Pricing Guide: How Much Does a Concrete Slab Cost?
Concrete pricing confuses even experienced contractors. Material costs fluctuate, labor rates vary by region, and job complexity can double costs overnight. Here's exactly how to price concrete slabs profitably in 2025—with real numbers from 50+ concrete contractors nationwide.
Concrete Slab Cost Per Square Foot (2025 National Averages)
| Slab Type | Cost per Sq Ft (Installed) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Basic 4" slab | $4.50-7.00 | Garage floors, sheds, basic patios |
| Standard 4" with rebar | $6.00-9.00 | Driveways, patios, sidewalks |
| 6" reinforced slab | $7.50-11.00 | Heavy equipment, commercial |
| Stamped/decorative | $12.00-18.00 | High-end patios, pool decks |
| Polished concrete | $15.00-25.00 | Commercial floors, showrooms |
How to Calculate Concrete Slab Costs
Step 1: Calculate Concrete Volume Needed
Formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = Cubic yards
Example: 20ft × 24ft × (4in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 5.93 cubic yards
Pro tip: Always order 5-10% extra for waste and spillage.
Step 2: Material Costs (2025 Pricing)
Concrete:
- Standard 3,000 PSI mix: $125-165 per cubic yard
- 4,000 PSI (residential): $135-175 per cubic yard
- 5,000+ PSI (commercial): $150-200 per cubic yard
- Fiber-reinforced: Add $8-15 per yard
- Color additive: Add $12-25 per yard
Additional Materials:
- Rebar (Grade 60): $0.60-0.90 per linear foot
- Wire mesh (6x6): $0.40-0.70 per sq ft
- Vapor barrier (6 mil plastic): $0.10-0.20 per sq ft
- Gravel base (4"): $0.50-0.80 per sq ft
- Expansion joints: $1.50-3.00 per linear foot
- Forms (lumber): $2.00-4.00 per linear foot
- Sealer (if required): $0.30-0.60 per sq ft
Step 3: Labor Costs
2025 Concrete Labor Rates:
| Task | Rate |
|---|---|
| Site prep & excavation | $1.50-3.00/sq ft |
| Form setting | $1.00-2.00/sq ft |
| Gravel base installation | $0.75-1.50/sq ft |
| Rebar/mesh placement | $0.50-1.00/sq ft |
| Pour & finish (basic broom) | $2.00-4.00/sq ft |
| Pour & finish (stamped) | $5.00-10.00/sq ft |
Labor Rate Modifiers:
- Access difficulty: +20-40% (tight spaces, hand work required)
- Site slope: +15-30% (significant grading needed)
- Weather conditions: +10-25% (extreme heat/cold)
- Rush timeline: +25-50% (weekend work, expedited)
Step 4: Example Complete Estimate
Project: 20' × 24' (480 sq ft) garage slab, 4" thick with rebar
| Item | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (6 yards) | 6 yards × $145/yard | $870 |
| Rebar | 200 LF × $0.75/LF | $150 |
| Vapor barrier | 480 sq ft × $0.15/sq ft | $72 |
| Gravel base (4") | 480 sq ft × $0.65/sq ft | $312 |
| Forms & supplies | 88 LF × $3/LF | $264 |
| Materials Subtotal | $1,668 | |
| Labor | ||
| Site prep & excavation | 480 × $2.00 | $960 |
| Form setting | 480 × $1.25 | $600 |
| Gravel & rebar placement | 480 × $1.00 | $480 |
| Pour & finish | 480 × $2.75 | $1,320 |
| Labor Subtotal | $3,360 | |
| Direct Costs | $5,028 | |
| Overhead (18%) | $905 | |
| Profit (25%) | $1,483 | |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST | $7,416 | |
| Price per Sq Ft | $15.45 | |
Regional Concrete Pricing Variations
| Region | Concrete Price/Yard | Avg Total Cost/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, NJ, MA) | $155-190 | $7.50-11.00 |
| Southeast (FL, GA, NC) | $125-155 | $5.50-8.50 |
| Midwest (OH, MI, IL) | $130-160 | $6.00-9.00 |
| Southwest (TX, AZ, NM) | $120-150 | $5.00-7.50 |
| West Coast (CA, WA, OR) | $160-200 | $8.00-12.00 |
Common Concrete Pricing Mistakes
Mistake #1: Forgetting Site Prep Costs
The problem: Quote only pour & finish, forget excavation and grading
Cost impact: $800-2,500 out of pocket
Fix: Always include $1.50-3.00/sq ft for site prep in base price
Mistake #2: Underestimating Concrete Needed
The problem: Calculate exact cubic yards, don't account for spillage and uneven subgrade
Cost impact: Run short mid-pour, emergency delivery costs 2-3× normal rate
Fix: Order 7-10% extra concrete (round up, don't round down)
Mistake #3: Not Charging for Equipment
The problem: Forget to include excavator, compactor, concrete pump rental
Cost impact: $400-1,500 equipment costs
Fix: Track equipment costs and add to overhead or itemize
"I lost $3,200 on a driveway because I quoted $6/sq ft thinking that was standard. Forgot about 8 inches of dirt removal, gravel base, and rebar. Now I use estimating software and never underbid."
