Concrete slab cost in Pittsburgh, PA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,550 – $5,350
- Per sq ft
- $6.25 – $12.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +3%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #75
- 1 = most expensive
A concrete slab in Pittsburgh, PA usually costs $2,550 to $5,350 for 400 sq ft. That works out to about $6.25 to $12.50 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $130 more. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $30.44 an hour in the Pittsburgh area, 11% above the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Pittsburgh, PA, standard level
$3,400 to $4,500
About $8.15 to $10.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 44% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,700 | $2,350 |
| Labor | $1,550 | $1,900 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $280 |
| Total | $3,400 | $4,500 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Pittsburgh, PA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,200 | $2,000 | $2,800 | 51% |
| Labor | $1,300 | $1,750 | $2,150 | 44% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $210 | $380 | 5% |
| Total | $2,550 | $3,950 | $5,350 | 100% |
Why Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh wages are 1.08 times the national level. Labor makes up about 44% of the midpoint estimate (42% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Pittsburgh is at 100.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $2,000 nationally becomes $2,000 here (midpoint, 400 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 94.7: $45 to $380.
Why two Pittsburgh quotes can differ
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.
Extras that change the Pittsburgh total
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 1.04 for Pittsburgh, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.08) and goods price index (1.01). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $420 – $1,250 |
| Remove old concrete first | $840 – $2,500 |
Related projects, priced for Pittsburgh
Jobs that often go together with concrete slab are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Pittsburgh wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, concrete driveway comes out highest (+6%) and asphalt driveway lowest (+1%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,850 – $9,750 | +6% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,300 – $4,150 | +4% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $29,600 – $59,400 | +2% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,400 – $8,350 | +5% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,050 – $7,450 | +1% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,600 – $10,500 | +3% |
Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh Allegheny Co 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 Pittsburgh are April through October: 7 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, 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.
Pittsburgh gets about 41 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are May, June and July (4.6 inches in June). Inside the workable window, April and October are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.1 inches. The station averages about 8 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 | 37 | 22 | 3.1 | Cold |
| Feb | 40 | 24 | 2.6 | Cold |
| Mar | 49 | 31 | 3.2 | Cold |
| Apr | 63 | 42 | 3.4 | Workable |
| May | 72 | 52 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Jun | 79 | 60 | 4.6 | Workable |
| Jul | 83 | 64 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Aug | 81 | 63 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Sep | 75 | 56 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 63 | 45 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Nov | 51 | 35 | 3.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 41 | 28 | 3.0 | Cold |
What local crews earn in Pittsburgh
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 Pittsburgh the blend is 1.08.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 50% of the weighting: a median of $30.44 an hour, 11% above the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $28.32 and $30.95 an hour. About 1,500 work in the metro. That is 13.5 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 $24.33 an hour, which is 7% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.96 and $29.94 an hour. BLS counts 8,620 of them working in the area, 77.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is about average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 10% of the weighting: a median of $29.96 an hour, 4% above the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $24.42 and $38.65 an hour. About 5,050 work in the metro. That is 45.3 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 $29.41 an hour, in line with the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.40 and $38.14 an hour. About 5,920 work in the metro. That is 53.1 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 $15 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $60. That is a swing of roughly 1.6% to 0.4% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Pittsburgh has 1,114,490 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 29th 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% | $28.32 | $30.44 | $30.95 | $27.41 | 1.11 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $21.96 | $24.33 | $29.94 | $22.66 | 1.07 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $24.42 | $29.96 | $38.65 | $28.78 | 1.04 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $23.40 | $29.41 | $38.14 | $29.12 | 1.01 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.08 | |||||
Pittsburgh: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Pittsburgh. 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
$2,550 to $3,700
4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access
Standard
$3,400 to $4,500
4-5 inch slab with rebar or heavier mesh and standard base prep
Premium
$4,250 to $5,350
6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) | $670 – $1,050 | $960 – $1,350 | $1,250 – $1,600 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $950 – $1,450 | $1,300 – $1,800 | $1,700 – $2,150 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,550 – $3,700 | $3,400 – $4,500 | $4,250 – $5,350 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $3,650 – $5,200 | $4,850 – $6,400 | $6,000 – $7,550 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $7,550 – $10,700 | $9,900 – $13,000 | $12,200 – $15,300 |
Pittsburgh against nearby metros and the rest of Pennsylvania
Of the five closest metros, all are cheaper than Pittsburgh. Morgantown is the lowest at about $3,550 (midpoint, 400 sq ft), 65 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PAthis page | $2,550 – $5,350 | $3,950 | |
| Wheeling, WV60 miles | $2,450 – $5,150 | $3,800 | −4% |
| Morgantown, WV65 miles | $2,250 – $4,850 | $3,550 | −10% |
| Youngstown, OH70 miles | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,750 | −6% |
| Canton, OH75 miles | $2,450 – $5,150 | $3,800 | −4% |
| Altoona, PA80 miles | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,700 | −6% |
| Pennsylvania (statewide) | $2,500 – $5,300 | $3,900 | −2% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | −3% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Pittsburgh ranks #75 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Pittsburgh is 2% above the Pennsylvania figure.
Elsewhere in Pennsylvania
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | 2,897,830 jobs | $2,550 – $5,300 | $3,950 | −1% |
| Allentown, PA | 377,180 jobs | $2,550 – $5,350 | $3,950 | level |
| Harrisburg, PA | 335,010 jobs | $2,500 – $5,300 | $3,900 | −1% |
| Scranton, PA | 255,620 jobs | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | −3% |
| Lancaster, PA | 252,230 jobs | $2,500 – $5,250 | $3,900 | −2% |
| York, PA | 183,590 jobs | $2,500 – $5,300 | $3,900 | −2% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Pittsburgh against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio, TX | 1,126,880 jobs | $2,150 – $4,650 | $3,400 | −14% |
| Columbus, OH | 1,105,580 jobs | $2,600 – $5,400 | $4,000 | +1% |
| San Jose, CA | 1,134,970 jobs | $3,050 – $6,250 | $4,650 | +18% |
| Indianapolis, IN | 1,105,170 jobs | $2,500 – $5,250 | $3,900 | −2% |
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Concrete slab in Pittsburgh: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Pittsburgh?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,550 to $5,350 in the Pittsburgh area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,400 to $4,500. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Pittsburgh?
About $6.25 to $12.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $380 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $12.
+Is concrete slab cheaper in Pittsburgh or Wheeling?
Wheeling is 60 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $3,800, which is 4% less than Pittsburgh ($3,950). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Pittsburgh?
About 44% at the midpoint, or $1,750 out of $3,950. Materials are 51% and permits 5%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Pittsburgh?
$2,550 to $5,350. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in Pittsburgh?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $380 for fees in the Pittsburgh area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Pittsburgh expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Pittsburgh is 2% above the Pennsylvania statewide estimate ($3,900 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Pennsylvania; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Pittsburgh?
The BLS median is $30.44 an hour in the Pittsburgh area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $28.32 to $30.95.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Pittsburgh?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,550 to $3,700 and premium work $4,250 to $5,350. 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 Pittsburgh?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. April 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 Pittsburgh?
$420 to $1,250 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Pittsburgh
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