Landscaper Salary by State: 2026 Lawn Care Wage and Labor Cost Benchmarks

Question 1

Which state pays handymen the most?

Accepted Answer

The District of Columbia has the highest median for general maintenance and repair workers at $29.00 an hour, per BLS May 2025 data. Among the states, Alaska leads at $28.97, then Minnesota at $28.46. West Virginia is lowest at $18.70. Using the worked example's inputs, a D.C. median-wage tech would need to bill about $99.91 an hour.

Question 2

Do self-employed handymen earn more than employees?

Accepted Answer

Some do, but the BLS wage data cannot answer it, because the survey excludes the self-employed. An owner-operator keeps the margin an employer would take but also pays both halves of payroll tax, buys their own insurance and does unpaid office work. Compare your net profit per worked hour, not your billed rate, against the state median wage.

Question 3

Should a handyman charge by the hour or by the job?

Accepted Answer

Most growing handyman companies quote common tasks at a flat rate and use hourly pricing for open-ended repairs. Flat rates reward fast, experienced techs and are easier for customers to accept. Hourly pricing protects you when the scope is unclear. Either way, check that each job earns more per labor hour than your break-even rate.

Question 4

What should I pay a new handyman?

Accepted Answer

Start with your state median from the table above. A helper who needs supervision usually lands near the 25th percentile, which is $19.64 nationally, while an independent tech belongs near the median. Pay closer to the 75th percentile, $30.10 nationally, for someone who handles light electrical and plumbing work without callbacks.

Question 5

How often is handyman wage data updated?

Accepted Answer

BLS publishes new Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics estimates once a year, usually in spring, reflecting May of the prior year. The burden data from Employer Costs for Employee Compensation is updated every quarter. Review your pay scale and billable rate each year when new figures arrive, and sooner if you start losing techs to other employers.

Question 6

Do I need separate insurance to hang Christmas lights?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Many pressure washing liability policies list specific operations, and decorative lighting or roof access may not be included. Ask your agent to confirm in writing that holiday lighting is covered, and check that your workers' compensation class code matches rooftop work.

Question 7

Should I supply the lights or install the customer's own?

Accepted Answer

Supplying your own commercial-grade LEDs usually works better. You control quality, installs go faster because every strand matches, and you keep the reinstall because the lights live in your storage. Customer-owned lights lower the ticket and cause callbacks. Price that as labor only.

Question 8

When should a pressure washing company start selling holiday lighting?

Accepted Answer

Start marketing in late September and October, while you are still finishing fall house washes. Customers who see your crew on their property are easy to upsell, and early bookings let you order lights before supply tightens. Most installs land between early November and the first week of December.

Question 9

How many feet of lights does an average house need?

Accepted Answer

HomeGuide's 2025 guide estimates that small homes with a basic roofline outline need 50 to 200 feet of lights, while mid-sized homes need 100 to 300 feet. Windows, garages, shrubs and tree wraps can push a full display past 400 feet, so always measure on site.

Question 10

Do I need an electrician license to install Christmas lights?

Accepted Answer

Plugging seasonal lights into existing outdoor GFCI outlets generally does not require an electrical license, but rules vary by state and city. A new outlet, a new circuit, or a hardwired permanent system usually requires a licensed electrician and sometimes a permit. Check your state licensing board first.

Question 11

Should an appliance repair diagnostic fee be credited toward the repair?

Accepted Answer

Crediting the fee toward an approved repair is the most common policy, and it usually raises approval rates because the customer feels the fee was not wasted. It only protects your margin if each flat repair price already includes the cost of the visit.

Question 12

Should I charge more to diagnose a built-in or high-end appliance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Built-in refrigerators, wall ovens and premium brands often take longer to diagnose and may need brand-specific tools or service portal access. A higher fee tier for these units is reasonable if you quote it at booking. Connected appliances are a similar case; Bella FSM's smart appliance guide suggests pricing them 25 to 50 percent above a standard diagnostic.

Question 13

What should I charge when a customer declines the repair?

Accepted Answer

Charge the full diagnostic fee you quoted at booking. The customer received a diagnosis and a written estimate, and your technician's time and mileage were spent either way. Collect it on site, leave a written copy of the diagnosis, and log the decline for follow-up.

Question 14

Is a trip charge the same as a diagnostic fee?

Accepted Answer

Not always. A trip charge covers travel only, while a diagnostic fee covers travel plus the time spent finding the fault. Many shops combine them into one service call fee. In California, regulations require the diagnosis fee to include travel costs, so a separate trip charge on an in-home diagnostic call is not allowed there.

Question 15

How often should I raise my service call fee?

Accepted Answer

Review it at least once a year, and again whenever a major cost moves. The IRS business mileage rate rose mid-year in 2026 from 72.5 to 76 cents per mile. Rerun your visit-cost calculation with current numbers, and raise the fee whenever your typical call costs more than you charge.

