District of Columbia Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 112.8
District of Columbia wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | District of Columbia mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $43.85 | $34.70 | +26.4% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $42.72 | $34.37 | +24.3% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $31.73 | $31.55 | +0.6% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $29.92 | $26.64 | +12.3% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $25.11 | $25.02 | +0.4% |
BLS does not publish a 2025 mean wage for tile and stone setters, drywall and ceiling tile installers in District of Columbia, so the index for this state uses 5 of the seven occupations.
How District of Columbia compares
District of Columbia ranks 10th of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 16.5 points above the median state (96.3). All 5 occupations measured here pay above their national mean. The closest states on the index are Oregon (115.4) and Minnesota (112.4).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of District of Columbia mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 112.8 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 12.8% 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 District of Columbia as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from District of Columbia bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from District of Columbia contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in District of Columbia?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in District of Columbia earn 12.8% more than the U.S. average across 5 occupations. The widest gap is plumbers at +26.4%, the narrowest is construction laborers at +0.4%.
What does a plumber earn in District of Columbia?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in District of Columbia was $43.85 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the District of Columbia index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. District of Columbia sits 10th 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.