Labor Cost per Construction Scopes of Work (REGION IV-A)
Below are labor costs are typically applied to the following construction activities:
- Labor cost for Earthworks
- Labor cost for Concrete Works
- Labor cost for Rebar Works
- Labor cost for Formworks and scaffolding
- Labor cost for CHB laying and masonry works
- Labor cost for Plastering
- Labor cost for Ceiling Works
- Labor cost for Drywall Works
- Labor cost for Tile Works
- Labor cost for Waterproofing Works
- Labor cost for Roofing Works
- Labor cost for Roofing Works (Structural Framing)
- Labor cost for Painting works
- Labor cost for Plumbing and Sanitary Works
- Labor cost for Electrical Works
- Labor cost for Mechanical and Fire Protection Works
How Labor Cost per Scope Is Estimated
Labor cost per scope of work is usually derived from:
- Standard productivity rates
- Daily labor wage rates
- Project duration and manpower requirements
- Site conditions and access
- Skill level and supervision requirements
These factors are combined to produce a unit labor cost suitable for estimating.
| Item | Labor Description | Unit | Labor Cost per Unit (PHP) | Remarks | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earthworks | |||||||
| Structure Excavation (Hard Rock) | cu.m | 1305.16 | With Equiment | ||||
| Structure Excavation (Soft Rock) | cu.m | 364.67 | With Equiment | ||||
| Structure Excavation (Common Soil) | cu.m | 243.74 | With Equiment | ||||
| Structure Excavation (Common Soil) | cu.m | 831.07 | Manual/By Hand | ||||
| Embankment from Common Borrow | cu.m | 177.11 | With Equiment | ||||
| Soil Poisoning | sq.m | 53.71 | |||||
| Concrete Works | |||||||
| Structural Concrete for Sub Structure (Footing & FTB) | cu.m | 2545.08 | Manual Mixing w/ bagger mixer | ||||
| Structural Concrete for Super Structure (Column, Beam & Slab) | cu.m | 3365.16 | Manual Mixing w/ bagger mixer | ||||
| Rebar Works | |||||||
| Fabrication and Installation of Reinforcing Steel of Reinforced Concrete Structures for Two up to Five Storey | kg | 16.45 | with Bar Bender and Bar Cutter | ||||
| Fabrication and Installation of Reinforcing Steel of Reinforced Concrete Structures for 1-Storey Residential | kg | 14.8 | with Bar Bender and Bar Cutter | ||||
| Formworks | |||||||
| Fabrication ,Installation & Stripping of Formworks and Falseworks (for one-storey building) | sq.m | 518.81 | |||||
| Masonry Works | |||||||
| CHB Laying (4" CHB) | sq.m | 227.41 | Including RSB Installation | ||||
| CHB Laying (6" CHB) | sq.m | 273.53 | Including RSB Installation | ||||
| CHB Plastering (20mm Thick) | sq.m | 122.32 | |||||
| Ceiling Works | |||||||
| Hardiflex/Plywood on Metal Frame Ceiling | sq.m | 425.44 | |||||
| Hardiflex/Plywood on Wod Frame Ceiling | sq.m | 355.15 | |||||
| Gypsum Board on Metal Frame Ceiling | sq.m | 394.65 | |||||
| Acoustic Ceiling Panel on Metal Framing (2ft x 2ft) | sq.m | 394.65 | |||||
| Perforated Aluminum Ceiling Panels | sq.m | 693.09 | |||||
| Drywall Works | |||||||
| Hardiflex/Ordinary Plywood on Metal Frame Double Wall Partition | sq.m | 681.48 | |||||
| Doors & Windows | |||||||
| Hollow Steel Door/ Steel Flush Door/ Grille Door/ Steel Louver Door | sq.m | 2010.35 | Installation Only | ||||
| Fire Rated Fire Exit Steel Door | sq.m | 2409.9 | Installation Only | ||||
| Aluminum Glass Door (Sliding Type/Swing Type) | sq.m | 1634.39 | Installation Only | ||||
| Aluminum Glass Window (Sliding/ Casement/Awning/ Fixed Type) | sq.m | 1180.39 | Installation Only | ||||
| Jalousie Window (Glass) | sq.m | 1573.86 | Installation Only | ||||
| Frames (Jambs, Sill, Head, Transoms and Mullions) | set | 849.88 | Installation Only | ||||
| Tile Works | |||||||
| Glazed Tiles and Trims | sq.m | 1011.06 | |||||
| Unglazed Tiles/ Granite Tiles/ Synthetic Granite Tiles | sq.m | 707.74 | |||||
