Concrete patio cost in Dubuque, IA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $1,200 – $3,900
- Per sq ft
- $3.90 – $12
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −2%
- US $2,650
- Rank of 300 metros
- #146
- 1 = most expensive
Dubuque homeowners pay roughly $1,200 to $3,900 to pour a concrete patio at 300 sq ft, or $3.90 to $12 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Dubuque is almost level. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.7).
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Dubuque, IA, standard level
$2,000 to $3,100
About $6.30 to $9.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 54% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $870 | $1,100 |
| Labor | $1,000 | $1,750 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $260 |
| Total | $2,000 | $3,100 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Dubuque, IA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $700 | $980 | $1,250 | 38% |
| Labor | $460 | $1,400 | $2,300 | 54% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $200 | $350 | 8% |
| Total | $1,200 | $2,550 | $3,900 | 100% |
What is behind the Dubuque number
Labor is 54% of the midpoint bill here, against 51% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is cement masons and concrete finishers (50%), construction laborers (30%), carpenters (10%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Dubuque the blended ratio comes out at 1.03.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Dubuque metro is 93.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 300 sq ft comes to $980, compared with $1,050 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (87.3) and land at $45 to $350.
How Dubuque compares
Of the five closest metros, 2 are cheaper than Dubuque. Iowa City is the lowest at about $2,550 (midpoint, 300 sq ft), 75 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubuque, IAthis page | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | |
| Cedar Rapids, IA45 miles | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | level |
| Iowa City, IA75 miles | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | −1% |
| Davenport, IA75 miles | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +4% |
| Madison, WI80 miles | $1,300 – $4,300 | $2,800 | +9% |
| Waterloo, IA80 miles | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +3% |
| Iowa (statewide) | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | −1% |
| United States | $1,250 – $4,000 | $2,650 | +2% |
Across 300 US metros, Dubuque comes in at #146 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $3,800; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $2,100 (midpoints, 300 sq ft). Statewide, Dubuque is 1% above the Iowa figure.
Other Iowa metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | 404,130 jobs | $1,200 – $4,000 | $2,600 | +2% |
| Davenport, IA | 180,450 jobs | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +4% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 139,260 jobs | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | level |
| Iowa City, IA | 93,760 jobs | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | −1% |
| Waterloo, IA | 84,260 jobs | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +3% |
| Sioux City, IA | 75,010 jobs | $1,200 – $3,850 | $2,550 | −2% |
Cities with a workforce like Dubuque's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Dubuque against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PA | 58,650 jobs | $1,200 – $3,800 | $2,500 | −2% |
| Albany, GA | 58,390 jobs | $1,100 – $3,200 | $2,150 | −16% |
| Kingston, NY | 59,140 jobs | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +4% |
| Wheeling, WV | 58,130 jobs | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +3% |
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 Dubuque is 1.03 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 50%) the local median is $28.08 an hour, which is in line with the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $25.83 and $29.82 an hour. BLS counts 110 of them working in the area, 18.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 30% of the weighting: a median of $23.46 an hour, 4% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.37 and $28.85 an hour. About 500 work in the metro. That is 85.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 10%) the local median is $28.89 an hour, which is in line with the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.41 and $30.47 an hour. BLS counts 260 of them working in the area, 44.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is about average.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 10%) the local median is $29.93 an hour, which is 4% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $26.92 and $35.52 an hour. BLS counts 160 of them working in the area, 27.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is about average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the cement masons and concrete finishers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($29.82 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $45. At the 25th percentile ($25.83) it shrinks by about $55. The total moves by 1.7% or 2.2%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 58,470 jobs in the Dubuque area. That makes it the 292nd largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.04% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $25.83 | $28.08 | $29.82 | $27.41 | 1.02 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.37 | $23.46 | $28.85 | $22.66 | 1.04 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $23.41 | $28.89 | $30.47 | $29.12 | 0.99 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $26.92 | $29.93 | $35.52 | $28.78 | 1.04 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.03 | |||||
Planning more than one job in Dubuque?
