what is a handyman?
A handyman is skilled in performing general repair and maintenance work that electricians, plumbers and similar professionals do not cover. Even though you don't have the training and education necessary to complete work in a specific area, you provide the versatility that other tradespeople don't have. For instance, when someone works as a plumber, they generally do not perform work that doesn't directly relate to plumbing systems.
Most handymen complete repairs and maintenance in manufacturing or mining companies and residential settings. Standard tasks for handymen are simple repairs on heating systems and fixture installations. If a home appliance malfunctions, you diagnose the problem and provide basic repairs. When the repair work is more intricate, you recommend a plumber or a professional electrician who can provide specialised work.
As a handyman, you work in different industries and work environments. For instance, you can work for a service company providing services to a range of clients or in the construction or mining industries offering repair and maintenance services.
handyman vacanciesaverage handyman salary
A handyman's average salary in Australia is $68,000 per year. When you are new to the role and have minimal experience, you take home a remuneration package of $60,000 annually. As you gain experience and learn additional skills, your salary increases to over $75,000 yearly based on your skills and additional qualifications.
what factors increase the salary of a handyman?
As a handyman, your remuneration depends on experience and qualifications. Since qualifications are not mandatory in the profession, completing a few short courses improves your salary prospects. You are likely to earn more when you learn new skills or gain a few years of experience.
Aside from experience and qualifications, the industry you work in also determines your earnings. You are likely to perform complex tasks when you work for commercial businesses. Hence, the earnings are higher due to the additional expertise required. When you work in residential areas, the salary depends on your tasks, with minor roles attracting a lower salary. Metro areas also have a higher remuneration package for handypersons due to the high demand for their services.
Want to know what you will earn as a handyman? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of handymen
As a handyman, you are a repair and maintenance tradesperson with skills in various trades. You can specialise in the following sectors:
- electrical appliance maintenance work: a handyman can fix small appliances and install smart home devices. As a handyman, you maintain simple problems in HVAC systems and install thermostats, sensors and doorbells.
- window fitting: as a handyman, you handle window fitting or repairs. For instance, you clean up a broken glass and replace it with a new one. You also replace the window frames.
- roofing repairs: as a handyman, you can specialise in removing dirt and debris from roofs, repainting them or repairing and replacing shingles.
working as a handyman
A handyman completes residential and business premises maintenance, repair and installation jobs. If you are interested in the role, explore the daily duties, work environments and career outlook of handypersons.
-
handyman job description
Due to the versatility that comes with being a handyman, you have multiple duties and responsibilities, including:
- installing cabinets, flooring and countertops: as a handyman, you repair fixtures like drawers or install new kitchen cabinets in residential areas. Your expertise in flooring is useful in the construction industry since you can complete the finishing work. In commercial settings, you change the flooring and install tiles, carpets or other hardwood and laminate floor coverings.
- repairing leaks and replacing structural components: as a handyman, you are in charge of building maintenance. The tasks may involve replacing structural components like beams and joists. When you notice any leaks, you identify and repair the source. Sometimes, you repair leaks in roofs and walls or change the insulation to maintain a consistent interior temperature.
- installing plumbing fixtures: while you don't have the expertise to fix complex plumbing issues, you can resolve basic plumbing problems. For instance, you install new taps, sinks and toilets and ensure they function properly. You also repair plumbing leaks like broken water heaters and clogs in pipes.
- installing security systems: as a handyman, you install smart home security systems like alarms and doorbells in residential properties. You also install cameras and fix door locks and thermostats in a commercial setting to improve building security.
-
work environment
The work settings of a handyman are dependent on the job requirements. If a service company employs you, you may be required to travel to different work sites across numerous commercial and residential settings. At a residential property, you can work outside and indoors. For instance, you will work indoors if you repair fixtures, while plumbing may require checking for clogged pipes outdoors. You may also work in utility service areas like boiler rooms to complete your work.