| Wood Tiles (Narra/Tanguile, Others) | sq.m | 884.68 | |||||
| Laminated Wood Tiles | sq.m | 707.74 | |||||
| Vinyl Tiles | sq.m | 154.9 | |||||
| Pea Gravel/washout Finish | sq.m | 296.26 | |||||
| Waterproofing Works | |||||||
| Waterproofing Cement Base | sq.m | 226.64 | |||||
| Liquid Waterproofing/Cementitious Waterproofing | sq.m | 73.62 | |||||
| Built-up and Performed Membrane | sq.m | 88.44 | |||||
| Roofing Works | |||||||
| Corrugated Metal Roofing | sq.m | 254.73 | |||||
| Fabricated Metal Roofing Accessory (Ridge/Hip Rolls/Flashings/Counter Flashing/Valley Roll) | m | 42.49 | |||||
| Prepainted Metal Sheets (Corrugated, Short Span/ Long Span) | sq.m | 254.73 | |||||
| Reflective Insulation | sq.m | 95.11 | |||||
| Roofing Works (Structural Framing) | |||||||
| Structural Steel Roof Framing including cross bracing | kg | 30.54 | |||||
| Structural Steel Purlin | kg | 18.28 | |||||
| Metal Structure Accessories (Anchor Bolts) | pc | 42.49 | |||||
| Metal Structure Accessories Turn Buckle) | pc | 63.74 | |||||
| Painting Works | |||||||
| Masonry/Concrete Painting | sq.m | 266.59 | |||||
| Metal/Wood Painting) | sq.m | 296.21 | |||||
| Varnishing Works | sq.m | 141.91 | |||||
| Ducco Finished | sq.m | 370.27 | |||||
| Plumbing and Sanitary Works | |||||||
| Water Closet / Urinal Kitchen Sink/Scrub Up Sink/Slop Sink | set | 849.88 | |||||
| Floor Drain Plates | set | 169.98 | |||||
| Shower head/ Shower Valve | set | 424.94 | |||||
| 50 mm Ø -100 mm Ø PVC Pipe, Series 600/ Series 1000 | m | 176.28 | |||||
| 150 mm Ø -300 mm Ø PVC Pipe, Series 600/ Series 1000 | m | 132.21 | |||||
| 50 mm Ø -100 mm Ø High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipe | m | 176.28 | |||||
| 150 mm Ø -300 mm Ø High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Pipe | m | 132.21 | |||||
| 13 mm Ø - 50 mm Ø Galvanized Iron Pipe | pc | 1057.65 | |||||
| 65 mm Ø - 150 mm Ø Galvanized Iron Pipe | pc | 793.24 | |||||
| 13 mm Ø - 50 mm Ø Polyprophylene Random Copolymer (PPR-C) Pipe, PN 10/ PN 16/ PN 20 | pc | 703.34 | |||||
| 63 mm Ø - 100 mm Ø Polyprophylene Random Copolymer (PPR-C) Pipe, PN 10/ PN 16/ PN 20 | pc | 528.83 | |||||
| 13 mm Ø-50 mm Ø Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe, Blue | pc | 528.83 | |||||
| 65 mm Ø - 100 mm Ø Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe, Blue | pc | 396.62 | |||||
| 150mm dia. Concrete Pipe Laying | m | 865.14 | |||||
| 200mm dia. Concrete Pipe Laying | m | 946.03 | |||||
| 250mm dia. Concrete Pipe Laying | m | 1034.41 | |||||
| 300mm dia. Concrete Pipe Laying | m | 1114.08 | |||||
| 350mm dia. Concrete Pipe Laying | m | 1193.74 | |||||
| Electrical Works | |||||||
| 15 mmØ - 25 mmØ x 3.00 m Rigid Steel Conduit (RSC)/ Intermediate metal Conduit (IMC)/ Electrical Metal Tubing (EMT) | m | 318.79 | |||||
| 32 mm Ø - 40 mm Ø x 3.00 m Rigid Steel Conduit (RSC)/ Intermediate metal Conduit (IMC)/ Electrical Metal Tubing (EMT) | m | 339.95 | |||||
| 50 mm Ø - 65 mm Ø Rigid Steel ConduiU Intermediate metal Conduit (IMC)/ Electrical Metal Tubing (EMT) | m | 823.53 | |||||
| 80 mm Ø - 100 mm Ø Rigid Steel Conduit ( RSC) Intermediate metal Conduit (IMC)/ Electrical Metal Tubing (EMT) | m | 849.88 | |||||
| 15 mm Ø - 25 mm Ø Flexible Metal Conduit | m | 212.47 | |||||
| 15 mm Ø - 32 mm Ø Polyviny;l Chloride (PVC (Pipes) | m | 120.24 | |||||
| Junction/ Utility/ Pull/ Square Box | pc | 86.83 | |||||
| 1.6 mm^2 - 5.5 mm^2 Electric Wire (TW/THHN/TWHN 2) | m | 17 | |||||
| 8 mm^2 - 22 mm^2 Electric Wire (TW/THHN/TWHN 2) | m | 29.75 | |||||
| 30 mm^2 - 38 mm^2 Electric Wire (TW/THHN/TWHN 2) | m | 116.16 | |||||
| 50 mm^2 - 60 mm^2 Electric Wire (TW/THHN/TWHN 2) | m | 143.82 | |||||
| 80 mm2 - 125 mm2 Electric Wire (TW/THHN/TWHN 2) | m | 232.32 | |||||
