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Handyman vs utility worker

The differences between handymen and utility workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a handyman and a utility worker. Additionally, a handyman has an average salary of $44,648, which is higher than the $30,429 average annual salary of a utility worker.

The top three skills for a handyman include plumbing, customer service and drywall repair. The most important skills for a utility worker are customer service, safety procedures, and cleanliness.

Handyman vs utility worker overview

HandymanUtility Worker
Yearly salary$44,648$30,429
Hourly rate$21.47$14.63
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs3,37131,038
Job satisfaction4.5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 50%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a handyman do?

A handyman can perform various repair and maintenance tasks involving electricity, carpentry, plumbing, and even appliance installation. Most handymen work independently, but they can also choose to be part of a company. Furthermore, a handyman must also discuss the extent of repairs to clients, even sharing insights on maintaining facilities in good condition. There are instances when a handyman may be required to work in a group setting, which requires an active line of communication and coordination.

What does a utility worker do?

A utility worker is an entry-level position who is responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of company premises and equipment. Utility workers take verbal and written instructions from managers and maintenance officers about the assigned work areas inside and outside of the property. Some employers may require their utility workers to have a commercial driver's license because they will be operating maintenance equipment and vehicles. Although a bachelor's degree is not required, utility workers must be in good physical condition and also be able to read written work orders.

Handyman vs utility worker salary

Handymen and utility workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

HandymanUtility Worker
Average salary$44,648$30,429
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $61,000Between $23,000 And $38,000
Highest paying CitySilver Spring, MDSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyThe American Musical and Dramatic AcademyUGI
Best paying industryConstructionManufacturing

Differences between handyman and utility worker education

There are a few differences between a handyman and a utility worker in terms of educational background:

HandymanUtility Worker
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Handyman vs utility worker demographics

Here are the differences between handymen' and utility workers' demographics:

HandymanUtility Worker
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 95.8% Female, 4.2%Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.4% Asian, 4.3% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 4.7% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between handyman and utility worker duties and responsibilities

Handyman example responsibilities.

  • Train and manage new cooks and dishwashers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
  • Erect scaffolding and ladders for assembling structures above grind level.
  • Fabricaty office buildings by drywall, painting, electrical, roofing and demolition.
  • Perform residential/commercial handyman services, including carpentry, remodeling, installations, minor plumbing, masonry and tile work.
  • Perform a variety of lawn care and home repairs, mowing, weeding, trimming, clearing, and debris removal.
  • Erect scaffolding, shoring and braces.
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Utility worker example responsibilities.

  • Perform inspection reviews on final product and packaging to ensure quality standards are achieved according to GMP guidelines.
  • Maintain the installation and demolition of the worksite buildings and provide HVAC; electrical repairs and equipment repairs as needed.
  • Operate tools, including rakes, shovels, saws, axes and shears.
  • Maintain parks/schools grass cuts, blower, weedeat, plant plants, mulch leaves, etc.
  • Follow all GMP guidelines and documentation.
  • Service and clean cnc lathe machines.
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Handyman vs utility worker skills

Common handyman skills
  • Plumbing, 24%
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Drywall Repair, 9%
  • HVAC, 4%
  • General Maintenance, 4%
  • Mowing, 3%
Common utility worker skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Safety Procedures, 18%
  • Cleanliness, 18%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • Kitchen Utensils, 8%
  • Food Service, 4%

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