Concrete slab cost in Los Angeles, CA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,800 – $5,850
- Per sq ft
- $6.85 – $13.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +13%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #19
- 1 = most expensive
Los Angeles homeowners pay roughly $2,800 to $5,850 to pour a concrete slab at 400 sq ft, or $6.85 to $13.50 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Los Angeles is 13% higher. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $30.67 an hour in the Los Angeles area, 12% above the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Los Angeles, CA, standard level
$3,700 to $4,950
About $8.85 to $11.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 45% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,800 | $2,450 |
| Labor | $1,750 | $2,150 |
| Permits and fees | $180 | $340 |
| Total | $3,700 | $4,950 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Los Angeles, CA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,300 | $2,150 | $3,000 | 49% |
| Labor | $1,450 | $1,950 | $2,450 | 45% |
| Permits and fees | $55 | $260 | $450 | 6% |
| Total | $2,800 | $4,350 | $5,850 | 100% |
What is behind the Los Angeles number
The wage side of the estimate leans on cement masons and concrete finishers, who do 50% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $30.67 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Los Angeles is 1.21 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 45% of the total.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Los Angeles metro is 106.6 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 400 sq ft comes to $2,150, compared with $2,000 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (113.6) and land at $55 to $450.
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 Los Angeles is 1.21 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 50%) the local median is $30.67 an hour, which is 12% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $25.10 and $40.34 an hour. BLS counts 7,810 of them working in the area, 12.5 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 $28.28 an hour, 25% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.75 and $37.31 an hour. About 21,730 work in the metro. That is 34.6 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 10%) the local median is $44.66 an hour, which is 55% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $31.40 and $60.51 an hour. BLS counts 8,780 of them working in the area, 14.0 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is thinner than average.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 10%) the local median is $36.41 an hour, which is 25% above the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $28.59 and $48.37 an hour. BLS counts 30,600 of them working in the area, 48.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), 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 ($40.34 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $280. At the 25th percentile ($25.10) it shrinks by about $160. The total moves by 6.5% or 3.8%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 6,271,560 jobs in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area. That makes it the 2nd largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 4.03% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $25.10 | $30.67 | $40.34 | $27.41 | 1.12 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.75 | $28.28 | $37.31 | $22.66 | 1.25 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $31.40 | $44.66 | $60.51 | $28.78 | 1.55 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $28.59 | $36.41 | $48.37 | $29.12 | 1.25 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.21 | |||||
How Los Angeles compares
Same job, same size (400 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. San Diego is the priciest of the group at $4,350. Bakersfield is the cheapest at $4,100.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CAthis page | $2,800 – $5,850 | $4,350 | |
| Oxnard, CA55 miles | $2,750 – $5,800 | $4,250 | −1% |
| Bakersfield, CA90 miles | $2,650 – $5,550 | $4,100 | −5% |
| Santa Maria, CA110 miles | $2,700 – $5,650 | $4,150 | −4% |
| San Diego, CA110 miles | $2,800 – $5,900 | $4,350 | level |
| Riverside, CA120 miles | $2,650 – $5,550 | $4,100 | −5% |
| California (statewide) | $2,750 – $5,800 | $4,300 | −1% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | −12% |
Across 300 US metros, Los Angeles comes in at #19 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $5,300; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $3,200 (midpoints, 400 sq ft). Statewide, Los Angeles is 1% above the California figure.
