Consumers typically pay for concrete by the yard, delivery fuel surcharges, and site preparation. The main drivers are mix type, distance, and project size. This article outlines cost expectations, price ranges, and practical ways to estimate and save on a concrete load.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (ready-mix, per cubic yard) | $110 | $130 | $160 | Includes basic tax; variations by region and admixtures |
| Delivery (per load) | $60 | $110 | $180 | Fuel surcharge may apply |
| Site prep & formwork | $200 | $450 | $1,000 | Depends on area, accessibility, and shape |
| Labor & pouring (per hour) | $60 | $90 | $150 | Crew size and pour speed affect total |
| Extras & permits | $0 | $50 | $300 | Admixtures, edging, finishing, permits |
Assumptions: region, mix design, project size, access, and weather conditions.
Overview Of Costs
Estimating a concrete load involves three core factors: quantity, delivery, and site work. For typical residential slabs or driveways, a standard ready-mix at about 4–6 inches thick drives the price through per-yard and per-load charges. A mid-sized project commonly lands in the $1,500–$4,500 range for materials, delivery, and basic preparation, with larger or more complex pours pushing toward $6,000 or more. Key drivers include slab thickness, concrete strength, and distance to the job site.
Cost Breakdown
Concrete cost elements vary by project specifics, but a typical breakdown follows. The materials cost is driven by cubic yards and mix type (standard, high-early strength, or specialty formulas). Delivery adds a fixed or variable fee, often with a fuel surcharge. Site work covers forms, rebar, and compaction. Finishing touches such as control joints, broom finishes, and curing compounds add to the total. The following table shows a common distribution with rough ranges.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $110 | $130 | $160 | Per cubic yard; varies by mix design |
| Labor | $60 | $90 | $150 | Pour crew and finishing; per hour |
| Delivery/Equipment | $60 | $110 | $180 | Includes mixer truck time; fuel surcharge |
| Site Prep & Forms | $200 | $450 | $1,000 | Forms, reinforcement, excavation if needed |
| Permits & Fees | $0 | $50 | $300 | Local requirements may apply |
| Subtotal | Approximately $420–$1,090 per pour (4–6 yards typical) | |||
| Contingency | $0 | $50 | $200 | Weather and access risk |
| Total Est. | $1,000–$6,000+ depending on project scope | |||
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
What Drives Price
Regional differences, project specifics, and timing shape final pricing. Concrete prices reflect local supply chains, regional labor costs, and job-site access. Higher-strength mixes and specialty admixtures raise costs. A long run between supplier and site adds delivery charges. Seasonal demand spikes in hot or wet months can push prices higher.
Cost Drivers
Two niche drivers commonly alter a concrete load total. First, slab thickness and area determine required cubic yards, with 4 inches thick at 2,400 square feet needing roughly 22 cubic yards, while 6 inches over the same area doubles that volume. Second, the mix strength matters: a 3,000 psi mix is cheaper than 5,000 psi or air-entrained formulations used in exposed aggregate or freeze-thaw conditions.
Ways To Save
Cost-conscious buyers can reduce the load price with careful planning. Order multiple pours to reduce delivery fees, schedule during non-peak seasons to avoid surcharges, and optimize thickness to the minimum required by code. Combining forms, reusing forms, or skipping nonessential finishes lowers site-work costs. If access is tight, ask about smaller mixer trucks or skim-coat approaches where appropriate.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across the United States by region and market conditions. In the Northeast, higher labor costs and winter considerations push per-yard prices upward. The Midwest often sees moderate delivery fees and competitive material costs. The West may show higher overall quotes due to transportation distances and demand. Expected deltas relative to a national baseline are approximately ±8–18% depending on region and project specifics.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor hours scale with pour size and complexity. A basic residential slab may require 6–12 hours of crew time for cutting, forming, pouring, and finishing, while larger slabs can exceed 20 hours across multiple days. Per-hour rates range from $60–$150 depending on crew skills and location. The actual time is sensitive to weather, ground conditions, and finishing requirements.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical market quotes for a single project.
- Basic: 8×10 foot slab, 4 inches thick, standard 3,000 psi concrete, simple broom finish. Materials around 7–9 cubic yards. Labor 6–8 hours. Total around $1,350–$2,000, including delivery but excluding permits.
- Mid-Range: 15×20 foot slab, 5 inches thick, 4,000 psi, sharp broom and joints. Materials 10–14 cubic yards. Labor 12–16 hours. Total around $2,900–$4,800 with delivery and site work.
- Premium: Driveway extension with 6–6.5 inches, air-entrained 5,000 psi mix, decorative finish. Materials 18–22 cubic yards. Labor 18–28 hours. Total around $6,000–$9,000, including reinforcement, edging, and curing aids.
Assumptions: project scope, location, access, and weather windows.