Labor Cost Estimator for Electrical Jobs
Estimate total labor costs for electrical jobs by entering task details, crew size, hours, and applicable overhead rates. Results include base labor, burden costs, and total billable labor.
Formulas Used
Base Labor per Role:
Base Labor = (Regular Hours × Hourly Wage) + (Overtime Hours × Hourly Wage × 1.5)
Total Role Labor = Base Labor per Worker × Number of Workers
Total Base Labor:
Total Base Labor = Foreman Labor Total + Journeyman Labor Total + Apprentice Labor Total
Labor Burden:
Labor Burden = Total Base Labor × (Burden Rate / 100)
Burdened Labor Cost:
Burdened Labor Cost = Total Base Labor + Labor Burden
Contractor Markup:
Markup Amount = Burdened Labor Cost × (Markup % / 100)
Total Billable Labor:
Total Billable Labor = Burdened Labor Cost + Markup Amount
Blended Rates:
Total Man-Hours = Total Workers × Total Job Hours
Blended Burdened Rate = Burdened Labor Cost / Total Man-Hours
Blended Billable Rate = Total Billable Labor / Total Man-Hours
Assumptions & References
- Overtime is calculated at 1.5× the base hourly rate per the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for hours over 40/week; this calculator applies OT to all workers equally for simplicity.
- Default wage rates are based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics for electricians (SOC 47-2111) and vary by task complexity.
- Labor burden (25–40%) typically includes: FICA (7.65%), FUTA/SUTA (~3%), workers' compensation insurance (~5–10%), general liability (~2–4%), health benefits (~5–8%), and paid time off accrual.
- Suggested burden rate of 32% is a common industry average for electrical contractors per NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) labor cost guidelines.
- Contractor markup on labor (15–25% typical) covers overhead allocation, profit margin, and administrative costs per standard estimating practice.
- Default wages are pre-filled based on task type using NECA and BLS data; adjust for your local market, union agreements, or prevailing wage requirements.
- This calculator estimates direct labor costs only and does not include materials, equipment rental, permits, or subcontractor costs.
- For union jobs, refer to your local IBEW collective bargaining agreement for applicable wage scales and fringe benefit rates.