North Carolina Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 78.8
North Carolina wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | North Carolina mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $27.27 | $34.70 | -21.4% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $22.11 | $28.49 | -22.4% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $27.33 | $34.37 | -20.5% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $24.28 | $31.55 | -23.0% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $21.59 | $26.64 | -19.0% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $21.66 | $30.58 | -29.2% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $21.76 | $25.02 | -13.0% |
How North Carolina compares
North Carolina ranks 48th of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 17.5 points below the median state (96.3). None of the 7 occupations measured here pays above its national mean. The closest states on the index are Louisiana (81.1) and Alabama (76.7).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of North Carolina mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 78.8 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 21.2% 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 North Carolina as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from North Carolina bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from North Carolina contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in North Carolina?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in North Carolina earn 21.2% less than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is drywall and ceiling tile installers at -29.2%, the narrowest is construction laborers at -13.0%.
What does a plumber earn in North Carolina?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in North Carolina was $27.27 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the North Carolina index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. North Carolina sits 48th 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.