South Dakota Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 83.6
South Dakota wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | South Dakota mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $26.70 | $34.70 | -23.1% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $26.29 | $28.49 | -7.7% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $29.80 | $34.37 | -13.3% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $24.68 | $31.55 | -21.8% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $22.94 | $26.64 | -13.9% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $24.40 | $30.58 | -20.2% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $21.30 | $25.02 | -14.9% |
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 41st of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 12.7 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 New Mexico (84.1) and Tennessee (82.2).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of South Dakota mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 83.6 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 16.4% 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 South Dakota as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from South Dakota bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from South Dakota contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in South Dakota?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in South Dakota earn 16.4% less than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is plumbers at -23.1%, the narrowest is tile and stone setters at -7.7%.
What does a plumber earn in South Dakota?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in South Dakota was $26.70 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the South Dakota index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. South Dakota sits 41st 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.