Prices for a delivered yard of concrete vary by mix, location, and hauling. Typical factors include mix strength, stand-by time for unloading, and any required pump or footing preparation. This article breaks down costs and provides practical ranges to guide budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (per cubic yard) | $110 | $140 | $180 | Standard mixes, no additives |
| Delivery | $60 | $90 | $150 | Distance and ramp usage affect cost |
| Concrete Pumping (optional) | $120 | $180 | $320 | Only if pour inaccessible by wheelbarrow |
| Placement & Finishing | $1.50 | $2.50 | $4.00 | $/sq ft, depends on finish quality |
| Permits/Fees | $0 | $30 | $150 | Local rules may apply |
| Taxes & Contingency | $10 | $20 | $40 | Estimate for project budgeting |
Assumptions: region, mix strength (e.g., 3000–4000 psi), pour size, access, and labor availability.
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost ranges for a delivered yard of concrete include the base price per cubic yard plus delivery and optional services. In most U.S. markets, a standard 10–12 yard pour in a residential project may total roughly $1,700 to $3,000, depending on strength, additives, and site access. data-formula=”concrete_price + delivery + extras”>
Cost Breakdown
Concrete delivery and related services involve several line items that together shape the total. The table below shows a practical mix of components, with assumptions typical for a mid-sized residential slab.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $110 | $140 | $180 | Includes PSI range and basic additives |
| Labor | $0 | $15 | $35 | Labor for finishing and edge work |
| Equipment | ||||
| Delivery/Haul | $60 | $90 | $150 | Distance and access affect cost |
| Permits | $0 | $30 | $150 | Local inspection requirements |
| Finishing & Edges | $1.50 | $2.50 | $4.00 | Stamps, broom finish, troweling |
| Disposal/Delivery Fees | $0 | $10 | $30 | Debris and washout fees |
| Taxes | $5 | $15 | $30 | Sales tax varies by state |
| Subtotal per yd | $126 | $230 | $420 | Excludes project-specific features |
Assumptions: 3000–3500 psi mix, typical slab area under 400 sq ft, accessible site.
What Drives Price
Price is influenced by concrete strength, pour size, and site access. Higher-psi mixes or designer additives raise material costs per yard, while large pours benefit from economies of scale. Pumping, if needed, adds a meaningful premium, and hard-to-reach areas may require extra crew time and equipment.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region across the United States, with notable gaps between urban and rural areas and coastal versus inland markets. In general, delivered concrete in the Southeast and Midwest tends to be on the lower end of the spectrum, while the West and dense urban corridors may see higher delivery surcharges and demand-driven premiums. Expect roughly ±15–25% deltas when comparing three distinct regions.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs reflect crew size and time on site. A typical crew for a small residential slab might include two workers for finishing, with an hourly rate that can range from $40 to $70 per hour combined. For larger pours or complex forming, rates increase and time-to-complete grows nonlinearly, especially if curing requirements and surface textures add steps.
Hidden & Additional Costs
Hidden costs can shift the budget unexpectedly. Surges include extended pump rental, overnight storage fees, supply surcharges, or washout disposal. Permits and inspections may be required in some jurisdictions, adding time and fees to the project.
Ways To Save
Budget-conscious strategies reduce per-yard cost without compromising quality. Consider scheduling during off-peak seasons, consolidating pours to achieve volume discounts, choosing standard mixes over specialty formulations, and coordinating simultaneous pours with other projects to optimize delivery routes and labor.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes
- Basic — 6 yd pour, standard 3000 psi mix, basic broom finish, no pump. Labor 8 hours, delivery 1 route. Total: approximately $1,050–$1,600. Per yd: $175–$267.
- Mid-Range — 12 yd pour, 3500 psi, light colorant, basic pump, standard finish. Labor 12 hours, delivery two routes. Total: approximately $2,800–$4,200. Per yd: $233–$350.
- Premium — 20 yd pour, specialty mix, stamped finish, pump and formwork, higher curing requirements. Labor 18–22 hours with crew of four. Total: approximately $5,000–$8,000. Per yd: $250–$400.
Assumptions: job size and finish quality vary; pumps used when distance or slope necessitates heavy equipment.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Pricing can shift with seasonality. In many markets, spring and summer demand drives higher delivery and labor costs, while winter slows activity and can bring temporary discounts. Planning a pour during shoulder seasons may provide modest savings, especially for large projects needing logistic coordination.
Real-World Pricing Snapshots
Concrete pricing snapshots help set expectations for planning. A typical homeowner project may show a middle-of-the-road total around $2,000–$3,500 for a slab up to 500 sq ft, including delivery and finishing. A larger driveway or patio could push toward $4,000–$7,000 with premium finishes and pump use.
Assumptions: regional cost norms, standard forms, typical weather windows.