Being a handyman in Surrey, British Columbia can offer a rewarding career with competitive pay and diverse work opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience under your tool belt, understanding the salary landscape is essential for planning and negotiating your worth.
This comprehensive article dives into the average handyman salary in Surrey, BC for 2026, how earnings vary by experience, key factors influencing pay, job market trends, benefits of the role, and how Surrey compares with nearby cities.
Average Handyman Salary in Surrey, BC
Overall compensation for handymen in Surrey depends on employer, experience, and work type. Most salary data is reported in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Estimated Hourly & Annual Pay
| Pay Type | Typical Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | ~$28 – $38 per hour** |
| Average Hourly | ~$30 – $37.50 per hour** |
| Annual Salary (Full-Time) | ~$56,000 – $88,000+** |
Median annual salary: Around $60,000–$65,000+ based on job postings and employer data.
Typical hourly rates in Surrey range broadly depending on employer and skill level, with base pay often falling between $25 and $40 per hour.
Salary by Experience
Experience greatly influences earnings, with more skilled or specialized handymen commanding higher pay.
Entry-Level (0–2 Years)
Typical hourly pay: $25 – $30
Focuses on basic maintenance and general repairs
Average annual: $50,000–$60,000
Mid-Level (3–6 Years)
Skilled in a wider range of tasks (minor plumbing, carpentry, painting)
Typical hourly pay: $30 – $35
Average annual: $60,000–$75,000
Senior / Specialized (7+ Years)
Can handle complex installations or advanced repair work
May supervise fewer helpers or apprentices
Can negotiate higher hourly rates ($35 – $45+) and annual salary above $80,000+ depending on skills and clientele
The wide range reflects Surrey’s diverse job opportunities, from general property maintenance to specialized contract work.
Factors That Influence Handyman Earnings
Multiple elements affect how much a handyman earns in Surrey:
1. Skills & Trades Experience
More versatile handymen with multiple skills (electrical, carpentry, tiling) typically earn higher rates.
2. Certifications & Licensing
Certifications—such as safety training or trade-specific tickets—can increase trust and pay.
3. Employment Type
Waged employee: consistent pay, less flexibility
Independent contractor: can set higher rates and choose jobs
4. Workload & Hours
Full-time hours and overtime significantly boost annual income.
5. Market Demand
Surrey’s booming housing and commercial markets increase the need for maintenance and renovation services.
Job Market Trends for Handymen in Surrey
Surrey is part of the Lower Mainland–Southwest region, a fast-growing area with high construction and renovation activity. This trend supports strong demand for general handymen.
Current Job Trends
Construction & renovation continue to drive demand for skilled handymen.
Listings for professional handyman roles regularly show competitive pay (e.g., $70,000–$100,000 for technician-level roles) on job boards.
Temporary and contract work is common—and can be lucrative for experienced independent contractors.
Benefits of Being a Handyman in Surrey
Beyond salary, being a handyman offers several advantages:
Varied daily work: From simple fixes to complex projects
Flexible schedule: Many handymen set their own hours as independent contractors
Skill growth: Continuous learning on the job
Opportunity for business ownership: Many experienced handymen run their own services
Some employer positions also include benefits like paid time off and vehicle allowances, depending on the company.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Handyman
If you’re aiming to boost your earnings, consider:
Developing specialized skills (e.g., tiling, renovations, electrical basics permitted by law)
Getting professional certifications (WHMIS, trade safety tickets)
Networking with property managers and contractors for steady referrals
Building an online presence or joining local trade platforms
Working as an independent contractor once experienced enough
Gaining experience and specialization not only increases your value but often allows you to command higher project rates.
Handyman Salary Comparison: Nearby Cities
To understand Surrey in a broader context, here’s how handyman pay compares with nearby British Columbia locations:
| City | Typical Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Surrey, BC | ~$56,000 – $88,000+ |
| Vancouver, BC | Similar range (~$60,000–$75,000) |
| Burnaby, BC | Close to Vancouver range |
| Langley, BC | Slightly lower to similar |
| Richmond, BC | Comparable to Metro Vancouver averages |
Surrey’s handyman rates are competitive with other major Lower Mainland cities, making it an attractive base for both employees and self-employed professionals.
Job Outlook for Handymen in Surrey
The job outlook for handymen in Surrey remains strong for 2026 and beyond, supported by:
Ongoing home renovations and maintenance work
Growth in commercial property upgrades
Increasing construction activity across the region
Skilled handymen who adapt to market needs and offer diverse services are likely to find stable and potentially lucrative opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The handyman salary in Surrey, BC for 2026 reflects a healthy range of opportunities for both early-career workers and seasoned professionals. With hourly rates often above provincial averages and opportunities for annual incomes in the mid to high five figures, this trade remains a valuable career path.
Whether you’re establishing yourself as a dependable worker or building your own handyman business, understanding the salary landscape in Surrey helps you make smarter career decisions and negotiate better pay.