New York Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 116.1
New York wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | New York mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $40.29 | $34.70 | +16.1% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $31.74 | $28.49 | +11.4% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $40.80 | $34.37 | +18.7% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $36.52 | $31.55 | +15.8% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $32.72 | $26.64 | +22.8% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $33.14 | $30.58 | +8.4% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $29.89 | $25.02 | +19.5% |
How New York compares
New York ranks 8th of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 19.8 points above the median state (96.3). All 7 occupations measured here pay above their national mean. The closest states on the index are California (116.7) and Oregon (115.4).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of New York mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 116.1 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 16.1% 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 York 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 York bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from New York contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in New York?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in New York earn 16.1% more than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is painters at +22.8%, the narrowest is drywall and ceiling tile installers at +8.4%.
What does a plumber earn in New York?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in New York was $40.29 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the New York index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. New York sits 8th 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.