Concrete slab cost in Burlington, NC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,200 – $4,750
- Per sq ft
- $5.40 – $11
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −9%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #232
- 1 = most expensive
A concrete slab in Burlington, NC usually costs $2,200 to $4,750 for 400 sq ft. That works out to about $5.40 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 $21.75 an hour in the Burlington area, 21% below the US median of $27.41.
Estimate your concrete slab cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Burlington, NC, standard level
$2,950 to $4,000
About $7.05 to $9.25 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 | $4,000 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Burlington, NC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $1,950 | $2,700 | 56% |
| Labor | $1,000 | $1,350 | $1,650 | 38% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $210 | $370 | 6% |
| Total | $2,200 | $3,500 | $4,750 | 100% |
What is behind the Burlington number
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, Burlington wages are 0.83 times the national level. Labor makes up about 38% of the midpoint estimate (42% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Burlington is at 96.6 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $2,000 nationally becomes $1,950 here (midpoint, 400 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 93.2: $45 to $370.
Planning more than one job in Burlington?
Jobs that often go together with concrete slab are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Burlington wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, asphalt driveway comes out highest (−7%) and concrete driveway lowest (−13%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,250 – $8,000 | −13% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,550 | −10% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $26,100 – $52,300 | −10% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $2,950 – $7,150 | −10% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,850 – $6,900 | −7% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,300 – $9,400 | −8% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: concrete slab pricing in Burlington
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Burlington. 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 $4,000
4-5 inch slab with rebar or heavier mesh and standard base prep
Premium
$3,750 to $4,750
6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) | $590 – $940 | $850 – $1,200 | $1,100 – $1,450 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $820 – $1,250 | $1,150 – $1,600 | $1,500 – $1,950 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,200 – $3,200 | $2,950 – $4,000 | $3,750 – $4,750 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $3,150 – $4,550 | $4,200 – $5,600 | $5,250 – $6,650 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $6,550 – $9,300 | $8,600 – $11,400 | $10,700 – $13,500 |
Burlington 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, Burlington Alamance Ap (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 Burlington are April through June and August through October: 6 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below, and July has 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 July, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Burlington gets about 43 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are June, July and September (4.7 inches in July). Inside the workable window, May and October are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.1 inches. The station averages about 48 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 | 52 | 30 | 3.1 | Cold |
| Feb | 56 | 33 | 2.8 | Cold |
| Mar | 64 | 39 | 3.9 | Cold |
| Apr | 74 | 48 | 3.8 | Workable |
| May | 80 | 57 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 88 | 65 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 91 | 70 | 4.7 | Hot |
| Aug | 89 | 68 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Sep | 83 | 62 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Oct | 73 | 49 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Nov | 63 | 38 | 3.3 | Cold |
| Dec | 55 | 33 | 3.1 | Cold |
Is Burlington cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, 3 are cheaper than Burlington. Fayetteville is the lowest at about $3,350 (midpoint, 400 sq ft), 75 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, NCthis page | $2,200 – $4,750 | $3,500 | |
| Durham, NC15 miles | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,500 | +1% |
| Greensboro, NC20 miles | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | level |
| Winston, NC55 miles | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | −1% |
| Raleigh, NC55 miles | $2,250 – $4,850 | $3,550 | +2% |
| Fayetteville, NC75 miles | $2,150 – $4,600 | $3,350 | −3% |
| North Carolina (statewide) | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,500 | +1% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | +10% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Burlington ranks #232 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Burlington is 1% below the North Carolina figure.
Elsewhere in North Carolina
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 1,358,370 jobs | $2,250 – $4,850 | $3,550 | +3% |
| Raleigh, NC | 743,120 jobs | $2,250 – $4,850 | $3,550 | +2% |
| Greensboro, NC | 365,410 jobs | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | level |
| Durham, NC | 344,020 jobs | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,500 | +1% |
| Winston, NC | 271,980 jobs | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | −1% |
| Wilmington, NC | 191,280 jobs | $2,200 – $4,800 | $3,500 | +1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Burlington against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 68,080 jobs | $2,300 – $4,950 | $3,600 | +4% |
| Winchester, VA | 67,740 jobs | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,500 | +1% |
| Traverse City, MI | 68,440 jobs | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,700 | +7% |
| Morgantown, WV | 67,370 jobs | $2,250 – $4,850 | $3,550 | +2% |
Optional extras in Burlington
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.90 for Burlington, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.83) and goods price index (0.97). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $360 – $1,100 |
| Remove old concrete first | $720 – $2,150 |
What local crews earn in Burlington
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 Burlington the blend is 0.83.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 50% of the weighting: a median of $21.75 an hour, 21% below the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $18.45 and $23.07 an hour. About 110 work in the metro. That is 16.2 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 $20.35 an hour, which is 10% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $17.66 and $22.91 an hour. BLS counts 400 of them working in the area, 59.0 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 10% of the weighting: a median of $24.79 an hour, 14% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $22.20 and $26.13 an hour. About 200 work in the metro. That is 29.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
Carpenters (47-2031), 10% of the weighting: a median of $23.69 an hour, 19% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $21.18 and $27.09 an hour. About 100 work in the metro. That is 14.7 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 $40 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $95. That is a swing of roughly 2.8% to 1.1% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Burlington has 67,830 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 266th 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% | $18.45 | $21.75 | $23.07 | $27.41 | 0.79 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $17.66 | $20.35 | $22.91 | $22.66 | 0.90 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $22.20 | $24.79 | $26.13 | $28.78 | 0.86 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $21.18 | $23.69 | $27.09 | $29.12 | 0.81 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.83 | |||||
Concrete slab: what moves the price in Burlington
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.
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 $4,000 for Burlington, NC is attached.
Take this estimate with you: PDF report, $9
The report lays out the concrete slab numbers for Burlington, NC line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. 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 Burlington: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Burlington?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,200 to $4,750 in the Burlington area. A standard-spec job lands at $2,950 to $4,000. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Burlington?
About $5.40 to $11 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 Burlington or Durham?
Durham is 15 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $3,500, which is 1% more than Burlington ($3,500). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Burlington?
About 38% at the midpoint, or $1,350 out of $3,500. Materials are 56% and permits 6%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Burlington?
$2,200 to $4,750. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in Burlington?
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 Burlington area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Burlington expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of North Carolina?
Burlington is 1% below the North Carolina statewide estimate ($3,500 at the midpoint). We cover 11 metros in North Carolina; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Burlington?
The BLS median is $21.75 an hour in the Burlington area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $18.45 to $23.07.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Burlington?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,200 to $3,200 and premium work $3,750 to $4,750. 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 Burlington?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through June and August through October. May and October 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 Burlington?
$360 to $1,100 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Burlington
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