Tennessee Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 82.2
Tennessee wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | Tennessee mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $29.09 | $34.70 | -16.2% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $20.96 | $28.49 | -26.4% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $30.55 | $34.37 | -11.1% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $25.96 | $31.55 | -17.7% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $21.44 | $26.64 | -19.5% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $23.90 | $30.58 | -21.8% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $22.10 | $25.02 | -11.7% |
How Tennessee compares
Tennessee ranks 42nd of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 14.1 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 South Dakota (83.6) and South Carolina (82.0).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of Tennessee mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 82.2 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 17.8% 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 Tennessee as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from Tennessee bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from Tennessee contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in Tennessee?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in Tennessee earn 17.8% less than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is tile and stone setters at -26.4%, the narrowest is electricians at -11.1%.
What does a plumber earn in Tennessee?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Tennessee was $29.09 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the Tennessee index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. Tennessee sits 42nd 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.