Many handymen choose to work for a single facility, which could be anything from an office building to a large campus. Since most of the work is repair and maintenance, you sometimes work at heights. For instance, when fixing a roof, you use scaffolding to check the damage and repair or replace roofing materials.
-
who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include plumbers, fitters and decorators. You might also be working in close proximity to electricians, carpenters, and maintenance officers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, truck drivers, machine operators and technicians.
-
work schedule
Since handymen work in many different positions, their work schedules differ substantially. Whether you manage your business or work at a facility, you will likely be required to work only on weekdays. If you manage your own company, you could offer emergency hours cover, which requires you to be available for work in the evenings and during weekends. A handyman typically works from 9 am to 5 pm. Some employers offer part-time opportunities, but most handyman positions are full-time.
-
job outlook
A handyman starts as an apprentice to experienced workers. When you improve your skills and expertise, you can become a leader and supervise other tradespeople. After gaining extensive experience in various specialisms, it is possible to become self-employed.
Other handymen prefer to specialise in different fields and grow their skills. For instance, you can improve your skills and knowledge in plumbing or electrical repairs and pursue other careers in repair and maintenance.
-
advantages of finding a handyman job through randstad
Finding your handyman job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a handyman is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
There are no mandatory educational qualifications for becoming a handyman. However, some of the services you provide require a licence. The educational requirements of a handyman include:
- completing a course or apprenticeship: decide on the type of handyman you want to be and the services you will offer. For instance, if you want to offer plumbing or electrical work, you require qualifications to obtain a licence. A Certificate III in plumbing or a Certificate III in carpentry and joinery prepares you for a general handyman role.
- gain experience: you can learn the ropes by working with another handyperson or assisting plumbers and electricians in their work. With enough experience, you can open a business and offer services directly to customers.
handyman skills and competencies
A handyman requires the following skills:
- construction skills: as a handyman, you need basic construction skills like knowledge of using tools for repairs and building structures. Sometimes, the job involves using power tools, operating machinery and reading blueprints. Construction skills help you complete projects safely and efficiently.
- mechanical aptitude: as a handyman, you use mechanical aptitude to understand how machines work and develop solutions for problems. It also helps you understand mechanical diagrams in troubleshooting manuals to solve problems successfully.
- problem-solving skills: as a handyman, you need expert troubleshooting skills to perform repairs and fixtures on various projects. Problem-solving skills help you come up with innovative ways to solve issues.
- maintenance skills: as a handyman, you require extensive experience in maintenance and repairs. Some of the maintenance skills you require include carpentry, electrical work, interior and exterior property maintenance and appliance installation.
FAQs about working as a handyman
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a handyman.
-
what is the job of a handyperson?
As a handyman, you perform maintenance tasks at business premises or residential homes. You assist with installing home appliances and performing repairs on various appliances. If you have a plumbing and electrical licence, you can provide additional services like electrical installation and plumbing.
-
what can a handyman do?
As a handyman, you don't have the licence to perform advanced plumbing work or complete repairs and installation of electrical equipment. However, you can perform tasks like door repairs, furniture assembly and wall repairs. Other tasks include window inspection, floor maintenance and gutter inspection. You also do curtain, blind, and TV installations.
-
how much does a handyman earn?
As a handyperson, your average salary in Australia is $68,000 per year. The remuneration package ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 annually based on experience. When you have additional qualifications, you can obtain a licence and perform additional duties like plumbing and electrical work, which attract a higher remuneration.
-
what are the basic handyman skills?
As a handyman, most of the tasks you perform are maintenance work, requiring various skills from various trades. For instance, carpentry skills enable you to complete door and cabinet repairs in homes. You also need minor electrical wiring and property maintenance knowledge to perform installation tasks.
-
do you need a qualification to be a handyman?
Most employers aren't focused on the educational qualifications of handypersons. However, you require extensive DIY skills to complete most repairs and maintenance tasks. You can learn the trade through apprenticeship opportunities and look for courses to help you get a licence to perform plumbing and electrical repairs.
-
how do I apply for a handyman vacancy?
Applying for a handyman job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.