Short answer: in the Boston area in 2026, a skilled, insured handyman charges $60 to $110 per hour, with most established pros landing between $85 and $100. Nearly everyone has a visit minimum — usually $75 to $200 — and some companies add a trip fee on top. Boston runs roughly 20% above the national average, like most things here.
But hourly rates only tell half the story, because most of the work people actually book is priced flat. Here's what common jobs really cost around Boston, and what we charge for the same work:
| Job | Boston-area range | Our price |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (skilled, insured) | $60 – $110/hr | $100/hr |
| Visit minimum | $75 – $200 | 2-hr minimum ($200) |
| Trip / service-call fee | $0 – $75 | $0 in service area |
| TV mounting (up to 55") | $79 – $250 | from $99 |
| TV mounting (56"+ / brick / fireplace) | $150 – $400 | from $129 |
| Drywall patch (paint-ready) | $120 – $300 | from $149 |
| Interior painting (per room, walls) | $400 – $650 | from $450 |
| Accent wall | $150 – $300 | from $199 |
| Furniture assembly (per item) | $50 – $150 | from $79 |
| Deck / porch repairs | $150 – $600+ | from $199 |
What moves the price up or down
- Minimums matter more than rates. A $75/hr handyman with a $150 minimum costs more for a 20-minute job than a $100/hr pro who bundles it into a bigger visit.
- Old housing stock. Boston-area homes — especially pre-war Victorians in towns like Melrose and Winchester — have plaster walls and settled framing that take more skill and time than new drywall construction.
- Materials. Expect to pay for materials on top of labor, sometimes with a 20–50% markup if the handyman supplies them. Buying your own paint or hardware saves money.
- Licensed-trade work is separate. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC legally require licensed tradespeople in Massachusetts — a handyman quoting you for panel work is a red flag.
How to get the most for your money
- Bundle small jobs. The single best trick: save up 3–4 tasks and book one visit. A 2-hour visit can knock out a TV mount, two wall patches, and a sticky door — the minimum pays for itself.
- Get the price before work starts. Any good pro will give you a clear number up front. If they won't, keep calling around.
- Check insurance. “Licensed & insured” should be verifiable on request. It protects your home, not just the handyman.
Want a real number for your list?
We're Boston Handyman Co. — owner-operated, based in Melrose, serving Boston and the North Shore. Flat rates for common jobs, $100/hr for custom work, free estimates, and no trip fee.
Related: TV Mounting Cost in Boston (2026) · Handyman in Melrose