Handyman
Also known as: building handyperson, building maintenance technician, building handywoman, building superintendent, handyman, handywoman
About this occupation
Handymen perform various maintenance and repair activities for buildings, grounds and other facilities. They repair and renovate structures and components, fences, gates and roofs, assemble furniture and perform plumbing and electrical activities. They check heating and ventilation systems, air quality and humidity in the building.
Essential skills and knowledge
- mechanics
- use traditional toolbox tools
- use measurement instruments
- building construction principles
- use power tools
- maintain work area cleanliness
- electricity
- ventilation systems
- maintain records of maintenance interventions
- electrical wiring plans
- read technical datasheet
- carpentry
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Maintenance Workers, Machinery (O*NET 49-9043.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
- Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
- Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
- Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.
- Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.
- Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis
US median pay: US$60,850 a year (2025), 60,020 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalExtremely important (4.5)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.0)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
- Rail Car Repairers
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.