Concrete slab cost in Las Cruces, NM
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
- $5.35 – $11
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −10%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #248
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a concrete slab in the Las Cruces area: $2,200 to $4,700 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 10% lower than the US figure. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $21.72 an hour in the Las Cruces area, 21% below the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Las Cruces, NM, standard level
$2,950 to $3,950
About $7 to $9.20 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 38% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,600 | $2,250 |
| Labor | $1,200 | $1,450 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $270 |
| Total | $2,950 | $3,950 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Las Cruces, NM
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $1,900 | $2,700 | 56% |
| Labor | $990 | $1,300 | $1,650 | 38% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $200 | $360 | 6% |
| Total | $2,200 | $3,450 | $4,700 | 100% |
Why Las Cruces prices look the way they do
Labor is 38% 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 Las Cruces the blended ratio comes out at 0.82.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Las Cruces is at 96.1 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 90.2: $45 to $360.
The best months for concrete slab in Las Cruces
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, State Univ (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 Las Cruces are April through May and September through October: 4 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below, and June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
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.
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.
Las Cruces gets about 9 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 1 inches of snow. The wettest months are July, August and September (1.8 inches in July). Inside the workable window, April and May are the driest, at 0.2 and 0.4 inches. The station averages about 109 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 | 59 | 30 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Feb | 64 | 34 | 0.4 | Cold |
| Mar | 71 | 39 | 0.3 | Cold |
| Apr | 79 | 46 | 0.2 | Workable |
| May | 87 | 54 | 0.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 96 | 64 | 0.7 | Hot |
| Jul | 96 | 69 | 1.8 | Hot |
| Aug | 94 | 68 | 1.7 | Hot |
| Sep | 88 | 61 | 1.4 | Workable |
| Oct | 80 | 48 | 0.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 68 | 37 | 0.4 | Cold |
| Dec | 58 | 30 | 0.6 | Cold |
Who does the work: Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces the blend is 0.82.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 50% of the weighting: a median of $21.72 an hour, 21% below the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $18.53 and $22.66 an hour. About 140 work in the metro. That is 17.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 13.3 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $18.97 an hour, which is 16% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $16.98 and $21.56 an hour. BLS counts 860 of them working in the area, 107.5 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 $23.51 an hour, 18% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $22.15 and $29.20 an hour. About 440 work in the metro. That is 55.0 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 $27.42 an hour, 6% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $21.44 and $29.32 an hour. About 250 work in the metro. That is 31.3 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so expect fewer 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 $25 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $95. That is a swing of roughly 2.7% to 0.8% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Las Cruces has 80,000 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 238th 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% | $18.53 | $21.72 | $22.66 | $27.41 | 0.79 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $16.98 | $18.97 | $21.56 | $22.66 | 0.84 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $22.15 | $23.51 | $29.20 | $28.78 | 0.82 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $21.44 | $27.42 | $29.32 | $29.12 | 0.94 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.82 | |||||
Optional extras in Las Cruces
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.89 for Las Cruces, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.82) and goods price index (0.96). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $360 – $1,050 |
| Remove old concrete first | $710 – $2,150 |
How Las Cruces compares
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 $3,250 to $3,600 across Las Cruces and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Cruces, NMthis page | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | |
| El Paso, TX95 miles | $2,050 – $4,450 | $3,250 | −5% |
| Albuquerque, NM195 miles | $2,250 – $4,850 | $3,550 | +3% |
| Santa Fe, NM225 miles | $2,300 – $4,900 | $3,600 | +4% |
| Odessa, TX255 miles | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | level |
| Midland, TX285 miles | $2,200 – $4,750 | $3,450 | +1% |
| New Mexico (statewide) | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,500 | +2% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | +11% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Las Cruces ranks #248 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Las Cruces is 2% below the New Mexico figure.
Elsewhere in New Mexico
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 404,700 jobs | $2,250 – $4,850 | $3,550 | +3% |
| Santa Fe, NM | 61,770 jobs | $2,300 – $4,900 | $3,600 | +4% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Las Cruces against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO | 80,220 jobs | $2,500 – $5,200 | $3,850 | +11% |
| Saginaw, MI | 80,000 jobs | $2,400 – $5,000 | $3,700 | +8% |
| Greenville, NC | 80,770 jobs | $2,150 – $4,600 | $3,350 | −2% |
| Merced, CA | 79,510 jobs | $2,600 – $5,450 | $4,000 | +17% |
What nearby projects cost in Las Cruces
Jobs that often go together with concrete slab are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Las Cruces wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, detached garage comes out highest (−9%) and concrete driveway lowest (−13%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,200 – $7,900 | −13% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,500 | −11% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $26,400 – $53,100 | −9% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $2,900 – $7,000 | −11% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,800 – $6,700 | −9% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,250 – $9,100 | −11% |
Why two Las Cruces quotes can differ
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).
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.
Cost by quality level and size in Las Cruces
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Las Cruces. 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) | $580 – $930 | $840 – $1,200 | $1,100 – $1,450 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $820 – $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) | $3,150 – $4,500 | $4,150 – $5,550 | $5,200 – $6,600 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $6,450 – $9,250 | $8,550 – $11,300 | $10,600 – $13,400 |
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 $2,950 to $3,950 for Las Cruces, NM is attached.
Detailed concrete slab report for Las Cruces, NM, $9
Multi-page report for Las Cruces, NM: 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 Las Cruces: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Las Cruces?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,200 to $4,700 in the Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces?
About $5.35 to $11 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 Las Cruces or El Paso?
El Paso is 95 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $3,250, which is 5% less than Las Cruces ($3,450). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Las Cruces?
About 38% at the midpoint, or $1,300 out of $3,450. Materials are 56% and permits 6%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Las Cruces?
$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 Las Cruces?
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 Las Cruces area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Las Cruces expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of New Mexico?
Las Cruces is 2% below the New Mexico statewide estimate ($3,500 at the midpoint). We cover 3 metros in New Mexico; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Las Cruces?
The BLS median is $21.72 an hour in the Las Cruces area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $18.53 to $22.66.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Las Cruces?
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 Las Cruces?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through May and September through October. April and May 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 Las Cruces?
$360 to $1,050 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Las Cruces
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