Labor Cost Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the labor cost calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Total Labor Cost

total_labor_cost = hourly_rate * hours * num_workers

Cost Per Worker

cost_per_worker = hourly_rate * hours

Daily Labor Cost (8hr day)

daily_cost = hourly_rate * 8 * num_workers

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
hourly_rateHourly Rate(USD)35
hoursHours Worked(hours)40
num_workersNumber of Workers3

How It Works

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Formula

Total Labor Cost = Hourly Rate x Hours x Number of Workers

Labor is typically the largest expense for service businesses and contractors. Accurate labor cost estimation is critical for profitable bidding and project management.

Worked Example

3 workers at $35/hour for 40 hours each.

hourly_rate = 35hours = 40num_workers = 3
  1. 01Cost per worker = $35 x 40 = $1,400
  2. 02Total labor cost = $1,400 x 3 = $4,200
  3. 03Daily labor cost (8hr day) = $35 x 8 x 3 = $840

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Labor Cost Calculator