Question 16

What is the average hourly wage for an electrician?

Accepted Answer

The mean hourly wage for electricians in the United States was $34.37 in May 2025, and the median was $30.38, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The bottom 10% earned under $20.50 and the top 10% earned over $52.17.

Question 17

Which state pays electricians the most?

Accepted Answer

Oregon pays electricians the most, with a median hourly wage of $48.71 in May 2025, per BLS, followed by Illinois at $47.87 and Hawaii at $46.38. Arkansas has the lowest median at $23.59. Using the illustrative overhead and margin from our worked example, an Oregon median-wage technician would need to bill about $164.94 an hour.

Question 18

How much does a master electrician charge per hour?

Accepted Answer

A master electrician typically charges $90 to $130 or more per hour, according to HomeGuide's February 2026 cost guide, compared with $50 to $100 for a journeyman. The premium reflects the extra exam and experience a master license requires. Commercial work runs $100 to $130 an hour, and emergency calls reach $150 to $200.

Question 19

Should electricians charge for travel time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, travel time should be recovered, either through a trip fee or inside the hourly rate. HomeGuide reports separate trip fees of $40 to $100, or a $100 to $200 service call that includes the first hour. Drive time is paid time, and an unrecovered 30-minute drive on every call adds up to several unbilled hours a week.

Question 20

How often should an electrical contractor raise labor rates?

Accepted Answer

Review labor rates at least once a year, and again whenever wages, insurance or fuel costs move by more than a few percent. Raising rates by a small amount each year is easier for customers to accept than a large jump after several flat years.

Question 21

Do tree companies charge by the foot or by the job?

Accepted Answer

Most quote residential removals as a flat price per job, built from crew-hours, equipment and disposal. Fixr's January 2025 guide lists per-foot pricing at $2 to $5 per foot of height or diameter, but per-foot rates ignore the target zone and access. Use them as a quick check on a flat quote.

Question 22

Should stump grinding be included in a tree removal quote?

Accepted Answer

List it as a separate, optional line. Stump grinding uses a different machine, and some customers want the stump left. Tofu's 2024 to 2026 invoice data puts the median stump grinding charge at about $700. A separate line keeps the removal price clean and stops crews from giving stump work away.

Question 23

How much more should you charge for crane removals?

Accepted Answer

Price the crane as its own cost, including operator, mobilization and minimum hours, then add crew time. Fixr's January 2025 guide lists crane-assisted removals at $1,500 to $2,500 for homeowners. A crane can cut climbing time sharply, so compare both methods before choosing.

Question 24

How do you price emergency tree removal after a storm?

Accepted Answer

Emergency work brings overtime, night hours and unknown hazards, so it carries a premium. Fixr's January 2025 guide reports emergency removals at two to three times the normal cost. Set your storm multiplier before the season, put it in your terms, and apply it the same way to every customer.

Question 25

How often should a tree service raise its prices?

Accepted Answer

Review your crew-hour rate at least once a year and whenever a major cost changes, such as a workers' comp renewal, an equipment payment or a raise. Adjust prices when the rate no longer covers direct cost, overhead and profit. Small yearly increases go down easier than one big jump.

Question 26

What is the average hourly wage for a roofer in the US?

Accepted Answer

The median hourly wage for roofers was $26.65 in May 2025, and the mean was $27.95, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data published in 2026. The mean annual wage was $58,140. Use the median for starting offers, because experienced installers and foremen pull the average up.

Question 27

Which state pays roofers the most?

Accepted Answer

Illinois has the highest median roofer wage at $37.45 an hour, followed by New Jersey at $36.83 and Minnesota at $35.81, based on BLS May 2025 data. Oklahoma has the lowest at $21.00. Union density, living costs and short northern seasons help explain the gap between the top and bottom states.

Question 28

Why is workers' comp so expensive for roofing companies?

Accepted Answer

Falls make roofing one of the riskiest construction trades, so insurers price it high. In Washington the 2026 base rate for roof work is $5.7930 per hour worked, 7.3 times the state's all-class average. Safety programs, fall protection training and a clean claims history all lower your experience modifier over time.

Question 29

How many roofers work in the United States?

Accepted Answer

BLS counted 135,490 roofers on employer payrolls in its May 2025 wage survey. The Occupational Outlook Handbook, which also counts self-employed roofers, put total roofing jobs at 166,900 in 2025. Florida and California employ the most roofers, with about a third of all wage-earning roofers between them.

Question 30

How often is this roofing labor data updated?

Accepted Answer

BLS releases new wage estimates once a year, usually in spring, covering pay as of the previous May. Bella FSM refreshes the tables, chart and loaded-cost math after each release and updates the benefit ratio from the latest quarterly compensation release. The next review is spring 2027, when the May 2026 estimates are published.

