Concrete driveway cost in Pittsburgh, PA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (600 sq ft)
- $3,850 – $9,750
- Per sq ft
- $6.30 – $16
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +6%
- US $6,450
- Rank of 300 metros
- #84
- 1 = most expensive
Pittsburgh homeowners pay roughly $3,850 to $9,750 to pour a concrete driveway at 600 sq ft, or $6.30 to $16 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Pittsburgh is 6% higher. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $30.44 an hour in the Pittsburgh area, 11% above the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 600 sq ft in Pittsburgh, PA, standard level
$5,600 to $8,000
About $9.20 to $13 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 70% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,700 | $2,100 |
| Labor | $3,850 | $5,700 |
| Permits and fees | $90 | $150 |
| Total | $5,600 | $8,000 |
Cost breakdown for 600 sq ft in Pittsburgh, PA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,400 | $1,900 | $2,400 | 28% |
| Labor | $2,400 | $4,750 | $7,150 | 70% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $120 | $190 | 2% |
| Total | $3,850 | $6,800 | $9,750 | 100% |
What is behind the Pittsburgh number
Labor is 70% of the midpoint bill here, against 69% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is cement masons and concrete finishers (50%), construction laborers (30%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (10%), carpenters (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Pittsburgh the blended ratio comes out at 1.08.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Pittsburgh metro is 100.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 600 sq ft comes to $1,900, compared with $1,900 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (94.7) and land at $45 to $190.
Why two Pittsburgh quotes can differ
Old driveway removal
Tearing out the old surface adds about $2-$6 per sq ft, and some cities want the haul-off documented.
Grading and drainage
Professional grading runs $3-$8 per sq ft or $700-$2,500 for a typical job. A sloped lot or poor soil raises it.
Finish
Decorative driveways run $10-$25 per sq ft installed: colors and borders at $10-$15, stamped patterns at $15-$20, and high-end finishes at $20-$25+ (HomeGuide).
Pittsburgh: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Pittsburgh wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$3,850 to $6,200
Plain gray, 4-inch broom finish, flat site
Standard
$5,600 to $8,000
5-inch with rebar and saw-cut joints, a border or one color
Premium
$7,400 to $9,750
6-inch for heavy vehicles, stamped or colored, grading needed
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $1,550 – $2,550 | $2,300 – $3,300 | $3,050 – $4,000 |
| 2-car (20x24), 480 sq ft | $3,100 – $5,000 | $4,500 – $6,400 | $5,950 – $7,850 |
| 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) | $3,850 – $6,200 | $5,600 – $8,000 | $7,400 – $9,750 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $5,750 – $9,250 | $8,350 – $11,900 | $11,000 – $14,500 |
When to schedule concrete driveway in Pittsburgh
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Pittsburgh Allegheny Co Ap (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
April through October is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Pittsburgh (7 of 12 months). January, February, March, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below.
The 40°F line is a deliberately cautious stand-in. The American Concrete Institute's cold-weather guide (ACI 306R-16) defines cold-weather concreting around an average daily air temperature below 40°F, which is colder than our test of an average overnight low at or below 40°F, so we flag a few extra shoulder months. In cold weather crews may need heated enclosures, insulating blankets or accelerated mixes, and those measures can raise a quote.
Pittsburgh gets about 41 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are May, June and July (4.6 inches in June). Inside the workable window, April and October are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.1 inches. The station averages about 8 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37 | 22 | 3.1 | Cold |
| Feb | 40 | 24 | 2.6 | Cold |
| Mar | 49 | 31 | 3.2 | Cold |
| Apr | 63 | 42 | 3.4 | Workable |
| May | 72 | 52 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Jun | 79 | 60 | 4.6 | Workable |
| Jul | 83 | 64 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Aug | 81 | 63 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Sep | 75 | 56 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 63 | 45 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Nov | 51 | 35 | 3.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 41 | 28 | 3.0 | Cold |
Related projects, priced for Pittsburgh
Because every project leans on different trades, Pittsburgh's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, paver patio runs +6% and asphalt driveway +1%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,050 – $7,450 | +1% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,600 – $10,500 | +3% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,550 – $5,350 | +3% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,400 – $8,350 | +5% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,200 – $5,800 | +6% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,300 – $4,150 | +4% |
How Pittsburgh compares
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 600 sq ft range from $5,850 to $6,800 across Pittsburgh and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PAthis page | $3,850 – $9,750 | $6,800 | |
| Wheeling, WV60 miles | $3,700 – $9,450 | $6,600 | −3% |
| Morgantown, WV65 miles | $3,350 – $8,400 | $5,850 | −14% |
| Youngstown, OH70 miles | $3,650 – $9,250 | $6,450 | −5% |
| Canton, OH75 miles | $3,750 – $9,600 | $6,650 | −2% |
| Altoona, PA80 miles | $3,500 – $8,750 | $6,150 | −10% |
| Pennsylvania (statewide) | $3,750 – $9,550 | $6,650 | −2% |
| United States | $3,650 – $9,200 | $6,450 | −5% |
Across 300 US metros, Pittsburgh comes in at #84 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $10,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $4,950 (midpoints, 600 sq ft). Statewide, Pittsburgh is 2% above the Pennsylvania figure.
