 |
| 10 | Michigan | Medium | 42,364 |
Table 5
Trading on a dead cert in an uncertain world
The media is constantly bombarding us with bad news stories of economic uncertainty, and it is easy to believe that the concept and comfort of a job for life belong to a bygone age. But the truth is less alarming. Handyman work will always be in demand. It is a stable and scalable trade and can be surprisingly lucrative in the right geographic markets within the US.
Growing and aging populations, changing housing needs and the tech platforms driving the gig economy have combined to make what is almost a perfect storm for those with the right skills and the determination to succeed.
That applies equally to seasoned contractors looking to relocate or to young tradespeople just starting out and contemplating where to build a career. The siren call of California, as well as other states like New York, Florida, and Texas is as strong today as it was in the 1930s.
Sources
https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm
https://www.indeed.com/career/handy-man/salaries
https://smartasset.com/data-studies/where-boomers-moved-2024
https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/handyman-service-market
https://www.reddit.com/r/HandymanBusiness/