Labor Cost Calculator
Work out what labour will cost — workers, hours, overtime and the payroll burden, from your own rates.
Labour is usually the biggest line in a renovation — and the one most often underestimated, because the burden on top of wages is forgotten. This calculator counts wages, overtime and burden together.
All prices are entered by you. This site publishes no construction prices, and results are estimates, not guaranteed quotes.
Your results
Enter your measurements and press Calculate.
Quantities are rounded up to whole tiles, planks, boxes or bags, after the wastage allowance. Cost appears only when you enter a price.
Formula
All lengths are converted to a single unit before the calculation: 1 ft = 0.3048 m, 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 ft² = 0.09290304 m², 1 yd² = 9 ft². Material quantities are rounded up — you cannot buy part of a tile, plank or bag.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the number of workers and their hours.
- Enter the hourly rate and the overtime multiplier.
- Set the labour burden (payroll taxes, insurance, benefits).
- Read the regular pay, overtime pay, burden and total.
Worked example
| Workers | 3 workers × 40 hours × $35/hour = $4,200 |
|---|---|
| Overtime | 10 hours × $35 × 1.5 = $525 |
| Burden (20%) | ($4,200 + $525) × 0.20 = $945 |
| Total | $4,200 + $525 + $945 = $5,670 |
Check it by hand: every step above uses the formula in the box. If your numbers match the example inputs but the calculator gives a different answer, please report it via the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is labour burden?
Everything on top of wages: payroll taxes, workers' compensation insurance, benefits and supervision. It is usually 15–30% of pay. Enter your own figure — it varies by trade and location.
What is time and a half?
Overtime paid at 1.5 times the normal hourly rate — the standard in the US and common elsewhere. Double time is 2 times the rate. Enter the multiplier that applies to your job.
Does this include the contractor's profit?
No — this is labour cost only. Profit and markup are separate: use the contractor profit calculator to add them.
Are these figures a quote?
No. They are estimates built from your own rates — not guaranteed quotes. Wage rates vary by trade, location and experience.
Related calculators
Estimates only. Results are for planning. Measure twice, confirm box coverage and tile sizes on the packaging you buy, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. See the disclaimer.