The Average Labor to Install a Bathroom Toilet

National Average

• The national average for installing a toilet, including labor and material cost, is between $116.88 and $154.84 per toilet, according to the website Homewyse. If you consider a city with an average cost of living index, such as Salisbury, Maryland, the total cost of installing a bathroom toilet ranges from $113.97 to $150.95. This breaks down to a range of $36.10 to $46.55 for materials and $77.87 to $104.40 for labor costs.

Geographical Differences

• The average labor cost to install a bathroom toilet will, however, vary widely depending on the city you live in. For example, the labor costs for replacing a toilet in New York City -- which, in 2011 is the most expensive city in the United States, according to Business Insider -- are between $119.71 and $160.49 per toilet. In Harlingen, Texas, which topped Bloomberg Businessweek’s list of the top 25 cheapest cities in America in October 2011, installing a toilet will cost you between $68.09 and $91.29 in labor.

What’s Included

• The labor cost for installing a toilet should include all aspects of the installation process, as well as removal of an existing toilet, if applicable. The workmen should transport the new toilet to your home, put it into place and hook it up to the plumbing. They should also attach a new wax ring seal to the bottom of the toilet and take care of any cleanup. The labor costs of modifying existing plumbing, electrical or HVAC systems are usually not included in labor costs and are counted as extra, according to Homewyse.

Discounts

• You may be eligible for a discount on the installation of your new toilet. Some city water departments offer a discount on installing a newer toilet that is more water- and energy-efficient. Your plumber will be aware of such discounts and will likely take care of the necessary paperwork for you. Some areas also offer discounts to senior citizens or handicapped people. Check with your local housing or aging departments if you think you qualify for a discount.