Rhode Island Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 99.9
Rhode Island wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | Rhode Island mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $39.23 | $34.70 | +13.1% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $25.26 | $28.49 | -11.3% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $35.65 | $34.37 | +3.7% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $30.92 | $31.55 | -2.0% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $23.15 | $26.64 | -13.1% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $27.58 | $30.58 | -9.8% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $29.70 | $25.02 | +18.7% |
How Rhode Island compares
Rhode Island ranks 18th of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 3.6 points above the median state (96.3). 3 of the 7 occupations measured here pay above their national mean. The closest states on the index are Pennsylvania (103.3) and Montana (98.2).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of Rhode Island mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 99.9 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 0.1% 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 Rhode Island as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from Rhode Island bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from Rhode Island contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in Rhode Island?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in Rhode Island earn 0.1% less than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is construction laborers at +18.7%, the narrowest is carpenters at -2.0%.
What does a plumber earn in Rhode Island?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Rhode Island was $39.23 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the Rhode Island index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. Rhode Island sits 18th 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.