Concrete slab cost in Auburn, AL
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,150 – $4,600
- Per sq ft
- $5.25 – $10.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −12%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #274
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to pour a concrete slab in Auburn, plan on $2,150 to $4,600 for 400 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $5.25 to $10.50 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 12% lower than the national one. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $21.50 an hour in the Auburn area, 22% below the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Auburn, AL, standard level
$2,900 to $3,850
About $6.85 to $9 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 37% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,600 | $2,250 |
| Labor | $1,100 | $1,350 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $260 |
| Total | $2,900 | $3,850 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Auburn, AL
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $1,950 | $2,700 | 57% |
| Labor | $930 | $1,250 | $1,550 | 37% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $200 | $350 | 6% |
| Total | $2,150 | $3,350 | $4,600 | 100% |
Why Auburn prices look the way they do
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 4 trades: cement masons and concrete finishers at 50%, construction laborers at 30%, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators at 10%, carpenters at 10%. Weighted together, Auburn wages are 0.78 times the national level. Labor makes up about 37% of the midpoint estimate (42% at national prices). BLS does not publish this trade for the metro, so we used the Alabama statewide median.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Auburn metro is 96.4 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 400 sq ft comes to $1,950, compared with $2,000 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (87.9) and land at $45 to $350.
Data note: 50% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Auburn. The wage table below marks each row.
Auburn labor market for concrete slab
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 Auburn is 0.78 times the national level.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) carry 50% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Auburn metro, so we used the Alabama statewide median: $21.50 an hour against $27.41 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $17.96 and $26.36 an hour.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 30% of the weighting: a median of $17.36 an hour, 23% below the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $13.70 and $21.30 an hour. About 670 work in the metro. That is 92.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 10%) the local median is $22.60 an hour, which is 21% below the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $18.46 and $24.74 an hour. BLS counts 360 of them working in the area, 49.5 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 $22.89 an hour, which is 21% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $20.02 and $26.50 an hour. BLS counts 200 of them working in the area, 27.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is thinner 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 ($26.36 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $140. At the 25th percentile ($17.96) it shrinks by about $100. The total moves by 4.2% or 3.1%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 72,710 jobs in the Auburn-Opelika area. That makes it the 252nd largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.05% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $17.96 | $21.50 | $26.36 | $27.41 | 0.78 | state |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $13.70 | $17.36 | $21.30 | $22.66 | 0.77 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $18.46 | $22.60 | $24.74 | $28.78 | 0.79 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $20.02 | $22.89 | $26.50 | $29.12 | 0.79 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.78 | |||||
Climate in Auburn: timing your concrete slab job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Auburn No.2 (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
March through November is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Auburn (9 of 12 months). January, February 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.
Auburn gets about 56 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are March, June and December (5.7 inches in March). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.5 and 3.4 inches. The station averages about 49 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 | 56 | 35 | 5.3 | Cold |
| Feb | 61 | 39 | 5.1 | Cold |
| Mar | 68 | 45 | 5.7 | Workable |
| Apr | 75 | 51 | 4.8 | Workable |
| May | 81 | 60 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Jun | 87 | 68 | 5.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 89 | 71 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Aug | 88 | 71 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Sep | 84 | 66 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 75 | 54 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Nov | 65 | 43 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Dec | 58 | 38 | 5.6 | Cold |
Cost by quality level and size in Auburn
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Auburn 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 5 common sizes.
