California Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 116.7
California wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | California mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $39.58 | $34.70 | +14.1% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $30.67 | $28.49 | +7.7% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $41.28 | $34.37 | +20.1% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $37.89 | $31.55 | +20.1% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $30.03 | $26.64 | +12.7% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $35.91 | $30.58 | +17.4% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $31.19 | $25.02 | +24.7% |
How California compares
California ranks 7th of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 20.4 points above the median state (96.3). All 7 occupations measured here pay above their national mean. The closest states on the index are Alaska (118.5) and New York (116.1).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of California mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 116.7 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 16.7% above 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 California as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from California bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from California contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in California?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in California earn 16.7% more than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is construction laborers at +24.7%, the narrowest is tile and stone setters at +7.7%.
What does a plumber earn in California?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in California was $39.58 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the California index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. California sits 7th of 51 on wages, so the labor part of a quote starts higher 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.