Asphalt driveway cost in Joplin, MO
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (600 sq ft)
- $3,050 – $7,500
- Per sq ft
- $5 – $12
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +1%
- US $5,250
- Rank of 300 metros
- #126
- 1 = most expensive
An asphalt driveway in Joplin, MO usually costs $3,050 to $7,500 for 600 sq ft. That works out to about $5 to $12 per sq ft before permits. That is within a few percent of the national midpoint, so there is little local premium or discount. Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators earn a median of $33.37 an hour in the Joplin area, 30% above the US median of $25.64.
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Estimated cost for 600 sq ft in Joplin, MO, standard level
$4,350 to $6,150
About $7.15 to $10 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 45% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,400 | $3,150 |
| Labor | $1,850 | $2,850 |
| Permits and fees | $80 | $130 |
| Total | $4,350 | $6,150 |
Cost breakdown for 600 sq ft in Joplin, MO
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,850 | $2,800 | $3,750 | 53% |
| Labor | $1,150 | $2,350 | $3,600 | 45% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $110 | $170 | 2% |
| Total | $3,050 | $5,250 | $7,500 | 100% |
Why Joplin prices look the way they do
Labor is 45% of the midpoint bill here, against 41% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators (40%), construction laborers (30%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (30%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Joplin the blended ratio comes out at 1.10. BLS does not publish this trade for the metro, so we used the Missouri statewide median.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Joplin is at 94.2 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $2,950 nationally becomes $2,800 here (midpoint, 600 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 85.7: $45 to $170.
Data note: 40% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Joplin. The wage table below marks each row.
What local crews earn in Joplin
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Joplin the blend is 1.10.
Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators (47-2071) carry 40% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Joplin metro, so we used the Missouri statewide median: $33.37 an hour against $25.64 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $23.52 and $44.43 an hour.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $23.98 an hour, which is 6% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $19.02 and $29.88 an hour. BLS counts 510 of them working in the area, 58.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 30% of the weighting: a median of $25.58 an hour, 11% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $21.14 and $36.61 an hour. About 330 work in the metro. That is 37.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $370 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $330. That is a swing of roughly 6.2% to 7.0% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Joplin has 87,190 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 224th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators (47-2071) | 40% | $23.52 | $33.37 | $44.43 | $25.64 | 1.30 | state |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $19.02 | $23.98 | $29.88 | $22.66 | 1.06 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $21.14 | $25.58 | $36.61 | $28.78 | 0.89 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.10 | |||||
Add-ons priced for Joplin
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 1.02 for Joplin, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.10) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add a sealcoat | $610 – $1,250 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Joplin bid
Hot-mix price
Hot-mix asphalt is $100-$200 per ton delivered and moves with oil prices (PaveGauge).
Sealcoating
Sealing is $1-$2 per sq ft and is a maintenance cost, not part of the install.
New versus overlay
Resurfacing an existing driveway runs $3-$7 per sq ft; a full new driveway runs $5-$12+ (HomeGuide). Tearing out and replacing one is higher still.
Joplin against nearby metros and the rest of Missouri
Of the five closest metros, 4 are cheaper than Joplin. Fort Smith is the lowest at about $4,450 (midpoint, 600 sq ft), 115 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joplin, MOthis page | $3,050 – $7,500 | $5,250 | |
| Fayetteville, AR70 miles | $2,750 – $6,650 | $4,700 | −10% |
| Springfield, MO75 miles | $2,850 – $6,900 | $4,850 | −7% |
| Tulsa, OK110 miles | $2,800 – $6,700 | $4,750 | −10% |
| Fort Smith, AR115 miles | $2,650 – $6,200 | $4,450 | −16% |
| Kansas City, MO125 miles | $3,050 – $7,600 | $5,350 | +2% |
| Missouri (statewide) | $3,150 – $7,850 | $5,500 | +5% |
| United States | $3,050 – $7,400 | $5,250 | −1% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Joplin ranks #126 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Joplin is 4% below the Missouri figure.
