Concrete slab cost in Duluth, MN
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,650 – $5,500
- Per sq ft
- $6.55 – $13
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +7%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #51
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a concrete slab in the Duluth area: $2,650 to $5,500 for 400 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 7% higher than the US figure. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $33.81 an hour in the Duluth area, 23% above the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Duluth, MN, standard level
$3,500 to $4,650
About $8.45 to $11 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 48% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,600 | $2,200 |
| Labor | $1,750 | $2,150 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $260 |
| Total | $3,500 | $4,650 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Duluth, MN
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $1,900 | $2,650 | 47% |
| Labor | $1,500 | $1,950 | $2,450 | 48% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $200 | $360 | 5% |
| Total | $2,650 | $4,100 | $5,500 | 100% |
Why Duluth 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, Duluth wages are 1.23 times the national level. Labor makes up about 48% of the midpoint estimate (42% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Duluth is at 95.3 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $2,000 nationally becomes $1,900 here (midpoint, 400 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 88.8: $45 to $360.
Concrete slab: what moves the price in Duluth
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.
Who does the work: Duluth trade wages
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 Duluth the blend is 1.23.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 50% of the weighting: a median of $33.81 an hour, 23% above the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $28.31 and $40.26 an hour. About 150 work in the metro. That is 12.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 13.3 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $29.49 an hour, which is 30% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $23.29 and $37.00 an hour. BLS counts 1,390 of them working in the area, 111.5 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 $36.08 an hour, 25% above the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $29.89 and $40.28 an hour. About 770 work in the metro. That is 61.7 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 $29.10 an hour, in line with the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.05 and $36.50 an hour. About 620 work in the metro. That is 49.7 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 $160. That is a swing of roughly 3.9% to 4.6% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Duluth has 124,710 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 173rd 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% | $28.31 | $33.81 | $40.26 | $27.41 | 1.23 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $23.29 | $29.49 | $37.00 | $22.66 | 1.30 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $29.89 | $36.08 | $40.28 | $28.78 | 1.25 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $23.05 | $29.10 | $36.50 | $29.12 | 1.00 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.23 | |||||
Duluth: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Duluth. 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
$2,650 to $3,800
4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access
Standard
$3,500 to $4,650
4-5 inch slab with rebar or heavier mesh and standard base prep
Premium
$4,350 to $5,500
6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) | $700 – $1,100 | $980 – $1,350 | $1,250 – $1,650 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $990 – $1,450 | $1,350 – $1,850 | $1,700 – $2,200 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,650 – $3,800 | $3,500 – $4,650 | $4,350 – $5,500 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $3,800 – $5,400 | $5,000 – $6,550 | $6,200 – $7,750 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $7,900 – $11,000 | $10,300 – $13,400 | $12,600 – $15,800 |
Duluth against nearby metros and the rest of Minnesota
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 400 sq ft range from $3,750 to $4,350 across Duluth and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MNthis page | $2,650 – $5,500 | $4,100 | |
| St. Cloud, MN155 miles | $2,550 – $5,300 | $3,900 | −4% |
| Minneapolis, MN160 miles | $2,850 – $5,900 | $4,350 | +7% |
| Eau Claire, WI175 miles | $2,550 – $5,250 | $3,900 | −5% |
| Wausau, WI210 miles | $2,500 – $5,200 | $3,850 | −5% |
| Fargo, ND215 miles | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,750 | −8% |
| Minnesota (statewide) | $2,700 – $5,650 | $4,150 | +2% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | −6% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Duluth ranks #51 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Duluth is 2% below the Minnesota figure.
Elsewhere in Minnesota
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN | 1,951,650 jobs | $2,850 – $5,900 | $4,350 | +7% |
| Rochester, MN | 122,980 jobs | $2,700 – $5,550 | $4,100 | +1% |
| St. Cloud, MN | 103,920 jobs | $2,550 – $5,300 | $3,900 | −4% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Duluth against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crestview, FL | 125,050 jobs | $2,250 – $4,850 | $3,550 | −13% |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $2,650 – $5,450 | $4,050 | −1% |
| Norwich, CT | 126,450 jobs | $2,500 – $5,250 | $3,850 | −5% |
| Amarillo, TX | 123,930 jobs | $2,150 – $4,600 | $3,350 | −17% |
What nearby projects cost in Duluth
Jobs that often go together with concrete slab are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Duluth wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, concrete driveway comes out highest (+14%) and detached garage lowest (+5%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $4,100 – $10,600 | +14% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,300 – $4,400 | +9% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $30,500 – $61,200 | +5% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,500 – $8,750 | +10% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,250 – $8,100 | +8% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,800 – $11,300 | +11% |
The best months for concrete slab in Duluth
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Duluth (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 Duluth are May through September: 5 of 12. Outside them, 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.
Duluth gets about 31 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 90 inches of snow. The wettest months are June, July and August (4.4 inches in June). Inside the workable window, May and September are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.5 inches. The station averages about 2 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 | 20 | 2 | 0.9 | Cold |
| Feb | 25 | 6 | 1.0 | Cold |
| Mar | 36 | 18 | 1.5 | Cold |
| Apr | 49 | 30 | 2.5 | Cold |
| May | 63 | 41 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 72 | 50 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Jul | 78 | 56 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Aug | 76 | 55 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Sep | 67 | 47 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 53 | 36 | 2.9 | Cold |
| Nov | 37 | 23 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 25 | 10 | 1.5 | Cold |
Add-ons priced for Duluth
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 1.09 for Duluth, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.23) and goods price index (0.95). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $440 – $1,300 |
| Remove old concrete first | $870 – $2,600 |
Get 3 local quotes
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Concrete slab in Duluth: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Duluth?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,650 to $5,500 in the Duluth area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,500 to $4,650. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Duluth?
About $6.55 to $13 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $360 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $12.
+Is concrete slab cheaper in Duluth or St. Cloud?
St. Cloud is 155 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $3,900, which is 4% less than Duluth ($4,100). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Duluth?
About 48% at the midpoint, or $1,950 out of $4,100. Materials are 47% and permits 5%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Duluth?
$2,650 to $5,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in Duluth?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $360 for fees in the Duluth area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Duluth expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of Minnesota?
Duluth is 2% below the Minnesota statewide estimate ($4,150 at the midpoint). We cover 4 metros in Minnesota; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Duluth?
The BLS median is $33.81 an hour in the Duluth area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $28.31 to $40.26.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Duluth?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,650 to $3,800 and premium work $4,350 to $5,500. 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 Duluth?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through September. May 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 rebar reinforcement" add in Duluth?
$440 to $1,300 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Duluth
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