| 150 mm^2 - 250 mm^2 Electric Wire (TW/THHN/TWHN 2) | m | 608.7 | |||||
| 325 mm^2 - 400 mm^2 Electric Wire (TW/THHN/TWHN 2) | m | 713.32 | |||||
| 500 mm^2 Electric Wire (TW/THHN/TWHN 2) | m | 856.19 | |||||
| 2.00 mm^2 - 5.5 mm^2 Bare Copper Wire | m | 21.25 | |||||
| 8.00 mm^2 - 22 mm^2 Bare Copper Wire | m | 42.49 | |||||
| 30.00 mm^2 - 38 mm^2 Bare Copper Wire | m | 55.31 | |||||
| 50.00 mm^2 - 60 mm^2 Bare Copper Wire | m | 66.37 | |||||
| 80.00 mm^2 - 125 mm^2 Bare Copper Wire | m | 110.62 | |||||
| 200.00 mm^2 - 250 mm^2 Bare Copper Wire | m | 171.19 | |||||
| Switches | set | 238.79 | |||||
| Single Convenience Outlet/Receptacle, Grounding Type (GT)/ Heavy Duty Convenience Outlet/Receptacle, Grounding Type (GT)/ Weather Proof Single Convenience Outlet/Receptacle, Grounding Type (GT)/ Pop-up Type/Floor Triplex Convenience Outlet/Receptacle, Grounding Type (GT) | set | 54.27 | |||||
| Duplex Convenience OutleVReceptacle, Grounding Type (GT) / Weather Proof Duplex Convenience Outlet/Receptacle, Grounding Type (GT)/ Special Purpose Convenience OutleVReceptacle, Grounding Type for ACU, WH, etc/ Explosion Proof Type Duplex Convenience Outlet/Receptacle, Grounding Type (GT)/ Duplex Convenience Outlet/Receptacle with Ground Fault Circuit lnterupter | set | 65.12 | |||||
| Pop-up Type/Floor Single Convenience Outlet/Receptacle, Grounding Type (GT)/ Pop-up Type/Floor Duplex Convenience Outlet/Receptacle, Grounding Type (GT)/ Explosion Proof Type Single Convenience Outlet/Receptacle, Grounding Type (GT)/ Single Convenience Outlet/Receptacle with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter | set | 32.56 | |||||
| Panel Board with Main Breaker/Branches, 3 wires, 1 neutral, 250 Amp - 400 Amp | set | 4326.75 | Labor Includes removal of circuit breaker, Alignment, mounting and removal of hub/hole,installation of pipe/fittings, re-installation of circuit breaker ,termination of wires, testing and commisioning. | ||||
| Panel Board with Main Breaker/Branches, 3 wires, 1 neutral, 50 Amp - 200 Amp | set | 2644.13 | Labor Includes removal of circuit breaker, Alignment, mounting and removal of hub/hole,installation of pipe/fittings, re-installation of circuit breaker ,termination of wires, testing and commisioning. | ||||
| NEMA I (Enclosed Circuit Breaker) Single Phase or Three Phase Commercial/Industrial Type | set | 386.31 | Labor Includes removal of circuit breaker, Alignment, mounting and removal of hub/hole,installation of pipe/fittings, re-installation of circuit breaker ,termination of wires, testing and commisioning. | ||||
| NEMA 3R (Enclosed Circuit Breaker) Single Phase or Three Phase Commercial/lndustrial Type | set | 289.73 | Labor Includes removal of circuit breaker, Alignment, mounting and removal of hub/hole,installation of pipe/fittings, re-installation of circuit breaker ,termination of wires, testing and commisioning. | ||||
| Fluorescent Lighting Fixture with Ballast /Light Emitting Diode (LED) Bulb, 1 Bulb | set | 424.94 | Labor Includes installation of scaffolding .Alignment,of fixtures,disassemble of lighting fixture permanent installation of insulation materials,testing and commisioning. | ||||
| Fluorescent Lighting Fixture with Ballast /Light Emitting Diode (LED) Bulb, 2 Bulbs | set | 488.68 | Labor Includes installation of scaffolding .Alignment,of fixtures,disassemble of lighting fixture permanent installation of insulation materials,testing and commisioning. | ||||
| Fluorescent Lighting Fixture with Ballast /Light Emitting Diode (LED) Bulb, 3 Bulbs | set | 531.18 | Labor Includes installation of scaffolding .Alignment,of fixtures,disassemble of lighting fixture permanent installation of insulation materials,testing and commisioning. | ||||
| Mechanical & Fire Protection Works | |||||||
