IBEW Labor Cost Calculator
Select your IBEW local, enter your hours, and get a full labor cost breakdown with journeyman, foreman, and apprentice rates.
Select a local and enter hours to see your labor cost breakdown.
Labor cost is just one piece. Build a full estimate with material pricing, overhead, and a professional PDF — no spreadsheet required.
Build a full estimate with materials →Total Package Rate
The rate shown is the total package — base wage plus all fringe benefits required by your CBA. Fringe typically adds 60–80% above base wage. Never estimate labor at just the base rate.
Foreman Rate
Foreman is calculated at 112% of the journeyman package rate — a common CBA provision for working foremen. Verify your specific local's foreman differential before finalizing a bid.
Apprentice Rate
Apprentice cost uses 65% of journeyman package (a rough average across 1st–5th period). Actual cost depends on the period mix of your apprentices. Ask your JATC for current period rates.
Rates Data
Rates come from current CBAs for each local. BidWire covers 12 US metro locals. View all current rates → For locals not listed, contact your IBEW business manager for current wage scales.
NECA Labor Units
This calculator gives you labor cost from hours. To estimate the hours themselves, use NECA labor units by work classification. Read the guide →
Need more than hours?
BidWire builds full estimates: NECA labor units × IBEW rates + material takeoff + overhead + profit. Start free →