New Jersey Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 121.9
New Jersey wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | New Jersey mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $44.51 | $34.70 | +28.3% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $34.35 | $28.49 | +20.6% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $41.68 | $34.37 | +21.3% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $34.61 | $31.55 | +9.7% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $29.33 | $26.64 | +10.1% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $39.08 | $30.58 | +27.8% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $33.84 | $25.02 | +35.3% |
How New Jersey compares
New Jersey ranks 5th of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 25.6 points above the median state (96.3). All 7 occupations measured here pay above their national mean. The closest states on the index are Massachusetts (122.2) and Alaska (118.5).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of New Jersey mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 121.9 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 21.9% 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 New Jersey as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from New Jersey bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from New Jersey contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in New Jersey?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in New Jersey earn 21.9% more than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is construction laborers at +35.3%, the narrowest is carpenters at +9.7%.
What does a plumber earn in New Jersey?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in New Jersey was $44.51 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the New Jersey index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. New Jersey sits 5th 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.