Washington Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 123.3
Washington wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | Washington mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $42.69 | $34.70 | +23.0% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $38.01 | $28.49 | +33.4% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $45.42 | $34.37 | +32.2% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $38.06 | $31.55 | +20.6% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $29.28 | $26.64 | +9.9% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $38.68 | $30.58 | +26.5% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $29.48 | $25.02 | +17.8% |
How Washington compares
Washington ranks 3rd of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 27.0 points above the median state (96.3). All 7 occupations measured here pay above their national mean. The closest states on the index are Illinois (124.6) and Massachusetts (122.2).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of Washington mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 123.3 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 23.3% 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 Washington as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from Washington bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from Washington contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in Washington?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in Washington earn 23.3% more than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is tile and stone setters at +33.4%, the narrowest is painters at +9.9%.
What does a plumber earn in Washington?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Washington was $42.69 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the Washington index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. Washington sits 3rd 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.