Concrete cost per cubic yard typically runs $125-$180 for ready-mix concrete delivered in a full truckload, with a national planning average near $150 per yard. Mix strength, order size, delivery distance, site access, and whether the quote includes placing and finishing can move the total substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-mix concrete | $125/yd³ | $150/yd³ | $180/yd³ | Full-load delivery, standard mix |
| Small-load order | $175/yd³ | $225/yd³ | $300/yd³ | Minimum-load fees may apply |
| Concrete poured and finished | $150/yd³ | $250/yd³ | $400+/yd³ | Labor and scope vary widely |
| Typical 10-yard order | $1,250 | $1,500 | $1,800 | Concrete only, before extra fees |
What concrete costs per cubic yard when delivered
For a standard 3,000- to 4,000-psi mix and a full truckload, buyers commonly pay $125-$180 per cubic yard before unusual access charges or taxes. A 10-yard order therefore costs about $1,250-$1,800 for the concrete itself; regional averages and supplier quotes differ.
Use about $150 per yard as a starting budget for standard ready-mix, not a guaranteed installed price. This estimate assumes normal truck access and a regular weekday delivery. Concrete pricing is usually based on the ordered volume, but a supplier may charge a minimum quantity or round up to its billing increment.
Assumptions: standard ready-mix, full truckload, ordinary access, no pumping or placement labor.
How delivery, mix, and labor appear on the quote
A quote can include more than the concrete. Ask whether the per-yard rate covers delivery, fuel surcharges, sales tax, waiting time, and unloading. Placement, screeding, finishing, and formwork are often priced separately, especially for slabs and driveways.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Standard concrete | $125-$180 per yd³ | Strength, aggregate, local supply |
| Short-load fee | $50-$250 per order | Supplier minimum and unused capacity |
| Pump service | $500-$1,500 per job | Equipment type, setup, hose distance |
| Placement and finishing | $4-$10 per sq ft | Slab thickness, finish, access, prep |
| Forms and site preparation | $1-$5 per sq ft | Excavation, base, form complexity |
Compare the delivered total, because a low yard rate can be offset by delivery or minimum-load fees. For labor budgeting, a crew of three or four may spend several hours on a small accessible slab, while larger pours require more workers and careful coordination.
How mix strength and order size change the yard price
Standard residential concrete commonly ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 psi. Higher-strength mixes, fiber reinforcement, color, air entrainment, or special set times may add roughly $5-$30 per cubic yard, depending on the plant and specification. A 5,000-psi specification or specialty finish should be priced directly with the supplier.
Order size is another major variable. A full truck often carries roughly 8-10 cubic yards, while orders below a supplier’s minimum can trigger a short-load charge. Delivery more than 20-30 miles from the plant, difficult truck access, or a narrow time window can also add fees.
Verify the required psi and calculate volume before ordering; unnecessary upgrades and overordering both increase the bill. For a slab, volume in cubic yards equals length in feet × width in feet × thickness in feet, divided by 27. Add a modest allowance for uneven subgrade and spillage rather than ordering a large arbitrary surplus.
How to reduce the concrete bill without risking the pour
Measure the forms and planned thickness carefully, then have the contractor or supplier check the calculation. Consolidating separate pours may reduce delivery charges, provided the schedule and site are ready. Ordering enough to avoid a short load can also make the per-yard price lower, but excess concrete can cost more than the fee saved.
Control the scope before choosing a cheaper mix or cutting required slab thickness. Prepare access, forms, reinforcement, and subgrade before the truck arrives to avoid paid waiting time. Compare at least two local quotes using the same psi, quantity, delivery window, and included services; otherwise, the rates are not directly comparable.
Why concrete delivery prices differ across U.S. regions
Concrete prices often run about 10%-25% higher in dense metro areas with expensive labor, traffic, or limited plant capacity than in lower-cost rural markets. Remote sites may also pay more because of longer haul distances, even where labor rates are lower. Local cement supply and seasonal demand affect quotes as well.
Use regional differences as a check, not a substitute for local delivered quotes. The supplier’s distance from the site and the availability of trucks on the requested date can matter more than a broad state average. Ask whether quoted surcharges are fixed per order or charged per yard.
How crew time and truck waiting affect the installed price
Ready-mix is time-sensitive once loaded, so the crew should be ready to place it when the truck arrives. A small straightforward pour may take a few hours; a large slab, long wheelbarrow route, or detailed finish can require a full day or multiple workers. Contractors may charge hourly for waiting, typically around $75-$150 per crew-hour, or include an allowance in the bid.
Confirm the allowed unloading time and overtime rate before scheduling the truck. Pump setup and cleanup can add time even when the pour itself is quick. Weather delays, late site preparation, or a truck that cannot reach the forms may produce labor or equipment charges not included in the concrete-only price.
When pump rental or a short load adds more than expected
A short-load order can add $50-$250 or more, while a pump commonly costs $500-$1,500 for a residential job. A pump may be necessary when trucks cannot reach the pour, but it can be expensive for a small quantity. Wheelbarrows or a concrete buggy may cost less if the route is short and the crew can keep pace.
Get separate prices for pump setup, minimum rental time, and short-load fees before committing. Removal of old concrete, excavation, gravel base, rebar, and disposal are often outside the ready-mix quote. Demolition and haul-away can add several dollars per square foot, especially where access is tight.
Three concrete order examples for common residential pours
A 10-by-10-foot patio at 4 inches thick needs about 1.23 cubic yards before allowance. With a small-load fee and basic placement, a practical total may be $500-$1,200, depending on crew minimums, reinforcement, and finish. The concrete-only cost may be less than $300, but mobilizing a crew is not priced by volume alone.
A 20-by-20-foot driveway section at 5 inches thick takes about 6.2 cubic yards before allowance. Standard concrete at $135-$175 per yard costs about $840-$1,085; forms, base preparation, reinforcement, and finishing can bring the installed portion to roughly $2,500-$5,000.
A 30-by-40-foot slab at 6 inches thick requires about 22.2 cubic yards before allowance, often split across multiple truckloads. At $125-$170 per yard, concrete alone is approximately $2,775-$3,775. Pumping, reinforcement, crew labor, and site preparation may raise the completed project to $7,000-$14,000 or more.
These examples show why project totals should be compared by scope, not just price per yard. Final estimates depend on local labor, specifications, soil and access conditions, and the contractor’s included work.