Illinois Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 124.6
Illinois wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | Illinois mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $44.91 | $34.70 | +29.4% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $34.65 | $28.49 | +21.6% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $44.34 | $34.37 | +29.0% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $38.62 | $31.55 | +22.4% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $33.48 | $26.64 | +25.7% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $34.95 | $30.58 | +14.3% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $32.51 | $25.02 | +29.9% |
How Illinois compares
Illinois ranks 2nd of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 28.3 points above the median state (96.3). All 7 occupations measured here pay above their national mean. The closest states on the index are Hawaii (134.7) and Washington (123.3).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of Illinois mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 124.6 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 24.6% 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 Illinois as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from Illinois bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from Illinois contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in Illinois?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in Illinois earn 24.6% more than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is construction laborers at +29.9%, the narrowest is drywall and ceiling tile installers at +14.3%.
What does a plumber earn in Illinois?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Illinois was $44.91 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the Illinois index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. Illinois sits 2nd 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.