Question 31

Do pool routes come with a customer guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Most do. Skimmer's January 2026 buying guide says the typical guarantee runs about three months after closing, during which the seller replaces lost accounts or refunds part of the price. Get the length, qualifying reasons and replacement method in writing. A holdback of 10% to 20% of the price gives that promise teeth.

Question 32

Is buying a pool route better than building one from scratch?

Accepted Answer

Buying is faster and building is cheaper. At PoolDial's 2026 median of $1,387 per account, a 50-pool route costs roughly $70,000 but earns from week one. Building the same book takes months or years. Buying makes sense when the accounts fit your existing days and you can absorb some attrition.

Question 33

Are repairs included when a pool route is valued?

Accepted Answer

No. Skimmer's 2026 buying guide is explicit that the 6x to 12x range applies to monthly service revenue, with repair income excluded. Repairs are irregular and depend on the technician, so a seller who folds them into monthly revenue is inflating the base. Ask for service and repair revenue as separate lines.

Question 34

How is the goodwill from a pool route purchase taxed?

Accepted Answer

Most of a route's price is goodwill: the customer relationships. Skimmer's guide notes that U.S. tax treatment amortizes goodwill over 15 years, matching the 15-year period for intangibles in Section 197 of the Internal Revenue Code. How you split price between goodwill and equipment affects deductions, so settle it with your CPA.

Question 35

What is a fair price per pool account?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 national median is $1,387 per account, according to PoolDial's analysis of 2,893 route sales. State medians range from $1,191 in Nevada to $2,057 in Texas. Compare any asking price with its own state's median, then adjust for density, chemical billing and retention before you make an offer.

Question 36

How long does a chimney liner last?

Accepted Answer

A stainless steel liner lasts 15 to 25 years with annual sweeping and inspection, according to HomeGuide's 2026 cost guide. Clay, ceramic and cast-in-place liners can last up to 50 years. Aluminum lasts 5 to 15 years and suits gas appliances only. Record the install date and product on the customer file.

Question 37

Do you need a permit to install a chimney liner?

Accepted Answer

Many jurisdictions require a permit and final inspection for a new liner, especially with a solid-fuel appliance. HomeGuide estimates permit fees at $100 to $150 or more. Check with the local building department before you quote, and build the fee and extra site visit into the price.

Question 38

Should a small chimney sweep company offer cast-in-place relining?

Accepted Answer

Only with steady demand. Cast-in-place needs specialized equipment and training, and HomeGuide prices the finished job at $2,000 to $7,000. Most small shops start with stainless, which fits the majority of chimneys, and refer cast-in-place work to a partner until volume justifies the investment.

Question 39

What should you do when a homeowner declines a reline?

Accepted Answer

Explain the risk in plain language, then ask the homeowner to sign a written decline on the proposal. Note on the service record whether the appliance is safe to use, and set a reminder before the next heating season. Many declined relines are only delayed.

Question 40

What certification helps when selling chimney liner installations?

Accepted Answer

CSIA certification is the credential most homeowners and insurers recognize, and many liner manufacturers offer installer training tied to their warranty. Stainless liners sold in the United States are typically listed to UL 1777, the chimney liner safety standard. Put both on the proposal.

Question 41

What is the average hourly wage for a landscaper in the US?

Accepted Answer

The median hourly wage for landscaping and groundskeeping workers was $18.82 in May 2025, and the mean was $20.33, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data published in 2026. Use the median for starting offers; experienced crew members and year-round commercial jobs pull the mean up.

Question 42

Why do landscaper wages vary so much from state to state?

Accepted Answer

Wages follow local living costs, season length and competition for workers. States with short seasons and high housing costs, such as Massachusetts and Washington, pay the highest medians. Much of the South pays less per hour but offers longer seasons, so annual pay can end up closer than hourly rates suggest.

Question 43

How many landscaping workers are there in the United States?

Accepted Answer

BLS counted 952,640 landscaping and groundskeeping workers in its May 2025 wage survey. The broader grounds maintenance group in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which adds tree trimmers, pesticide applicators and related jobs, totaled about 1.3 million jobs in 2025. California, Florida and Texas employ the most landscaping workers.

Question 44

Is demand for landscaping workers growing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook projects grounds maintenance employment to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, which BLS rates as faster than average. It expects about 162,500 openings a year, mostly to replace people who leave the field. For owners, that means steady competition for experienced workers every spring.

Question 45

How often is this landscaper wage data updated?

Accepted Answer

BLS publishes new Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics estimates once a year, usually in spring, covering pay as of the previous May. Bella FSM updates the tables, chart and loaded-cost figures after each release. The next review is spring 2027, when the May 2026 estimates come out.

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