Concrete Profit Margins (Industry Standards)
| Project Type | Target Net Profit | Typical Markup |
|---|---|---|
| Residential slabs | 22-30% | 1.28-1.43× |
| Commercial flatwork | 15-22% | 1.18-1.28× |
| Decorative concrete | 30-45% | 1.43-1.82× |
| Repairs/small jobs | 40-60% | 1.67-2.5× |
How to Price Different Concrete Projects
Driveways (Most Common):
- Standard 4" residential: $6.00-10.00/sq ft installed
- 6" heavy-duty: $8.00-12.00/sq ft
- Stamped/colored: $12.00-20.00/sq ft
- Average 2-car driveway (20'×40' = 800 sq ft): $4,800-8,000
Patios:
- Basic broom finish: $5.00-8.00/sq ft
- Stamped pattern: $10.00-16.00/sq ft
- Stained/acid wash: $8.00-12.00/sq ft
- Average patio (12'×16' = 192 sq ft): $960-3,072
Garage Floors:
- 4" slab with vapor barrier: $5.50-8.50/sq ft
- Add epoxy coating: +$3.00-6.00/sq ft
- Average 2-car garage (480 sq ft): $2,640-6,960
Sidewalks:
- Standard 4" with wire mesh: $7.00-11.00/sq ft
- 50-foot sidewalk (4' wide = 200 sq ft): $1,400-2,200
Use AI Estimating to Price Concrete Faster
Traditional concrete estimating: 1.5-3 hours per estimate
With AI construction estimating software: 8-12 minutes
How AI helps:
- Auto-calculates cubic yards from dimensions
- Real-time concrete pricing by zip code
- Accounts for waste and overage automatically
- Includes all secondary materials (rebar, gravel, forms)
- Generates professional proposals instantly
Try the free concrete calculator or get full estimating features with Contractor AI ($24.99/month).
Concrete Pricing FAQs
Q: How much does a 20×20 concrete slab cost?
A: 400 sq ft at $6-9/sq ft = $2,400-3,600 for basic 4" slab with rebar. Add $1,200-3,200 for stamped/decorative finish.
Q: What's the minimum charge for small concrete jobs?
A: Most contractors charge $800-1,500 minimum even for small jobs due to mobilization costs, equipment, and minimum concrete delivery fees.
Q: Should I charge by square foot or by the job?
A: Calculate by sq ft for accuracy, present as total project price to customers. Sq ft pricing can scare customers on small jobs where setup costs are high percentage.
Q: How much does concrete cost per yard delivered?
A: $125-200 per cubic yard depending on mix strength, additives, and region. Minimum delivery is typically 1 yard with $50-100 short-load fee for orders under 4-5 yards.
Bottom Line: Profitable Concrete Pricing
Key Takeaways:
- Standard residential concrete: $5.50-9.00/sq ft installed
- Target 25-30% net profit margin
- Always include site prep, equipment, and waste in estimates
- Charge premium for decorative work (40-50% margins)
- Use AI estimating to save 2+ hours per quote
Stop leaving money on the table. Price concrete right, win jobs, stay profitable.
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