| Sprinkler Head, upright/pendent/wall | pc | 72.97 | |||||
| Alarm Check Valve | pc | 1545.24 | |||||
| Flow Meter | pc | 1158.93 | |||||
| OS & Y Gate Valve 175 psi | pc | 1158.93 | |||||
| Pressure Gauge | pc | 145.94 | |||||
| Pressure Relief Valve, Floor Control Valve | pc | 1158.93 | |||||
| 25 mm -50 mm Black Iron (B.I.) Pipe Laying | m | 600.94 | Straight line installation for ceiling height of up to 3.5m, Labor Output includes setting , scaffolding, cutting fixing of Pipe from elbow ,tee, flange, valve and painting. | ||||
| 65 mmØ -150 mmØ Black Iron (B.I.) Pipe | m | 641 | Straight line installation for ceiling height of up to 3.5m, Labor Output includes setting , scaffolding, cutting fixing of Pipe from elbow ,tee, flange, valve and painting. | ||||
| Fire Hose Valve siames 150 mm Ø x 2 w x 65 mm Ø with cap | set | 1442.25 | |||||
| Fire Hose Cabinet | set | 386.31 | Installation Only | ||||
| Fire Extinguisher | set | 47.22 | Installation Only |
🧱 Construction Labor Cost Guide in the Philippines (2026)
Construction labor costs in the Philippines vary significantly by region, trade, and project complexity. Rates in Metro Manila and major cities are generally higher due to demand, cost of living, and project scale, while provincial areas often have lower daily wages. Understanding how labor pricing works is critical for contractors, engineers, and homeowners to prepare accurate project estimates and realistic budgets.
This guide explains why labor costs differ, what affects pricing, and how to estimate labor properly using standard construction practices in the Philippines.
👉 For material reference, see our [Material Price List Philippines]
📍 How Labor Costs Vary by Region
Labor rates are influenced by location-based economic conditions. Below is a typical daily labor rate comparison (reference only):
📊 Sample Daily Labor Rates by Region (PHP)
| Trade / Region | Metro Manila | Provincial Cities | Rural Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason | ₱900 – ₱1,200 | ₱700 – ₱900 | ₱600 – ₱800 |
| Carpenter | ₱900 – ₱1,300 | ₱700 – ₱1,000 | ₱600 – ₱850 |
| Steelman | ₱900 – ₱1,200 | ₱700 – ₱950 | ₱600 – ₱850 |
| Helper / Labor | ₱600 – ₱800 | ₱500 – ₱650 | ₱450 – ₱600 |
⚠️ Note: Actual rates may vary depending on experience, availability, and urgency of the project.
⚙️ Factors That Affect Construction Labor Pricing
Several factors determine labor cost per scope of work:
1️⃣ Location & Accessibility
Remote areas may have lower daily wages but higher indirect costs due to transportation and accommodation.
2️⃣ Scope & Complexity of Work
Specialized tasks (tiling, formworks, architectural finishes) cost more than basic labor.
3️⃣ Project Duration
Short-duration or rush projects often require higher daily rates.
4️⃣ Skill Level & Productivity
Experienced workers may charge more but finish faster and with better quality.
5️⃣ Market Demand
High construction activity increases labor demand, pushing prices up.
🧮 Labor Cost Breakdown Example (Masonry Works)
Example: CHB Wall Construction (30 sqm)
Assumptions:
- Productivity: 8–10 sqm/day/mason
- Rate: ₱900/day (Metro Manila)
📊 Sample Labor Computation
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Wall Area | 30 sqm |
| Productivity | 9 sqm/day |
| Required Mason Days | 3.33 days |
| Daily Rate | ₱900 |
| Total Mason Cost | ₱3,000 |
| Helpers (1 helper @ ₱700/day for 3.33 days) | ₱2,333 |
| Total Labor Cost | ₱5,333 |
👉 Use our [Masonry Work Calculator] to automate this computation instantly.
🛠️ How to Use Labor Costs in Your Estimate
1️⃣ Identify the scope of work (masonry, concrete, carpentry, etc.)
2️⃣ Use quantity calculators to determine work volume
3️⃣ Apply regional labor rates
4️⃣ Add 5–10% contingency for price fluctuations