Concrete slab cost in Eau Claire, WI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,550 – $5,250
- Per sq ft
- $6.20 – $12
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +2%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #95
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to pour a concrete slab in Eau Claire, plan on $2,550 to $5,250 for 400 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $6.20 to $12 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint lands close to the national one. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $29.33 an hour in the Eau Claire area, 7% above the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Eau Claire, WI, standard level
$3,350 to $4,450
About $8 to $10.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 46% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,600 | $2,200 |
| Labor | $1,650 | $2,000 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $270 |
| Total | $3,350 | $4,450 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Eau Claire, WI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $1,900 | $2,650 | 48% |
| Labor | $1,350 | $1,800 | $2,250 | 46% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $210 | $370 | 5% |
| Total | $2,550 | $3,900 | $5,250 | 100% |
Why Eau Claire 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, Eau Claire wages are 1.13 times the national level. Labor makes up about 46% of the midpoint estimate (42% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Eau Claire metro is 93.8 (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 (92.8) and land at $45 to $370.
Add-ons priced for Eau Claire
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Eau Claire by the average of the local wage index (1.13) and goods index (0.94), a factor of 1.03. 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 | $410 – $1,250 |
| Remove old concrete first | $830 – $2,500 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Eau Claire bid
Finish
A broom finish is the baseline. Stamped, stained, or exposed-aggregate finishes are priced as add-ons on top of the slab.
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.
Pick a size, pick a tier: concrete slab pricing in Eau Claire
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Eau Claire 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
$2,550 to $3,600
4-inch broom-finish slab, light mesh, easy truck access
Standard
$3,350 to $4,450
4-5 inch slab with rebar or heavier mesh and standard base prep
Premium
$4,150 to $5,250
6-inch slab, heavy reinforcement, thick base, pump truck or tight access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 pad (100 sq ft) | $670 – $1,050 | $940 – $1,300 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $940 – $1,400 | $1,300 – $1,750 | $1,650 – $2,150 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,550 – $3,600 | $3,350 – $4,450 | $4,150 – $5,250 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $3,600 – $5,150 | $4,750 – $6,250 | $5,900 – $7,400 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $7,500 – $10,500 | $9,750 – $12,800 | $12,000 – $15,000 |
Eau Claire labor market for concrete slab
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 Eau Claire is 1.13 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 50%) the local median is $29.33 an hour, which is 7% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $23.80 and $36.87 an hour. BLS counts 210 of them working in the area, 24.4 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 $28.00 an hour, 24% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.33 and $36.35 an hour. About 640 work in the metro. That is 74.4 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 10%) the local median is $36.53 an hour, which is 27% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $29.77 and $45.13 an hour. BLS counts 260 of them working in the area, 30.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is about average.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 10%) the local median is $28.41 an hour, which is in line with the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.39 and $38.28 an hour. BLS counts 360 of them working in the area, 41.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is about average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the cement masons and concrete finishers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($36.87 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $220. At the 25th percentile ($23.80) it shrinks by about $160. The total moves by 5.7% or 4.1%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 86,060 jobs in the Eau Claire area. That makes it the 226th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.06% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $23.80 | $29.33 | $36.87 | $27.41 | 1.07 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.33 | $28.00 | $36.35 | $22.66 | 1.24 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $29.77 | $36.53 | $45.13 | $28.78 | 1.27 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $23.39 | $28.41 | $38.28 | $29.12 | 0.98 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.13 | |||||
Climate in Eau Claire: timing your concrete slab job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Eau Claire Rgnl Ap (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 Eau Claire (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.
Eau Claire gets about 33 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 55 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and August (4.8 inches in June). Inside the workable window, July and September are the driest, at 3.6 and 3.6 inches. The station averages about 10 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 | 6 | 1.0 | Cold |
| Feb | 28 | 9 | 1.1 | Cold |
| Mar | 41 | 21 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Apr | 57 | 33 | 3.1 | Cold |
| May | 70 | 45 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Jun | 79 | 56 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Jul | 83 | 60 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Aug | 80 | 58 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Sep | 72 | 49 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Oct | 58 | 37 | 2.5 | Cold |
| Nov | 42 | 25 | 1.8 | Cold |
| Dec | 29 | 13 | 1.4 | Cold |
Planning more than one job in Eau Claire?
Because every project leans on different trades, Eau Claire's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, gravel driveway runs +9% and detached garage level.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,850 – $9,900 | +7% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,250 – $4,200 | +4% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $28,900 – $58,000 | level |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,350 – $8,250 | +3% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,200 – $8,000 | +7% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,750 – $11,100 | +9% |
Is Eau Claire cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, 2 are cheaper than Eau Claire. Wausau is the lowest at about $3,850 (midpoint, 400 sq ft), 75 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eau Claire, WIthis page | $2,550 – $5,250 | $3,900 | |
| Wausau, WI75 miles | $2,500 – $5,200 | $3,850 | −1% |
| Rochester, MN85 miles | $2,700 – $5,550 | $4,100 | +6% |
| La Crosse, WI85 miles | $2,500 – $5,250 | $3,900 | level |
| Minneapolis, MN100 miles | $2,850 – $5,900 | $4,350 | +12% |
| Oshkosh, WI140 miles | $2,650 – $5,500 | $4,100 | +5% |
| Wisconsin (statewide) | $2,550 – $5,300 | $3,950 | +1% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | −2% |
Across 300 US metros, Eau Claire comes in at #95 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $5,300; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $3,200 (midpoints, 400 sq ft). Statewide, Eau Claire is 1% below the Wisconsin figure.
Other Wisconsin metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | 820,780 jobs | $2,700 – $5,550 | $4,100 | +6% |
| Madison, WI | 408,070 jobs | $2,600 – $5,400 | $4,000 | +2% |
| Green Bay, WI | 174,550 jobs | $2,550 – $5,300 | $3,900 | level |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $2,650 – $5,450 | $4,050 | +4% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $2,650 – $5,500 | $4,100 | +5% |
| La Crosse, WI | 84,380 jobs | $2,500 – $5,250 | $3,900 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Eau Claire's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Eau Claire against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daphne, AL | 87,120 jobs | $2,150 – $4,650 | $3,400 | −12% |
| Jackson, TN | 84,530 jobs | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | −12% |
| Joplin, MO | 87,190 jobs | $2,350 – $4,950 | $3,650 | −6% |
| La Crosse, WI | 84,380 jobs | $2,500 – $5,250 | $3,900 | level |
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Concrete slab in Eau Claire: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in Eau Claire?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,550 to $5,250 in the Eau Claire area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,350 to $4,450. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete slab in Eau Claire?
About $6.20 to $12 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 Eau Claire or Wausau?
Wausau is 75 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $3,850, which is 1% less than Eau Claire ($3,900). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Eau Claire?
About 46% at the midpoint, or $1,800 out of $3,900. Materials are 48% and permits 5%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Eau Claire?
$2,550 to $5,250. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in Eau Claire?
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 Eau Claire area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Eau Claire expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of Wisconsin?
Eau Claire is 1% below the Wisconsin statewide estimate ($3,950 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Wisconsin; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Eau Claire?
The BLS median is $29.33 an hour in the Eau Claire area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.80 to $36.87.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in Eau Claire?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,550 to $3,600 and premium work $4,150 to $5,250. 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 Eau Claire?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through September. July 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 Eau Claire?
$410 to $1,250 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near Eau Claire
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