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Handyman Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Handyman information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$13

$25

$35

How much do handyman jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for handyman in Waterloo, IA is $25.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a handyman do?

A Handyman is a skilled general repair and maintenance person. While a Handyman does not necessarily have certified expertise in any particular area, their strength is their versatility and general knowledge about all manner of repairs and maintenance. Handymen may work in commercial or residential settings making basic repairs to electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, installing fixtures, painting, and more. They manage all the odd jobs that are needed to keep a building running.

What is a handyman?

Handymen are skilled professionals who perform a variety of repair, maintenance, and installation tasks around homes and businesses. Their work can include fixing leaky faucets, repairing drywall, painting, assembling furniture, and handling minor electrical or plumbing issues. Handymen are versatile and can address a wide range of general maintenance needs, making them a convenient solution for small jobs that don’t require a specialized contractor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a handyman, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Handyman, you need a solid understanding of general repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting across plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and painting tasks, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent experience. Familiarity with power tools, hand tools, and safety regulations, as well as optional certifications like OSHA, are commonly required. Problem-solving, reliability, and strong customer service skills help Handymen stand out in their interactions with clients. These combined abilities ensure tasks are completed efficiently, safely, and to the satisfaction of property owners or managers.

What types of work environments can a handyman expect, and how does this affect daily responsibilities?

Handymen often work in a variety of settings, including residential homes, commercial buildings, apartment complexes, and sometimes outdoor areas. This diversity means daily tasks can range from minor repairs and installations to routine maintenance and emergency fixes. The work environment may require frequent travel between job sites, adaptability to different client needs, and the ability to work independently or as part of a maintenance team. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential, as handymen regularly interact with clients and coordinate with other tradespeople.

What is the difference between Handyman vs Carpenter?

AspectHandymanCarpenter
Credentials/CertificationsOften no formal certification required; some may have general handyman licensesTypically requires carpentry-specific certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentResidential and small commercial projects, often quick repairsConstruction sites, custom projects, framing, cabinetry
Employer/Industry UsageSelf-employed or small repair companiesConstruction firms, custom woodworking shops
Common Search/Comparison IntentGeneral repairs, small projectsCustom carpentry, building projects

While both handymen and carpenters work on building and repair tasks, handymen handle a variety of small repairs across different areas, often with minimal certifications. Carpenters specialize in woodwork, framing, and detailed construction projects, usually requiring specific training or licensing. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right professional for your project needs.

How much money does a handyman make?

A handyman's average hourly wage in the United States ranges from $15 to $30, with annual earnings typically between $30,000 and $60,000 depending on experience, skills, and location. Many handymen work independently or for contracting companies, often requiring basic tools and certifications for specialized tasks.

What is a good side hustle for a handyman?

A handyman can pursue side hustles such as offering home repair, furniture assembly, or painting services, leveraging their skills and tools. These tasks often require flexible scheduling and basic certifications or experience in trades, making them suitable for additional income outside regular work hours.

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Handyman jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Handyman job openings:

Infographic showing various Handyman job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,270 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Maintenance Technician/Handyman

Tony's La Pizzeria

Cedar Falls, IA • On-site

$15 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform simple repairs on company appliances, machines, and equipment

  • Use a variety of hand and power tools without supervision

  • Repair and maintain plumbing and electrical systems


Job description

We’re looking for a self-motivated handyman to join our growing team. In this position, it will be your responsibility to help with anything from basic repairs to full remodels.. For example, you’ll be asked to replace lightbulbs, fix electrical problems, clean and remodel community spaces, and resolve plumbing issues.


To do well in this position, you will need to be capable of completing most basic maintenance and repair tasks without any supervision. The less supervision required the better pay you will receive. That means you must be comfortable with using a wide variety of hand and power tools to complete your delegated tasks.


If you believe that you’d be a good fit for our handyman position, get in touch with us today!

Requirements::

High school diploma or equivalent

Previous experience in a similar role

Knowledge of plumbing and electrical systems

Ability to complete a wide array of repair and maintenance tasks with minimal supervision

Physical ability to remain standing for the majority of your shift

Willingness to learn and get additional training if necessary

Ability to effectively work in a team

Good communication and problem-solving skills

Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks

Responsibilities::

Perform simple repairs on company appliances, machines, and equipment

Use a variety of hand and power tools without supervision

Repair and maintain plumbing and electrical systems

Assist with the cleaning and remodeling of shared spaces

Oversee the maintenance of various devices and appliances

Consult with clients to ensure they’re taking care of their space to the best of their abilities

Tony's La Pizzeria is a locally owned family business that has been making pizza longer than anyone in Waterloo or Cedar Falls. The location has changed several times, we now reside in beautiful downtown Cedar Falls on Main Street. We have been serving the Cedar Valley for over sixty five years. While many things have changed, one thing has not: our commitment to serving the highest quality products to our customers.
Tony’s started on Sycamore Street in 1958 as a simple pizzeria, and we are still making the same fine pizza today. The dough and sauce are still made fresh on the premises every day and we hand-trim the Iowa-grown pork that we use to grind our fresh sausage.
We make things from scratch, from salad dressings to sauces, to the vegetables we cut and prepare each day.We think it tastes far better than anything that comes out of a package: we think that our customers can taste the difference, and we think they deserve fresh, wholesome food.
We seek out the finest ingredients and are committed to “Buy Fresh, Buy Local.” We strive to buy fresh seasonal vegetables from local growers whenever possible.