Other California metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | 2,373,920 jobs | $3,150 – $6,450 | $4,800 | +11% |
| Riverside, CA | 1,716,760 jobs | $2,650 – $5,550 | $4,100 | −5% |
| San Diego, CA | 1,538,060 jobs | $2,800 – $5,900 | $4,350 | level |
| San Jose, CA | 1,134,970 jobs | $3,050 – $6,250 | $4,650 | +7% |
| Sacramento, CA | 1,080,590 jobs | $2,750 – $5,750 | $4,250 | −2% |
| Fresno, CA | 476,890 jobs | $2,600 – $5,550 | $4,100 | −6% |
Cities with a workforce like Los Angeles's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Los Angeles against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 9,492,000 jobs | $2,900 – $6,050 | $4,450 | +3% |
| Chicago, IL | 4,513,280 jobs | $3,000 – $6,200 | $4,600 | +7% |
| Dallas, TX | 4,049,800 jobs | $2,350 – $5,050 | $3,700 | −15% |
| Houston, TX | 3,289,720 jobs | $2,250 – $4,900 | $3,600 | −17% |
Los Angeles: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Los Angeles 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
$2,800 to $4,000
4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access
Standard
$3,700 to $4,950
4-5 inch slab with rebar or heavier mesh and standard base prep
Premium
$4,650 to $5,850
6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) | $740 – $1,150 | $1,050 – $1,500 | $1,400 – $1,800 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $1,050 – $1,600 | $1,450 – $2,000 | $1,850 – $2,400 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,800 – $4,000 | $3,700 – $4,950 | $4,650 – $5,850 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $4,000 – $5,700 | $5,250 – $6,950 | $6,550 – $8,250 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $8,250 – $11,600 | $10,800 – $14,200 | $13,300 – $16,700 |
When to schedule concrete slab in Los Angeles
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Culver City (in the city). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
Weather is not a serious constraint for pouring concrete in Los Angeles: no month in the averages is cold enough (an average overnight low of 40°F or below) or hot enough (an average daytime high of 90°F or more) to rule it out, so the workable window is all year.
Los Angeles gets about 14 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, February and December (3.5 inches in February). The station averages about 7 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 | 67 | 48 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Feb | 67 | 49 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Mar | 68 | 51 | 2.2 | Workable |
| Apr | 71 | 53 | 0.6 | Workable |
| May | 72 | 57 | 0.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 75 | 60 | 0.1 | Workable |
| Jul | 78 | 63 | 0.0 | Workable |
| Aug | 79 | 64 | 0.0 | Workable |
| Sep | 78 | 62 | 0.1 | Workable |
| Oct | 76 | 58 | 0.6 | Workable |
| Nov | 71 | 52 | 0.9 | Workable |
| Dec | 66 | 47 | 2.5 | Workable |
What nearby projects cost in Los Angeles
Because every project leans on different trades, Los Angeles's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, gravel driveway runs +23% and stamped concrete +13%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $4,200 – $10,800 | +17% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,400 – $4,650 | +15% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $33,000 – $66,200 | +14% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,650 – $9,050 | +13% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,650 – $9,200 | +23% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $3,100 – $12,600 | +23% |
Extras that change the Los Angeles total
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Los Angeles by the average of the local wage index (1.21) and goods index (1.07), a factor of 1.14. 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 | $460 – $1,350 |
| Remove old concrete first | $910 – $2,750 |
Why two Los Angeles quotes can differ
Truck and pump access
If the mixer truck can't back up to the forms, someone has to wheelbarrow it in or hire a pump. Pump or line-pump hire is typically billed per day.
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.
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 $3,700 to $4,950 for Los Angeles, CA is attached.
Detailed concrete slab report for Los Angeles, CA, $9
Multi-page report for Los Angeles, CA: 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 slab in Los Angeles: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Los Angeles?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,800 to $5,850 in the Los Angeles area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,700 to $4,950. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Los Angeles?
About $6.85 to $13.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $55 to $450 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $12.
+Is concrete slab cheaper in Los Angeles or Oxnard?
Oxnard is 55 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $4,250, which is 1% less than Los Angeles ($4,350). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Los Angeles?
About 45% at the midpoint, or $1,950 out of $4,350. Materials are 49% and permits 6%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Los Angeles?
$2,800 to $5,850. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in Los Angeles?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $55 to $450 for fees in the Los Angeles area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Los Angeles expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of California?
Los Angeles is 1% above the California statewide estimate ($4,300 at the midpoint). We cover 23 metros in California; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Los Angeles?
The BLS median is $30.67 an hour in the Los Angeles area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $25.10 to $40.34.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Los Angeles?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,800 to $4,000 and premium work $4,650 to $5,850. 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.
+Is there a bad season to pour a concrete slab in Los Angeles?
Not from a temperature point of view. NOAA's 1991-2020 normals show no month with a freezing-level overnight low or a 90°F-plus average high, so timing is mostly about contractor availability and rain.
+What does "add rebar reinforcement" add in Los Angeles?
$460 to $1,350 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Los Angeles
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