Arkansas Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 73.1
Arkansas wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | Arkansas mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $24.35 | $34.70 | -29.8% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $19.66 | $28.49 | -31.0% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $25.71 | $34.37 | -25.2% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $24.69 | $31.55 | -21.7% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $20.28 | $26.64 | -23.9% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $20.87 | $30.58 | -31.8% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $18.87 | $25.02 | -24.6% |
How Arkansas compares
Arkansas ranks 51st of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 23.2 points below the median state (96.3). None of the 7 occupations measured here pays above its national mean. The closest states on the index are Mississippi (75.9).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of Arkansas mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 73.1 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 26.9% below the national average here. Labor is roughly two thirds of a bathroom remodel bill, so a wage gap of this size moves the labor half of a quote, not the whole quote.
National project ranges, which apply to Arkansas as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from Arkansas bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from Arkansas contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in Arkansas?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in Arkansas earn 26.9% less than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is drywall and ceiling tile installers at -31.8%, the narrowest is carpenters at -21.7%.
What does a plumber earn in Arkansas?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Arkansas was $24.35 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the Arkansas index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. Arkansas sits 51st of 51 on wages, so the labor part of a quote starts lower than the national average, but overhead, insurance, materials, permits and profit are separate.
Other states
See the labor cost index for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.