Honda charges $85 per hour for labor. this is the number 1 reason why local shops are cheaper, as their average rate hangs in the $45-55 range, depending on your locality.

if you have the time, ask the mechanic if you can watch the install as you're interested in learning. some shops may tell you, "it's against our insurance policy", while everyone i have been to has no problem letting you check it out unless they have something to hide.

it's called playing on someone's superiority complex for your own benefit.