Wisconsin Bathroom Labor Cost Index: 104.8
Wisconsin wages against the U.S. average
| Occupation (SOC) | Wisconsin mean hourly | U.S. mean hourly | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (47-2152) | $40.73 | $34.70 | +17.4% |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | $31.34 | $28.49 | +10.0% |
| Electricians (47-2111) | $35.49 | $34.37 | +3.3% |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | $31.39 | $31.55 | -0.5% |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | $26.05 | $26.64 | -2.2% |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | $28.86 | $30.58 | -5.6% |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | $27.87 | $25.02 | +11.4% |
How Wisconsin compares
Wisconsin ranks 15th of 51 jurisdictions on this index, 8.5 points above the median state (96.3). 4 of the 7 occupations measured here pay above their national mean. The closest states on the index are Nevada (104.8) and Maine (104.5).
How to use this index
The index is the unweighted average of Wisconsin mean hourly wages divided by the national mean for the same occupations. A value of 104.8 means the trades that build bathrooms earn 4.8% 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 Wisconsin as well, are in the bathroom remodel cost guide. The method, including which occupations are counted, is on the methodology page.
Compare quotes from Wisconsin bathroom pros
Wages are one part of the price. Get quotes from Wisconsin contractors through MyHomeQuote.
FAQ
Is bathroom labor more expensive in Wisconsin?
On 2025 BLS wage data, bathroom trades in Wisconsin earn 4.8% more than the U.S. average across 7 occupations. The widest gap is plumbers at +17.4%, the narrowest is carpenters at -0.5%.
What does a plumber earn in Wisconsin?
The mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Wisconsin was $40.73 in May 2025, against $34.70 nationally, according to BLS.
Does the Wisconsin index tell me what a contractor will charge?
No. It compares what trades earn, not what contractors bill. Wisconsin sits 15th 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.