Basic
$2,150 to $3,150
4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access
Standard
$2,900 to $3,850
4-5 inch slab with rebar or heavier mesh and standard base prep
Premium
$3,600 to $4,600
6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) | $570 – $910 | $820 – $1,150 | $1,100 – $1,400 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $800 – $1,250 | $1,100 – $1,550 | $1,450 – $1,900 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,150 – $3,150 | $2,900 – $3,850 | $3,600 – $4,600 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $3,050 – $4,450 | $4,100 – $5,450 | $5,100 – $6,500 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $6,300 – $9,050 | $8,350 – $11,100 | $10,400 – $13,100 |
Related projects, priced for Auburn
Because every project leans on different trades, Auburn's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, detached garage runs −12% and concrete driveway −16%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,100 – $7,650 | −16% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,100 – $3,400 | −14% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $25,400 – $51,000 | −12% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $2,850 – $6,900 | −13% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,700 – $6,400 | −13% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,150 – $8,850 | −13% |
Is Auburn cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, 4 are cheaper than Auburn. Albany is the lowest at about $3,250 (midpoint, 400 sq ft), 100 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ALthis page | $2,150 – $4,600 | $3,350 | |
| Columbus, GA40 miles | $2,100 – $4,550 | $3,350 | −1% |
| Montgomery, AL50 miles | $2,150 – $4,600 | $3,350 | level |
| Dothan, AL85 miles | $2,100 – $4,500 | $3,300 | −2% |
| Birmingham, AL100 miles | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | +2% |
| Albany, GA100 miles | $2,050 – $4,450 | $3,250 | −4% |
| Alabama (statewide) | $2,150 – $4,650 | $3,400 | level |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | +13% |
Across 300 US metros, Auburn comes in at #274 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $5,300; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $3,200 (midpoints, 400 sq ft). Statewide, Auburn is 0% below the Alabama figure.
Other Alabama metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | 520,290 jobs | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | +2% |
| Huntsville, AL | 266,650 jobs | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | +2% |
| Mobile, AL | 172,550 jobs | $2,150 – $4,650 | $3,400 | +1% |
| Montgomery, AL | 165,550 jobs | $2,150 – $4,600 | $3,350 | level |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 108,460 jobs | $2,150 – $4,600 | $3,350 | level |
| Daphne, AL | 87,120 jobs | $2,150 – $4,650 | $3,400 | +1% |
Cities with a workforce like Auburn's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Auburn against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 73,240 jobs | $2,500 – $5,200 | $3,850 | +14% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | 72,300 jobs | $2,300 – $4,950 | $3,600 | +7% |
| Kahului, HI | 73,750 jobs | $3,500 – $7,100 | $5,300 | +57% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 72,280 jobs | $2,450 – $5,150 | $3,800 | +12% |
Specs and site conditions that change a Auburn bid
Small-job minimums
Many crews have a minimum charge, so a 10x10 pad can cost more per square foot than a 20x20 slab.
Finish
A broom finish is the baseline. Stamped, stained, or exposed-aggregate finishes are priced as add-ons on top of the slab.
Thickness and mix
A 4-inch slab uses about 1.23 cubic yards of concrete per 100 sq ft; a 6-inch slab uses about 1.85. Stepping up from a 3,000 PSI to a 4,000-4,500 PSI mix adds $10-$40 per cubic yard (Estimators.us).
Optional extras in Auburn
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Auburn by the average of the local wage index (0.78) and goods index (0.96), a factor of 0.87. 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 | $350 – $1,050 |
| Remove old concrete first | $700 – $2,100 |
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 $2,900 to $3,850 for Auburn, AL is attached.
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Concrete slab in Auburn: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Auburn?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,150 to $4,600 in the Auburn area. A standard-spec job lands at $2,900 to $3,850. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Auburn?
About $5.25 to $10.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $350 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $12.
+Is concrete slab cheaper in Auburn or Columbus?
Columbus is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $3,350, which is 1% less than Auburn ($3,350). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Auburn?
About 37% at the midpoint, or $1,250 out of $3,350. Materials are 57% and permits 6%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Auburn?
$2,150 to $4,600. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in Auburn?
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 Auburn area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Auburn expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of Alabama?
Auburn is 0% below the Alabama statewide estimate ($3,400 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Alabama; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Auburn?
BLS has no published metro figure here, so we use the statewide median of $21.50 an hour, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $17.96 to $26.36.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Auburn?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,150 to $3,150 and premium work $3,600 to $4,600. Basic means: 4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access. Premium means: 6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access.
+When is the best time to pour a concrete slab in Auburn?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through November. September 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 Auburn?
$350 to $1,050 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Auburn
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 Slab Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Estimators.us: Concrete Slab Cost in 2026 | $6-$12/Sq Ft Guide (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Concrete Driveway 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