Thumbtack Earnings Guide

Thumbtack connects local professionals with customers who need help in hundreds of categories, from home cleaning to photography to furniture repair. Many pros want to know the same thing before they start: how much can you actually earn on Thumbtack?

Your earnings depend on the services you offer, how often you work, your pricing, your reviews, and how Thumbtack’s lead system works. This guide explains how Thumbtack pay works, what most pros earn, and proven ways to increase your income.

How Thumbtack pay works

Unlike delivery apps or hourly gigs, Thumbtack does not pay you a wage. Instead, customers pay you directly for the work you complete. You set your own prices and choose which leads you want to pursue.

Here is how the system works:

• Thumbtack sends you leads from customers looking for your services
• You pay a fee to contact the customer
• You set your rate and send a quote
• If the customer hires you, you earn the full amount you charge
• Thumbtack does not take a cut of your earnings

This model gives you a lot of control. You can charge based on time, project size, or flat rates. You can also adjust your pricing as your experience and reviews grow.

How much does Thumbtack pay?

Because Thumbtack includes many different service types, earnings vary across categories. Still, there are common ranges reported by pros on the platform.

Average earnings by service type

These are general ranges based on reports from Thumbtack pros:

• Home cleaning: $25 to $50 per hour
• Handyman and repair work: $40 to $80 per hour
• Landscaping and yard work: $30 to $60 per hour
• Personal training: $30 to $70 per hour
• Photography: $50 to $150 per session
• Event services: $30 to $100 per hour
  

Your actual earnings will depend on your skill level, market demand, competition, and how strong your profile is.

What can top pros make?

Pros with strong reviews, fast responses, and high demand for their service can earn significantly more. Some report:

• $1,000 to $3,000 per week for busy home service categories
• $75 to $150 per hour for specialized trades
• $200 to $500 per session for photography or event work
• Steady long-term clients who book weekly or monthly

Your earning potential grows as you build a reputation and maintain a high rating.

What affects your earnings on Thumbtack?

Several factors shape how much you can make on the platform.

Response time

Customers often hire the first pro who replies. Fast responses lead to more bookings and better visibility in search results.

Reviews and ratings

Your review score is one of the strongest factors in landing new jobs. High ratings help customers trust you and often allow you to charge more.

Pricing strategy

Choosing the right price is important. If you underprice your services, you limit your income. If you price too high without enough reviews, customers may skip your profile. Most pros start in the middle range and raise prices as their reputation grows.

Competition in your area

Earnings depend on your local market. High-demand cities or neighborhoods often have more job opportunities and stronger pay.

How many leads you choose to pursue

You can set your weekly budget for leads. The more leads you pursue, the more chances you have to book customers.

Repeat customers

Many Thumbtack pros grow their income by turning one-time jobs into ongoing clients. For example:

• Weekly or monthly cleaning
• Ongoing lawn care
• Fitness training plans
• Seasonal home repairs
• Recurring photography work

Repeat clients can become your most reliable income source.

Do Thumbtack pros get tips?

Tips are not guaranteed, but many pros do receive them, especially in categories like cleaning, home services, moving, personal training, and event work.

Customers can tip in cash, through the payment platform you use, or through other digital methods you provide.

Ways to increase tips:

• Be on time and communicate clearly
• Go above and beyond with small touches
• Send updates or photos when helpful
• Leave a job cleaner or more organized than expected

Friendly and professional service goes a long way.

Promotions and bonuses on Thumbtack

While Thumbtack does not offer bonuses like delivery apps, you can boost your earnings through:

• Seasonal demand (spring cleaning, holiday events, summer landscaping)
• High-value categories with larger project budgets
• Add-on services that increase job size
• Discounts for bundled services that lead to bigger bookings

You can also run your own promotions in your profile to attract more customers.

Tips to earn more as a Thumbtack pro

Here are proven ways to raise your income on the platform.

Keep your profile complete and updated

Your profile acts like your store window. Add:

• A clear description of your services
• High quality photos
• A friendly introduction
• Your credentials or licenses

Complete profiles rank higher and convert more customers.

Respond quickly

Aim to reply within minutes when possible. Thumbtack tracks your response time, and faster pros get better visibility.

Ask for reviews

After completing a job, ask your customer to leave a review. A steady stream of five star reviews is the most powerful way to grow your earnings.

Set a smart pricing strategy

Start with competitive rates while you build your reputation. Raise your prices once you have a strong base of reviews and repeat clients.

Choose the right leads

Not all leads are worth pursuing. Before responding, look at:

• The size of the job
• The budget listed
• The distance you must travel
• Whether the customer seems ready to hire

Focus on leads that offer good value for your time.

Track your mileage and expenses

You are self employed, so tracking your mileage and business expenses is essential. Mileage alone can be worth thousands in Thumbtack deductions. Use an app for tracking Thumbtack mileage & expenses like Everlance to track your driving automatically and stay organized for tax season.

Keep your costs low

Your net income matters more than the total you earn. Save by:

• Planning efficient routes
• Buying supplies in bulk
• Maintaining your tools and vehicle
• Avoiding unnecessary driving

Small choices add up over time.

Real experiences from Thumbtack pros

Many Thumbtack pros enjoy the flexibility, steady demand, and control over pricing. Pros who review their leads, communicate well, and maintain great customer service often earn more than in traditional jobs.

Some use Thumbtack as a side hustle for extra income. Others turn it into a full-time business by building a loyal customer base.

If you stay organized, respond quickly, and provide great service, Thumbtack can be a solid way to grow your earnings on your own schedule.