Concrete slab cost in Traverse City, MI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,400 – $5,050
- Per sq ft
- $5.90 – $11.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −3%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #148
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to pour a concrete slab in Traverse City, plan on $2,400 to $5,050 for 400 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $5.90 to $11.50 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint lands close to the national one. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.7).
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Traverse City, MI, standard level
$3,200 to $4,250
About $7.65 to $9.95 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 44% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,550 | $2,150 |
| Labor | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $280 |
| Total | $3,200 | $4,250 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Traverse City, MI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,100 | $1,850 | $2,600 | 50% |
| Labor | $1,250 | $1,650 | $2,050 | 44% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $210 | $370 | 6% |
| Total | $2,400 | $3,700 | $5,050 | 100% |
Why Traverse City prices look the way they do
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 $28.34 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Traverse City is 1.03 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 44% of the total.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Traverse City metro is 93.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 400 sq ft comes to $1,850, compared with $2,000 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (93.4) and land at $45 to $370.
Climate in Traverse City: timing your concrete slab job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Traverse City Cherry Cptl Ap (in the city). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through October is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Traverse City (6 of 12 months). January, February, March, April, 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.
Traverse City gets about 29 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are August, September and October (3.6 inches in October). Inside the workable window, June and July are the driest, at 2.6 and 2.7 inches. The station averages about 9 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 | 29 | 17 | 1.7 | Cold |
| Feb | 31 | 16 | 1.0 | Cold |
| Mar | 41 | 23 | 1.6 | Cold |
| Apr | 54 | 33 | 2.8 | Cold |
| May | 67 | 43 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Jun | 77 | 54 | 2.6 | Workable |
| Jul | 81 | 59 | 2.7 | Workable |
| Aug | 80 | 59 | 3.0 | Workable |
| Sep | 72 | 52 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Oct | 59 | 41 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Nov | 46 | 32 | 2.2 | Cold |
| Dec | 35 | 24 | 1.8 | Cold |
Traverse City 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 Traverse City is 1.03 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 50%) the local median is $28.34 an hour, which is 3% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $22.50 and $29.20 an hour. BLS counts 160 of them working in the area, 23.4 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 $23.27 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.03 and $28.66 an hour. About 740 work in the metro. That is 108.1 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 $29.42 an hour, which is in line with the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $28.74 and $35.49 an hour. BLS counts 280 of them working in the area, 40.9 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 $28.47 an hour, which is in line with the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.71 and $30.60 an hour. BLS counts 420 of them working in the area, 61.4 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 ($29.20 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $25. At the 25th percentile ($22.50) it shrinks by about $170. The total moves by 0.7% or 4.6%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 68,440 jobs in the Traverse City area. That makes it the 264th 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% | $22.50 | $28.34 | $29.20 | $27.41 | 1.03 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $21.03 | $23.27 | $28.66 | $22.66 | 1.03 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $28.74 | $29.42 | $35.49 | $28.78 | 1.02 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $22.71 | $28.47 | $30.60 | $29.12 | 0.98 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.03 | |||||
Concrete slab: what moves the price in Traverse City
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.
What nearby projects cost in Traverse City
Because every project leans on different trades, Traverse City's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, concrete driveway runs level and detached garage −4%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,600 – $9,200 | level |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,950 | −2% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $27,900 – $56,000 | −4% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,200 – $7,800 | −2% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,950 – $7,200 | −3% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,450 – $10,000 | −2% |
Optional extras in Traverse City
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Traverse City 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 rebar reinforcement | $390 – $1,200 |
| Remove old concrete first | $780 – $2,350 |
Traverse City against nearby metros and the rest of Michigan
Of the five closest metros, 1 is cheaper than Traverse City. Muskegon is the lowest at about $3,650 (midpoint, 400 sq ft), 110 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse City, MIthis page | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,700 | |
| Green Bay, WI110 miles | $2,550 – $5,300 | $3,900 | +5% |
| Muskegon, MI110 miles | $2,350 – $4,950 | $3,650 | −2% |
| Sheboygan, WI125 miles | $2,550 – $5,300 | $3,950 | +6% |
| Appleton, WI130 miles | $2,650 – $5,450 | $4,050 | +9% |
| Grand Rapids, MI135 miles | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,750 | level |
| Michigan (statewide) | $2,450 – $5,150 | $3,800 | +2% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | +3% |
Across 300 US metros, Traverse City comes in at #148 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $5,300; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $3,200 (midpoints, 400 sq ft). Statewide, Traverse City is 2% below the Michigan figure.
Other Michigan metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | 1,904,530 jobs | $2,600 – $5,450 | $4,000 | +8% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | 598,260 jobs | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,750 | level |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 219,730 jobs | $2,450 – $5,150 | $3,800 | +2% |
| Lansing, MI | 217,180 jobs | $2,500 – $5,200 | $3,850 | +3% |
| Flint, MI | 135,040 jobs | $2,500 – $5,250 | $3,850 | +4% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | 121,790 jobs | $2,350 – $5,000 | $3,700 | −1% |
Cities with a workforce like Traverse City's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Traverse City against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State College, PA | 68,840 jobs | $2,550 – $5,350 | $3,950 | +6% |
| Dover, DE | 68,080 jobs | $2,300 – $4,950 | $3,600 | −3% |
| Yuma, AZ | 68,880 jobs | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,550 | −5% |
| Burlington, NC | 67,830 jobs | $2,200 – $4,750 | $3,500 | −7% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: concrete slab pricing in Traverse City
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Traverse City 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
$2,400 to $3,450
4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access
Standard
$3,200 to $4,250
4-5 inch slab with rebar or heavier mesh and standard base prep
Premium
$4,000 to $5,050
6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) | $640 – $1,000 | $910 – $1,250 | $1,200 – $1,550 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $890 – $1,350 | $1,250 – $1,700 | $1,600 – $2,050 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,400 – $3,450 | $3,200 – $4,250 | $4,000 – $5,050 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $3,450 – $4,900 | $4,550 – $6,000 | $5,650 – $7,100 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $7,100 – $10,000 | $9,300 – $12,200 | $11,500 – $14,400 |
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 $3,200 to $4,250 for Traverse City, MI is attached.
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Multi-page report for Traverse City, MI: 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 Traverse City: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Traverse City?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,400 to $5,050 in the Traverse City area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,200 to $4,250. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Traverse City?
About $5.90 to $11.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $370 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $12.
+Is concrete slab cheaper in Traverse City or Green Bay?
Green Bay is 110 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $3,900, which is 5% more than Traverse City ($3,700). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Traverse City?
About 44% at the midpoint, or $1,650 out of $3,700. Materials are 50% and permits 6%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Traverse City?
$2,400 to $5,050. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in Traverse City?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $370 for fees in the Traverse City area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Traverse City expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of Michigan?
Traverse City is 2% below the Michigan statewide estimate ($3,800 at the midpoint). We cover 10 metros in Michigan; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Traverse City?
The BLS median is $28.34 an hour in the Traverse City area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.50 to $29.20.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Traverse City?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,400 to $3,450 and premium work $4,000 to $5,050. 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 Traverse City?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through October. June and July 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 Traverse City?
$390 to $1,200 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Traverse City
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