Other Pennsylvania metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | 2,897,830 jobs | $3,850 – $9,800 | $6,800 | level |
| Allentown, PA | 377,180 jobs | $3,800 – $9,650 | $6,750 | −1% |
| Harrisburg, PA | 335,010 jobs | $3,750 – $9,500 | $6,600 | −3% |
| Scranton, PA | 255,620 jobs | $3,700 – $9,300 | $6,500 | −4% |
| Lancaster, PA | 252,230 jobs | $3,700 – $9,400 | $6,550 | −3% |
| York, PA | 183,590 jobs | $3,750 – $9,500 | $6,600 | −3% |
Cities with a workforce like Pittsburgh's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Pittsburgh against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX | 1,126,880 jobs | $3,150 – $7,900 | $5,550 | −19% |
| Columbus, OH | 1,105,580 jobs | $4,000 – $10,300 | $7,150 | +5% |
| San Jose, CA | 1,134,970 jobs | $4,700 – $12,200 | $8,450 | +25% |
| Indianapolis, IN | 1,105,170 jobs | $3,800 – $9,800 | $6,800 | level |
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 4 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Pittsburgh is 1.08 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 50%) the local median is $30.44 an hour, which is 11% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $28.32 and $30.95 an hour. BLS counts 1,500 of them working in the area, 13.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is about average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 30% of the weighting: a median of $24.33 an hour, 7% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.96 and $29.94 an hour. About 8,620 work in the metro. That is 77.3 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 10%) the local median is $29.96 an hour, which is 4% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $24.42 and $38.65 an hour. BLS counts 5,050 of them working in the area, 45.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 10%) the local median is $29.41 an hour, which is in line with the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.40 and $38.14 an hour. BLS counts 5,920 of them working in the area, 53.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the cement masons and concrete finishers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($30.95 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $40. At the 25th percentile ($28.32) it shrinks by about $170. The total moves by 0.6% or 2.5%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 1,114,490 jobs in the Pittsburgh area. That makes it the 29th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.72% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $28.32 | $30.44 | $30.95 | $27.41 | 1.11 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $21.96 | $24.33 | $29.94 | $22.66 | 1.07 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $24.42 | $29.96 | $38.65 | $28.78 | 1.04 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $23.40 | $29.41 | $38.14 | $29.12 | 1.01 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.08 | |||||
Extras that change the Pittsburgh total
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Pittsburgh by the average of the local wage index (1.08) and goods index (1.01), a factor of 1.04. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $630 – $1,900 |
| Remove the old driveway | $1,250 – $3,750 |
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 $5,600 to $8,000 for Pittsburgh, PA is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for Pittsburgh, PA: 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.
Concrete driveway in Pittsburgh: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete driveway in Pittsburgh?
For 600 sq ft, expect $3,850 to $9,750 in the Pittsburgh area. A standard-spec job lands at $5,600 to $8,000. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete driveway in Pittsburgh?
About $6.30 to $16 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $190 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $15.
+Is concrete driveway cheaper in Pittsburgh or Wheeling?
Wheeling is 60 miles away. The midpoint for 600 sq ft there is $6,600, which is 3% less than Pittsburgh ($6,800). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Pittsburgh?
About 70% at the midpoint, or $4,750 out of $6,800. Materials are 28% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 69%.
+What would 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) cost in Pittsburgh?
$3,850 to $9,750. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete driveway need a permit in Pittsburgh?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $190 for fees in the Pittsburgh area (our national range of $50 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Pittsburgh expensive for concrete driveway compared with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Pittsburgh is 2% above the Pennsylvania statewide estimate ($6,650 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Pennsylvania; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Pittsburgh?
The BLS median is $30.44 an hour in the Pittsburgh area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $28.32 to $30.95.
+What do basic and premium concrete driveway work cost in Pittsburgh?
For 600 sq ft, basic work runs $3,850 to $6,200 and premium work $7,400 to $9,750. Basic means: plain gray, 4-inch broom finish, flat site. Premium means: 6-inch for heavy vehicles, stamped or colored, grading needed.
+When is the best time to pour a concrete driveway in Pittsburgh?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. April and October 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 rebar reinforcement" add in Pittsburgh?
$630 to $1,900 for 600 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete driveway near Pittsburgh
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 a Concrete Driveway Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- SimplyWise: Concrete Estimate Template: Free PDF + Excel (2026) (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 = SimplyWise's sample 600 sq ft, 4-inch driveway line ($1,400-$2,400 in materials) divided by 600 sq ft.