That depends on how big and materials and how experienced the tile setter is and if this is on the second floor setting a water proof pan is not easy

well...supposed to be experienced; first floor (but basement below); and about the size of a slightly larger-than-normal rectangular bathtub

So thats just for tile how about plumbing fixtures what tile is being used

plumbing and fixtures were broken out in another part of the bid so not part of that price; tile is daltile "franciscan"

Ceramic that looks like slate are the floors being done ?where are you located have you tried finding pros on houzz under local pros

So the 10,000 is just for the tile? Sounds high to me. I'm in California (high prices) and used a really high end contractor that pulled out my tub and put in a new one, tiled the shower walls (shower/tub combo) , put in the floor and installed the toilet. I paid $3700 for labor and that included the plumbing. It's a small bathroom so not much tile for the floor. I got a quote from him to re-do the next bathroom which is a shower only and it was maybe $1000 more. Mine is a one story on a slab so not sure if that makes a difference. It just sounds high to me.

Forgot to mention that he put a 14" strip of glass from tub to ceiling where the fixtures are and on the other end he built a great niche with glass shelves, all included in that price, and he put tile around the front of the tub.

I want to do that; replace oversize tub with tiled, glass enclosed shower, no new plumbing..

sounds awfully high. is there a floor n decor near you? they can special order.price out the tile yourself. ask for recommendations for tile setters from various sources. get a few bids. be sure to ask for a per sq ft price to set the tile. there will be variables but most contractors can give you a basic ballpark like $2.50 PSF labor to give you a basis for comparison. i'm not a pro, just going by my experience.
maybe IRONWOOD will pop in with better info.

$10K for a custom shower would include plumbing fixtures, frame, cement board, pan, granite curb, mortar, tile, grout, and glass enclosure. Other amenities such as bench seats, wall niches, extra sprays could add to this.

10K for the tile seems like a lot to me, but I am not familiar with the Franciscan tile

thanks for all the helpful comments! The tile is around midrange in price, nothing extreme. We were hoping to get the whole bathroom updated (needs some drywall etc) for $15,000 and the bid came through for double that because of the shower expense...

I would call tile shops and get names of who they recommend and get a few more bids. Make sure you look at their portfolios and check their work. I wanted really tight grout lines so I looked to see if they had done those.