Concrete slab cost in Bismarck, ND
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 – $12
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −2%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #142
- 1 = most expensive
Bismarck homeowners pay roughly $2,400 to $5,050 to pour a concrete slab at 400 sq ft, or $5.90 to $12 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Bismarck is almost level. Building materials run about 4% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 95.7).
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Bismarck, ND, standard level
$3,200 to $4,300
About $7.70 to $10 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 43% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,600 | $2,200 |
| Labor | $1,450 | $1,800 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $270 |
| Total | $3,200 | $4,300 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Bismarck, ND
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $1,900 | $2,700 | 51% |
| Labor | $1,200 | $1,600 | $2,050 | 43% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $200 | $360 | 5% |
| Total | $2,400 | $3,750 | $5,050 | 100% |
What is behind the Bismarck number
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 $27.66 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Bismarck is 1.02 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 43% of the total.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Bismarck metro is 95.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 400 sq ft comes to $1,900, compared with $2,000 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (91.0) and land at $45 to $360.
When to schedule concrete slab in Bismarck
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Bismarck (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through September is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Bismarck (5 of 12 months). 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.
Bismarck gets about 19 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 51 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and July (3.4 inches in June). Inside the workable window, May and September are the driest, at 2.5 and 1.7 inches. The station averages about 21 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 | 23 | 2 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Feb | 28 | 7 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 41 | 19 | 0.8 | Cold |
| Apr | 56 | 30 | 1.3 | Cold |
| May | 68 | 42 | 2.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 78 | 53 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jul | 85 | 58 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Aug | 84 | 56 | 2.5 | Workable |
| Sep | 73 | 46 | 1.7 | Workable |
| Oct | 57 | 33 | 1.4 | Cold |
| Nov | 41 | 19 | 0.7 | Cold |
| Dec | 28 | 8 | 0.6 | Cold |
Planning more than one job in Bismarck?
Because every project leans on different trades, Bismarck's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, gravel 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 | $27,700 – $55,600 | −4% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,200 – $7,850 | −1% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,000 – $7,300 | −2% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,500 – $10,200 | level |
Local wages behind the labor line
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 Bismarck is 1.02 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 50%) the local median is $27.66 an hour, which is in line with the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $23.01 and $30.05 an hour. BLS counts 190 of them working in the area, 26.7 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 $23.93 an hour, 6% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.87 and $29.41 an hour. About 620 work in the metro. That is 87.0 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 $29.88 an hour, which is 4% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $25.67 and $35.15 an hour. BLS counts 580 of them working in the area, 81.4 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 $26.28 an hour, which is 10% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.75 and $30.71 an hour. BLS counts 510 of them working in the area, 71.6 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 ($30.05 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $70. At the 25th percentile ($23.01) it shrinks by about $140. The total moves by 1.9% or 3.6%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 71,270 jobs in the Bismarck area. That makes it the 258th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.05% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $23.01 | $27.66 | $30.05 | $27.41 | 1.01 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $21.87 | $23.93 | $29.41 | $22.66 | 1.06 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $25.67 | $29.88 | $35.15 | $28.78 | 1.04 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $22.75 | $26.28 | $30.71 | $29.12 | 0.90 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.02 | |||||
Cost by quality level and size in Bismarck
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Bismarck 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 $3,500
4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access
Standard
$3,200 to $4,300
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) | $900 – $1,350 | $1,250 – $1,700 | $1,600 – $2,050 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,400 – $3,500 | $3,200 – $4,300 | $4,000 – $5,050 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $3,450 – $4,950 | $4,550 – $6,050 | $5,650 – $7,150 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $7,150 – $10,100 | $9,350 – $12,300 | $11,600 – $14,500 |
How Bismarck 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 $3,550 to $3,900 across Bismarck and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, NDthis page | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,750 | |
| Fargo, ND190 miles | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,750 | level |
| Rapid City, SD210 miles | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,550 | −5% |
| Sioux Falls, SD305 miles | $2,250 – $4,850 | $3,550 | −5% |
| St. Cloud, MN325 miles | $2,550 – $5,300 | $3,900 | +5% |
| Sioux City, IA380 miles | $2,350 – $4,950 | $3,650 | −2% |
| North Dakota (statewide) | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,750 | level |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | +2% |
Across 300 US metros, Bismarck comes in at #142 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $5,300; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $3,200 (midpoints, 400 sq ft). Statewide, Bismarck is 0% above the North Dakota figure.
Other North Dakota metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND | 148,660 jobs | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,750 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Bismarck's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Bismarck against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redding, CA | 71,550 jobs | $2,700 – $5,650 | $4,150 | +11% |
| Lexington Park, MD | 70,650 jobs | $2,400 – $5,100 | $3,750 | level |
| Bozeman, MT | 72,210 jobs | $2,550 – $5,350 | $3,950 | +6% |
| Janesville, WI | 69,870 jobs | $2,700 – $5,550 | $4,100 | +10% |
Add-ons priced for Bismarck
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Bismarck by the average of the local wage index (1.02) and goods index (0.96), a factor of 0.99. 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 | $790 – $2,350 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Bismarck bid
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.
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.
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 $4,300 for Bismarck, ND is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
The report lays out the concrete slab numbers for Bismarck, ND 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 Bismarck: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Bismarck?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,400 to $5,050 in the Bismarck area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,200 to $4,300. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Bismarck?
About $5.90 to $12 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 Bismarck or Fargo?
Fargo is 190 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $3,750, which is 0% less than Bismarck ($3,750). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Bismarck?
About 43% at the midpoint, or $1,600 out of $3,750. Materials are 51% and permits 5%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Bismarck?
$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 Bismarck?
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 Bismarck area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Bismarck expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of North Dakota?
Bismarck is 0% above the North Dakota statewide estimate ($3,750 at the midpoint). We cover 2 metros in North Dakota; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Bismarck?
The BLS median is $27.66 an hour in the Bismarck area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.01 to $30.05.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Bismarck?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,400 to $3,500 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 Bismarck?
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 Bismarck?
$390 to $1,200 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Bismarck
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