Concrete slab cost in Brownsville, TX
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,100 – $4,500
- Per sq ft
- $5.10 – $10.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −14%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #293
- 1 = most expensive
A concrete slab in Brownsville, TX usually costs $2,100 to $4,500 for 400 sq ft. That works out to about $5.10 to $10.50 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $530 less. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $22.84 an hour in the Brownsville area, 17% below the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Brownsville, TX, standard level
$2,800 to $3,800
About $6.70 to $8.80 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 37% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,600 | $2,200 |
| Labor | $1,100 | $1,350 |
| Permits and fees | $130 | $250 |
| Total | $2,800 | $3,800 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Brownsville, TX
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $1,900 | $2,650 | 57% |
| Labor | $920 | $1,250 | $1,550 | 37% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $190 | $340 | 6% |
| Total | $2,100 | $3,300 | $4,500 | 100% |
Why Brownsville prices look the way they do
Labor is 37% 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 Brownsville the blended ratio comes out at 0.77. BLS does not publish this trade for the metro, so we used the Texas statewide median.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Brownsville is at 93.8 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 86.0: $45 to $340.
Data note: 50% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Brownsville. The wage table below marks each row.
What local crews earn in Brownsville
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 Brownsville the blend is 0.77.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) carry 50% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Brownsville metro, so we used the Texas statewide median: $22.84 an hour against $27.41 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $19.53 and $26.73 an hour.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $16.90 an hour, which is 25% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $14.33 and $18.88 an hour. BLS counts 460 of them working in the area, 29.2 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 $19.32 an hour, 33% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $17.58 and $22.10 an hour. About 330 work in the metro. That is 21.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
Carpenters (47-2031), 10% of the weighting: a median of $17.13 an hour, 41% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $11.25 and $22.26 an hour. About 250 work in the metro. That is 15.9 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 $110 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $95. That is a swing of roughly 2.9% to 3.4% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Brownsville-Harlingen has 157,450 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 151st 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% | $19.53 | $22.84 | $26.73 | $27.41 | 0.83 | state |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $14.33 | $16.90 | $18.88 | $22.66 | 0.75 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $17.58 | $19.32 | $22.10 | $28.78 | 0.67 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $11.25 | $17.13 | $22.26 | $29.12 | 0.59 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.77 | |||||
Cost by quality level and size in Brownsville
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Brownsville. 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
$2,100 to $3,050
4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access
Standard
$2,800 to $3,800
4-5 inch slab with rebar or heavier mesh and standard base prep
Premium
$3,550 to $4,500
6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) | $550 – $890 | $800 – $1,150 | $1,050 – $1,400 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $780 – $1,200 | $1,100 – $1,500 | $1,400 – $1,850 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,100 – $3,050 | $2,800 – $3,800 | $3,550 – $4,500 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $3,000 – $4,300 | $4,000 – $5,350 | $5,000 – $6,350 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $6,200 – $8,850 | $8,150 – $10,800 | $10,200 – $12,800 |
Brownsville 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, Brownsville (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 Brownsville are October through April: 7 of 12. Outside them, May, June, July, August and September have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Heat matters for concrete as well. With average highs of 90°F or more in May, June, July, August and September, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Brownsville gets about 27 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are June, September and October (5.7 inches in September). Inside the workable window, January and February are the driest, at 1.1 and 1.0 inches. The station averages about 140 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 | 73 | 53 | 1.1 | Workable |
| Feb | 76 | 57 | 1.0 | Workable |
| Mar | 81 | 62 | 1.4 | Workable |
| Apr | 86 | 68 | 1.5 | Workable |
| May | 90 | 74 | 2.2 | Hot |
| Jun | 94 | 77 | 2.9 | Hot |
| Jul | 95 | 78 | 2.0 | Hot |
| Aug | 96 | 78 | 2.2 | Hot |
| Sep | 92 | 75 | 5.7 | Hot |
| Oct | 87 | 69 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 80 | 61 | 1.8 | Workable |
| Dec | 74 | 55 | 1.2 | Workable |
Brownsville against nearby metros and the rest of Texas
Of the five closest metros, 1 is cheaper than Brownsville. McAllen is the lowest at about $3,200 (midpoint, 400 sq ft), 50 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brownsville, TXthis page | $2,100 – $4,500 | $3,300 | |
| McAllen, TX50 miles | $2,000 – $4,350 | $3,200 | −4% |
| Corpus Christi, TX125 miles | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | +5% |
| Laredo, TX160 miles | $2,100 – $4,550 | $3,300 | +1% |
| San Antonio, TX240 miles | $2,150 – $4,650 | $3,400 | +3% |
| Austin, TX285 miles | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,500 | +6% |
| Texas (statewide) | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,500 | +7% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | +16% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Brownsville ranks #293 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Brownsville is 7% below the Texas figure.
Elsewhere in Texas
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | 4,049,800 jobs | $2,350 – $5,050 | $3,700 | +12% |
| Houston, TX | 3,289,720 jobs | $2,250 – $4,900 | $3,600 | +9% |
| Austin, TX | 1,293,690 jobs | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,500 | +6% |
| San Antonio, TX | 1,126,880 jobs | $2,150 – $4,650 | $3,400 | +3% |
| El Paso, TX | 339,120 jobs | $2,050 – $4,450 | $3,250 | −1% |
| McAllen, TX | 296,700 jobs | $2,000 – $4,350 | $3,200 | −4% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Brownsville against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene, OR | 157,710 jobs | $2,600 – $5,450 | $4,000 | +22% |
| Hickory, NC | 154,090 jobs | $2,200 – $4,750 | $3,450 | +5% |
| Gulfport, MS | 158,310 jobs | $2,100 – $4,550 | $3,300 | +1% |
| Roanoke, VA | 153,980 jobs | $2,200 – $4,750 | $3,500 | +6% |
Related projects, priced for Brownsville
Jobs that often go together with concrete slab are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Brownsville wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, asphalt driveway comes out highest (−13%) and detached garage lowest (−18%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,050 – $7,500 | −18% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,100 – $3,350 | −16% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $23,600 – $47,400 | −18% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $2,850 – $6,850 | −14% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,700 – $6,400 | −13% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,050 – $8,400 | −18% |
Optional extras in Brownsville
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.85 for Brownsville, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.77) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $340 – $1,000 |
| Remove old concrete first | $680 – $2,050 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Brownsville bid
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.
Finish
A broom finish is the baseline. Stamped, stained, or exposed-aggregate finishes are priced as add-ons on top of the 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 $2,800 to $3,800 for Brownsville, TX is attached.
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Concrete slab in Brownsville: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Brownsville?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,100 to $4,500 in the Brownsville area. A standard-spec job lands at $2,800 to $3,800. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Brownsville?
About $5.10 to $10.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $340 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $12.
+Is concrete slab cheaper in Brownsville or McAllen?
McAllen is 50 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $3,200, which is 4% less than Brownsville ($3,300). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Brownsville?
About 37% at the midpoint, or $1,250 out of $3,300. Materials are 57% and permits 6%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Brownsville?
$2,100 to $4,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in Brownsville?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $340 for fees in the Brownsville area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Brownsville expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of Texas?
Brownsville is 7% below the Texas statewide estimate ($3,500 at the midpoint). We cover 21 metros in Texas; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Brownsville?
BLS has no published metro figure here, so we use the statewide median of $22.84 an hour, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $19.53 to $26.73.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Brownsville?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,100 to $3,050 and premium work $3,550 to $4,500. 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 Brownsville?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are October through April. January and February 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 Brownsville?
$340 to $1,000 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Brownsville
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