Michigan Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 98.0
Michigan wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | Michigan mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $37.14 | $34.70 | +7.0% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $24.52 | $28.49 | -13.9% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $35.50 | $34.37 | +3.3% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $29.88 | $31.55 | -5.3% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $26.88 | $26.64 | +0.9% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $28.14 | $30.58 | -8.0% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $25.54 | $25.02 | +2.1% |
How Michigan compares
Michigan ranks 20th of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 1.7 points above the median state (96.3). 4 of the 7 occupations measured here pay above their national mean. The closest states on the index are Montana (98.2) and Colorado (97.0).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of Michigan mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 98.0 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 2.0% 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 Michigan as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from Michigan bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from Michigan contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in Michigan?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in Michigan earn 2.0% less than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is tile and stone setters at -13.9%, the narrowest is painters at +0.9%.
What does a plumber earn in Michigan?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Michigan was $37.14 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the Michigan index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. Michigan sits 20th 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.