Elsewhere in Missouri
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO | 1,341,320 jobs | $3,450 – $8,700 | $6,050 | +15% |
| Kansas City, MO | 1,096,110 jobs | $3,050 – $7,600 | $5,350 | +2% |
| Springfield, MO | 223,030 jobs | $2,850 – $6,900 | $4,850 | −7% |
| Columbia, MO | 107,680 jobs | $3,100 – $7,700 | $5,400 | +3% |
| Jefferson City, MO | 80,220 jobs | $3,100 – $7,750 | $5,450 | +3% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Joplin against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe, LA | 87,500 jobs | $2,750 – $6,550 | $4,650 | −12% |
| Daphne, AL | 87,120 jobs | $2,750 – $6,600 | $4,700 | −11% |
| Bloomington, IL | 88,110 jobs | $3,350 – $8,500 | $5,900 | +13% |
| Eau Claire, WI | 86,060 jobs | $3,200 – $8,000 | $5,600 | +7% |
Joplin weather and the asphalt driveway calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Joplin Regional Airport (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For digging, grading and setting material in the ground, the comfortable months in Joplin are March through June and September through November: 7 of 12. Outside them, January, February and December have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F), and July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
In January, February and December the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 87 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Joplin gets about 46 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are April, May and June (6.6 inches in May). Inside the workable window, March and November are the driest, at 3.3 and 3.3 inches. The station averages about 53 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 45 | 25 | 1.9 | Cold |
| Feb | 50 | 29 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Mar | 60 | 37 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Apr | 69 | 47 | 5.0 | Workable |
| May | 77 | 56 | 6.6 | Workable |
| Jun | 86 | 65 | 5.6 | Workable |
| Jul | 90 | 70 | 4.0 | Hot |
| Aug | 90 | 68 | 3.4 | Hot |
| Sep | 82 | 59 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 71 | 48 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 58 | 37 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Dec | 48 | 29 | 2.6 | Cold |
Planning more than one job in Joplin?
Jobs that often go together with asphalt driveway are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Joplin wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, paver patio comes out highest (+1%) and concrete slab lowest (−5%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,500 – $8,900 | −3% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,400 – $9,750 | −4% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,050 – $5,500 | +1% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $580 – $2,050 | −3% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,350 – $4,950 | −5% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,800 | −5% |
Cost by quality level and size in Joplin
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Joplin. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft to long rural (10x100), 1,000 sq ft.
Basic
$3,050 to $4,800
New topcoat over a sound base, flat lot
Standard
$4,350 to $6,150
Full new driveway: base, 2-3 in of hot mix, edging
Premium
$5,700 to $7,500
Full tear-out and rebuild, drainage work, heavy-duty depth
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $1,250 – $2,000 | $1,800 – $2,550 | $2,350 – $3,100 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,050 – $3,250 | $2,950 – $4,150 | $3,850 – $5,050 |
| 2-car (20x30), 600 sq ft | $3,050 – $4,800 | $4,350 – $6,150 | $5,700 – $7,500 |
| long rural (10x100), 1,000 sq ft | $5,050 – $7,950 | $7,250 – $10,200 | $9,400 – $12,400 |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $4,350 to $6,150 for Joplin, MO is attached.
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Multi-page report for Joplin, MO: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Asphalt driveway in Joplin: your questions
+How much does it cost to pave a driveway in Joplin?
For 600 sq ft, expect $3,050 to $7,500 in the Joplin area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,350 to $6,150. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for asphalt driveway in Joplin?
About $5 to $12 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $170 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $5 to $12.
+Is asphalt driveway cheaper in Joplin or Fayetteville?
Fayetteville is 70 miles away. The midpoint for 600 sq ft there is $4,700, which is 10% less than Joplin ($5,250). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Joplin?
About 45% at the midpoint, or $2,350 out of $5,250. Materials are 53% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 41%.
+What would 2-car (20x30), 600 sq ft cost in Joplin?
$3,050 to $7,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does asphalt driveway need a permit in Joplin?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $170 for fees in the Joplin area (our national range of $50 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Joplin expensive for asphalt driveway compared with the rest of Missouri?
Joplin is 4% below the Missouri statewide estimate ($5,500 at the midpoint). We cover 6 metros in Missouri; see the state page to compare them.
+What do paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators earn in Joplin?
BLS has no published metro figure here, so we use the statewide median of $33.37 an hour, compared with $25.64 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.52 to $44.43.
+What do basic and premium asphalt driveway work cost in Joplin?
For 600 sq ft, basic work runs $3,050 to $4,800 and premium work $5,700 to $7,500. Basic means: new topcoat over a sound base, flat lot. Premium means: full tear-out and rebuild, drainage work, heavy-duty depth.
+When is the best time to pave a driveway in Joplin?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through June and September through November. March and November are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add a sealcoat" add in Joplin?
$610 to $1,250 for 600 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Asphalt driveway near Joplin
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Paving an Asphalt Driveway Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- PaveGauge: Asphalt Driveway Cost (2026): Price by Size (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = hot-mix asphalt ($2.30-$3.60/sq ft at 3 in) plus aggregate base ($1-$3/sq ft) from PaveGauge's component table.