Concrete slab cost in Lake Charles, LA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,200 – $4,700
- Per sq ft
- $5.45 – $11
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −9%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #235
- 1 = most expensive
A concrete slab in Lake Charles, LA usually costs $2,200 to $4,700 for 400 sq ft. That works out to about $5.45 to $11 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $350 less. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $23.64 an hour in the Lake Charles area, 14% below the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Lake Charles, LA, standard level
$2,950 to $3,950
About $7.10 to $9.30 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 40% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,550 | $2,150 |
| Labor | $1,250 | $1,550 |
| Permits and fees | $130 | $250 |
| Total | $2,950 | $3,950 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Lake Charles, LA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,100 | $1,850 | $2,600 | 54% |
| Labor | $1,050 | $1,400 | $1,750 | 40% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $190 | $340 | 6% |
| Total | $2,200 | $3,450 | $4,700 | 100% |
Why Lake Charles prices look the way they do
Labor is 40% of the midpoint bill here, against 42% 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 Lake Charles the blended ratio comes out at 0.88. BLS does not publish this trade for the metro, so we used the Louisiana statewide median.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Lake Charles is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $2,000 nationally becomes $1,850 here (midpoint, 400 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 85.9: $45 to $340.
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 Lake Charles. The wage table below marks each row.
Specs and site conditions that change a Lake Charles bid
Base and reinforcement
A compacted gravel base, vapor barrier, and wire mesh or rebar are priced separately by some contractors and bundled by others. Ask which one your quote does.
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.
Planning more than one job in Lake Charles?
Jobs that often go together with concrete slab are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Lake Charles wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, asphalt driveway comes out highest (−8%) and detached garage lowest (−11%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,300 – $8,200 | −11% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,600 | −10% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $25,900 – $51,900 | −11% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $2,950 – $7,200 | −9% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,800 – $6,800 | −8% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,300 – $9,300 | −9% |
What local crews earn in Lake Charles
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 4 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 Lake Charles the blend is 0.88.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) carry 50% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Lake Charles metro, so we used the Louisiana statewide median: $23.64 an hour against $27.41 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $19.54 and $30.00 an hour.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $21.75 an hour, which is 4% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $17.37 and $25.18 an hour. BLS counts 2,130 of them working in the area, 209.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 10% of the weighting: a median of $23.69 an hour, 18% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $21.27 and $29.07 an hour. About 410 work in the metro. That is 40.3 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
Carpenters (47-2031), 10% of the weighting: a median of $22.08 an hour, 24% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $16.13 and $28.48 an hour. About 630 work in the metro. That is 62.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (cement masons and concrete finishers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $190 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $120. That is a swing of roughly 3.4% to 5.3% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Lake Charles has 101,690 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 202nd by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $19.54 | $23.64 | $30.00 | $27.41 | 0.86 | state |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $17.37 | $21.75 | $25.18 | $22.66 | 0.96 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $21.27 | $23.69 | $29.07 | $28.78 | 0.82 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $16.13 | $22.08 | $28.48 | $29.12 | 0.76 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.88 | |||||
Is Lake Charles cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, 1 is cheaper than Lake Charles. Alexandria is the lowest at about $3,400 (midpoint, 400 sq ft), 95 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Charles, LAthis page | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | |
| Beaumont, TX60 miles | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,500 | +1% |
| Lafayette, LA65 miles | $2,200 – $4,750 | $3,500 | level |
| Alexandria, LA95 miles | $2,150 – $4,600 | $3,400 | −3% |
| Baton Rouge, LA125 miles | $2,350 – $4,950 | $3,650 | +5% |
| Houston, TX130 miles | $2,250 – $4,900 | $3,600 | +3% |
| Louisiana (statewide) | $2,200 – $4,650 | $3,400 | −1% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | +10% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Lake Charles ranks #235 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Lake Charles is 1% above the Louisiana figure.
Elsewhere in Louisiana
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | 445,550 jobs | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | −1% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 409,690 jobs | $2,350 – $4,950 | $3,650 | +5% |
| Lafayette, LA | 179,570 jobs | $2,200 – $4,750 | $3,500 | level |
| Shreveport, LA | 162,750 jobs | $2,150 – $4,600 | $3,400 | −2% |
| Slidell, LA | 98,240 jobs | $2,200 – $4,650 | $3,450 | −1% |
| Monroe, LA | 87,500 jobs | $2,100 – $4,500 | $3,300 | −5% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Lake Charles against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette, IN | 102,200 jobs | $2,450 – $5,150 | $3,800 | +10% |
| Springfield, IL | 100,810 jobs | $2,650 – $5,450 | $4,050 | +17% |
| Clarksville, TN | 103,220 jobs | $2,200 – $4,750 | $3,500 | +1% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | 98,500 jobs | $2,700 – $5,700 | $4,200 | +21% |
Lake Charles weather and the concrete slab calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Lake Charles (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For pouring concrete, the comfortable months in Lake Charles are September through May: 9 of 12. Outside them, June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Heat matters for concrete as well. With average highs of 90°F or more in June, July and August, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Lake Charles gets about 60 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, June and August (6.5 inches in June). Inside the workable window, February and March are the driest, at 3.3 and 3.7 inches. The station averages about 88 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 | 63 | 43 | 5.9 | Workable |
| Feb | 67 | 47 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Mar | 73 | 53 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Apr | 79 | 59 | 4.4 | Workable |
| May | 85 | 67 | 5.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 91 | 74 | 6.5 | Hot |
| Jul | 92 | 76 | 5.7 | Hot |
| Aug | 93 | 75 | 6.2 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 71 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 82 | 60 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 72 | 51 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Dec | 65 | 45 | 4.6 | Workable |
Cost by quality level and size in Lake Charles
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Lake Charles. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) to 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft).
Basic
$2,200 to $3,200
4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access
Standard
$2,950 to $3,950
4-5 inch slab with rebar or heavier mesh and standard base prep
Premium
$3,700 to $4,700
6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) | $590 – $930 | $840 – $1,200 | $1,100 – $1,450 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $830 – $1,250 | $1,150 – $1,600 | $1,500 – $1,900 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,200 – $3,200 | $2,950 – $3,950 | $3,700 – $4,700 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $3,200 – $4,550 | $4,200 – $5,600 | $5,250 – $6,650 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $6,550 – $9,350 | $8,650 – $11,400 | $10,700 – $13,500 |
Optional extras in Lake Charles
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.91 for Lake Charles, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.88) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $360 – $1,100 |
| Remove old concrete first | $730 – $2,200 |
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 $2,950 to $3,950 for Lake Charles, LA is attached.
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Concrete slab in Lake Charles: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Lake Charles?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,200 to $4,700 in the Lake Charles area. A standard-spec job lands at $2,950 to $3,950. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Lake Charles?
About $5.45 to $11 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $340 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $12.
+Is concrete slab cheaper in Lake Charles or Beaumont?
Beaumont is 60 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $3,500, which is 1% more than Lake Charles ($3,450). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Lake Charles?
About 40% at the midpoint, or $1,400 out of $3,450. Materials are 54% and permits 6%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Lake Charles?
$2,200 to $4,700. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in Lake Charles?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $340 for fees in the Lake Charles area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Lake Charles expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of Louisiana?
Lake Charles is 1% above the Louisiana statewide estimate ($3,400 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Louisiana; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Lake Charles?
BLS has no published metro figure here, so we use the statewide median of $23.64 an hour, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $19.54 to $30.00.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Lake Charles?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,200 to $3,200 and premium work $3,700 to $4,700. 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 Lake Charles?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through May. February and March 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 Lake Charles?
$360 to $1,100 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Lake Charles
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