Concrete slab cost in Bellingham, WA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,900 – $6,000
- Per sq ft
- $7.15 – $14
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +17%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #9
- 1 = most expensive
A concrete slab in Bellingham, WA usually costs $2,900 to $6,000 for 400 sq ft. That works out to about $7.15 to $14 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $630 more. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $37.46 an hour in the Bellingham area, 37% above the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Bellingham, WA, standard level
$3,850 to $5,100
About $9.20 to $12 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 48% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,750 | $2,450 |
| Labor | $1,900 | $2,350 |
| Permits and fees | $160 | $300 |
| Total | $3,850 | $5,100 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Bellingham, WA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,250 | $2,100 | $2,950 | 47% |
| Labor | $1,600 | $2,150 | $2,650 | 48% |
| Permits and fees | $50 | $230 | $410 | 5% |
| Total | $2,900 | $4,450 | $6,000 | 100% |
What is behind the Bellingham number
Labor is 48% 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 Bellingham the blended ratio comes out at 1.33.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Bellingham is at 105.0 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $2,000 nationally becomes $2,100 here (midpoint, 400 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 103.3: $50 to $410.
Is Bellingham cheap or dear? The local comparison
Same job, same size (400 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Seattle is the priciest of the group at $4,550. Spokane is the cheapest at $4,250.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WAthis page | $2,900 – $6,000 | $4,450 | |
| Bremerton, WA90 miles | $2,850 – $5,900 | $4,350 | −2% |
| Seattle, WA95 miles | $2,950 – $6,100 | $4,550 | +2% |
| Olympia, WA140 miles | $2,850 – $5,900 | $4,400 | −2% |
| Yakima, WA175 miles | $2,850 – $5,950 | $4,400 | −1% |
| Spokane, WA200 miles | $2,750 – $5,750 | $4,250 | −4% |
| Washington (statewide) | $2,850 – $5,950 | $4,400 | −1% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | −14% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Bellingham ranks #9 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Bellingham is 1% above the Washington figure.
Elsewhere in Washington
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | 2,086,210 jobs | $2,950 – $6,100 | $4,550 | +2% |
| Spokane, WA | 255,820 jobs | $2,750 – $5,750 | $4,250 | −4% |
| Olympia, WA | 130,300 jobs | $2,850 – $5,900 | $4,400 | −2% |
| Kennewick, WA | 129,490 jobs | $2,850 – $5,900 | $4,350 | −2% |
| Yakima, WA | 97,010 jobs | $2,850 – $5,950 | $4,400 | −1% |
| Bremerton, WA | 93,740 jobs | $2,850 – $5,900 | $4,350 | −2% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Bellingham against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bremerton, WA | 93,740 jobs | $2,850 – $5,900 | $4,350 | −2% |
| Panama City, FL | 90,610 jobs | $2,250 – $4,800 | $3,500 | −21% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $2,650 – $5,500 | $4,100 | −9% |
| St. George, UT | 90,500 jobs | $2,250 – $4,850 | $3,550 | −20% |
Bellingham 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, Bellingham Intl 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 Bellingham 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.
Bellingham gets about 35 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, November and December (5.2 inches in November). Inside the workable window, July and August are the driest, at 0.9 and 1.1 inches.
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 | 46 | 34 | 4.5 | Cold |
| Feb | 49 | 35 | 2.9 | Cold |
| Mar | 53 | 38 | 3.4 | Cold |
| Apr | 58 | 42 | 2.8 | Workable |
| May | 64 | 47 | 2.2 | Workable |
| Jun | 68 | 52 | 1.6 | Workable |
| Jul | 73 | 55 | 0.9 | Workable |
| Aug | 73 | 55 | 1.1 | Workable |
| Sep | 68 | 50 | 2.0 | Workable |
| Oct | 59 | 43 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Nov | 51 | 38 | 5.2 | Cold |
| Dec | 46 | 34 | 4.3 | Cold |
Optional extras in Bellingham
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 1.19 for Bellingham, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.33) and goods price index (1.05). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $480 – $1,450 |
| Remove old concrete first | $950 – $2,850 |
What local crews earn in Bellingham
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 Bellingham the blend is 1.33.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 50% of the weighting: a median of $37.46 an hour, 37% above the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $28.34 and $48.44 an hour. About 130 work in the metro. That is 14.2 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 $28.06 an hour, which is 24% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.41 and $36.85 an hour. BLS counts 1,030 of them working in the area, 112.7 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 $44.00 an hour, 53% above the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $37.44 and $55.46 an hour. About 400 work in the metro. That is 43.8 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 $35.22 an hour, 21% above the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $29.17 and $46.22 an hour. About 950 work in the metro. That is 104.0 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 $320 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $270. That is a swing of roughly 6.0% to 7.2% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Bellingham has 91,390 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 217th 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% | $28.34 | $37.46 | $48.44 | $27.41 | 1.37 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.41 | $28.06 | $36.85 | $22.66 | 1.24 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $37.44 | $44.00 | $55.46 | $28.78 | 1.53 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $29.17 | $35.22 | $46.22 | $29.12 | 1.21 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.33 | |||||
Concrete slab: what moves the price in Bellingham
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.
Cost by quality level and size in Bellingham
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Bellingham. 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
$2,900 to $4,150
4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access
Standard
$3,850 to $5,100
4-5 inch slab with rebar or heavier mesh and standard base prep
Premium
$4,750 to $6,000
6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) | $770 – $1,200 | $1,100 – $1,500 | $1,400 – $1,800 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $1,100 – $1,600 | $1,500 – $2,000 | $1,900 – $2,450 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,900 – $4,150 | $3,850 – $5,100 | $4,750 – $6,000 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $4,150 – $5,900 | $5,450 – $7,200 | $6,750 – $8,450 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $8,600 – $12,100 | $11,200 – $14,600 | $13,800 – $17,200 |
Related projects, priced for Bellingham
Jobs that often go together with concrete slab are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Bellingham wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, concrete driveway comes out highest (+24%) and detached garage lowest (+15%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $4,450 – $11,500 | +24% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,450 – $4,800 | +19% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $33,400 – $67,000 | +15% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,800 – $9,500 | +19% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,650 – $9,250 | +24% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $3,050 – $12,400 | +22% |
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 $3,850 to $5,100 for Bellingham, WA is attached.
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Concrete slab in Bellingham: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Bellingham?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,900 to $6,000 in the Bellingham area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,850 to $5,100. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Bellingham?
About $7.15 to $14 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $50 to $410 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $12.
+Is concrete slab cheaper in Bellingham or Bremerton?
Bremerton is 90 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $4,350, which is 2% less than Bellingham ($4,450). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Bellingham?
About 48% at the midpoint, or $2,150 out of $4,450. Materials are 47% and permits 5%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Bellingham?
$2,900 to $6,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in Bellingham?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $50 to $410 for fees in the Bellingham area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Bellingham expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of Washington?
Bellingham is 1% above the Washington statewide estimate ($4,400 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in Washington; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Bellingham?
The BLS median is $37.46 an hour in the Bellingham area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $28.34 to $48.44.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Bellingham?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,900 to $4,150 and premium work $4,750 to $6,000. 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 Bellingham?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. July and August 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 Bellingham?
$480 to $1,450 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Bellingham
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