Piece Rate Guide by Trade
Common piece rates across construction trades. Use these as a starting point when setting rates for your crew — then adjust based on your market and job complexity.
Roofing
| Task | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tear-off + Install (architectural) | per square | $65–$100 |
| Tear-off only | per square | $25–$40 |
| Install only (new construction) | per square | $40–$65 |
| Ridge cap | per linear foot | $1.50–$3.00 |
Framing
| Task | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Wall framing | per linear foot | $4–$8 |
| Roof trusses | per truss | $15–$30 |
| Floor sheathing | per sheet | $4–$7 |
| Full house framing | per sq ft | $4–$10 |
Drywall
| Task | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging | per sheet | $8–$15 |
| Taping & finishing | per sheet | $10–$18 |
| Hang + finish | per sheet | $18–$30 |
| Texture (spray) | per sq ft | $0.25–$0.50 |
Painting
| Task | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Interior (walls + ceiling) | per room | $100–$250 |
| Exterior siding | per sq ft | $0.50–$1.50 |
| Trim / doors | per piece | $15–$40 |
| Cabinet refinishing | per door/drawer | $25–$50 |
Flooring
| Task | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood install | per sq ft | $1.50–$3.50 |
| LVP / laminate install | per sq ft | $0.75–$1.50 |
| Tile install | per sq ft | $2.00–$5.00 |
| Carpet install | per sq yard | $3.00–$6.00 |
Siding
| Task | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding install | per square | $60–$100 |
| Fiber cement (HardiePlank) | per square | $100–$175 |
| Tear-off old siding | per square | $20–$40 |
Fencing
| Task | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Wood fence install | per linear foot | $8–$18 |
| Chain link install | per linear foot | $5–$12 |
| Vinyl fence install | per linear foot | $10–$20 |
Concrete
| Task | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flatwork (sidewalks, patios) | per sq ft | $2–$5 |
| Foundation walls | per linear foot | $15–$35 |
| Stamped / decorative | per sq ft | $4–$10 |
A note on these rates
These are approximate ranges based on common market rates. Actual piece rates vary significantly based on your location, job complexity, material type, and worker experience. Use these as a starting point and adjust based on what works for your business and market.
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Get Started FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How do I set piece rates for my crew?
Start by figuring out what you can afford to pay in labor per unit based on your bid price. Then consider what a skilled worker should be able to earn per hour at that rate. If the rate lets a good worker earn $25-$40/hour or more, it's competitive. Adjust based on task difficulty and your local market.
Are the piece rates listed here guaranteed to be accurate for my area?
No. These are approximate ranges based on common market rates across the U.S. Actual piece rates vary significantly by location, cost of living, job complexity, and worker experience. Use these as a starting point, then adjust for your specific market and the quality of work you expect.
Should I pay piece rate for every task on a job?
Not necessarily. Piece rate works best for repetitive, measurable production tasks like installing shingles, hanging drywall, or laying flooring. Tasks that require precision over speed, complex problem-solving, or significant variability between jobs are often better suited for hourly pay.
What happens when piece rates are set too low?
Low piece rates drive away experienced workers, reduce quality as workers rush to make decent pay, and can create minimum wage compliance issues. If your best workers are leaving for competitors or you're constantly paying make-up pay, your rates are probably too low.
How often should I review and adjust my piece rates?
Review rates at least annually and whenever material costs, labor market conditions, or job complexity change significantly. If you're losing workers to competitors, rates are too low. If labor is eating your entire margin, rates may be too high for what the job can support.
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