Because every project leans on different trades, Dubuque's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, paver patio runs +1% and wood deck −4%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,400 – $5,050 | −3% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,150 – $7,800 | −2% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,050 – $5,500 | +1% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,300 – $14,600 | −4% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,600 – $9,200 | level |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,000 – $7,400 | −1% |
Specs and site conditions that change a Dubuque bid
Finish
Plain concrete is $4-$12 per sq ft and a broom finish $6-$13; designs with several colors and decorative finishes run up to about $28 (HomeGuide).
Site prep
Excavation, forms and a gravel base are the unglamorous part of the bill and vary most with soil and slope.
Size
Small patios carry fixed costs for forms and mobilization, so the per-square-foot price drops as the patio gets bigger.
Extras that change the Dubuque total
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Dubuque by the average of the local wage index (1.03) and goods index (0.94), a factor of 0.98. 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 an acid or water-based stain | $880 – $2,950 |
When to schedule concrete patio in Dubuque
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Dubuque Rgnl Ap (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through September is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Dubuque (5 of 12 months). January, February, March, April, October, 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.
Dubuque gets about 38 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 43 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and July (5.2 inches in June). Inside the workable window, August and September are the driest, at 4.0 and 3.8 inches. The station averages about 6 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 | 27 | 11 | 1.3 | Cold |
| Feb | 31 | 15 | 1.6 | Cold |
| Mar | 44 | 26 | 2.3 | Cold |
| Apr | 58 | 37 | 4.1 | Cold |
| May | 69 | 49 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Jun | 79 | 59 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 82 | 62 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Aug | 80 | 60 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Sep | 73 | 52 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Oct | 60 | 40 | 2.9 | Cold |
| Nov | 45 | 28 | 2.2 | Cold |
| Dec | 32 | 17 | 1.8 | Cold |
Dubuque: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Dubuque 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 3 common sizes.
Basic
$1,200 to $2,300
Plain gray slab, broom finish, flat yard
Standard
$2,000 to $3,100
Colored or stained, saw-cut joints, minor grading
Premium
$2,850 to $3,900
Exposed aggregate or heavy decorative finish, drainage work
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 (100 sq ft) | $430 – $880 | $760 – $1,200 | $1,100 – $1,550 |
| 12x16 (192 sq ft) | $790 – $1,550 | $1,350 – $2,100 | $1,900 – $2,650 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $1,600 – $3,000 | $2,650 – $4,050 | $3,700 – $5,100 |
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 $2,000 to $3,100 for Dubuque, IA is attached.
Detailed concrete patio report for Dubuque, IA, $9
Multi-page report for Dubuque, IA: 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 patio in Dubuque: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete patio in Dubuque?
For 300 sq ft, expect $1,200 to $3,900 in the Dubuque area. A standard-spec job lands at $2,000 to $3,100. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete patio in Dubuque?
About $3.90 to $12 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $350 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $4 to $12.
+Is concrete patio cheaper in Dubuque or Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is 45 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $2,550, which is 0% less than Dubuque ($2,550). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Dubuque?
About 54% at the midpoint, or $1,400 out of $2,550. Materials are 38% and permits 8%. Nationally, labor is 51%.
+What would 12x16 (192 sq ft) cost in Dubuque?
$790 to $2,650. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete patio need a permit in Dubuque?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $350 for fees in the Dubuque area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Dubuque expensive for concrete patio compared with the rest of Iowa?
Dubuque is 1% above the Iowa statewide estimate ($2,550 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in Iowa; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Dubuque?
The BLS median is $28.08 an hour in the Dubuque area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $25.83 to $29.82.
+What do basic and premium concrete patio work cost in Dubuque?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $1,200 to $2,300 and premium work $2,850 to $3,900. Basic means: plain gray slab, broom finish, flat yard. Premium means: exposed aggregate or heavy decorative finish, drainage work.
+When is the best time to pour a concrete patio in Dubuque?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through September. August and September 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 an acid or water-based stain" add in Dubuque?
$880 to $2,950 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete patio near Dubuque
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 Patio Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- SimplyWise: Concrete Estimate Template: Free PDF + Excel (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost? (2026) (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 200 sq ft broom-finish patio line ($500-$900 in materials) divided by 200 sq ft.