Concrete slab cost in La Crosse, WI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $2,500 – $5,250
- Per sq ft
- $6.20 – $12
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +2%
- US $3,850
- Rank of 300 metros
- #98
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a concrete slab in the La Crosse area: $2,500 to $5,250 for 400 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint lands close to the US figure. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $29.26 an hour in the La Crosse area, 7% above the US median of $27.41.
Estimate your concrete slab cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in La Crosse, 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 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $270 |
| Total | $3,350 | $4,450 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in La Crosse, 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 | $2,500 | $3,900 | $5,250 | 100% |
What is behind the La Crosse 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 $29.26 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for La Crosse is 1.13 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 46% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. La Crosse 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 91.8: $45 to $370.
Who does the work: La Crosse trade wages
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 La Crosse the blend is 1.13.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 50% of the weighting: a median of $29.26 an hour, 7% above the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $25.00 and $33.93 an hour. About 120 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 $28.32 an hour, which is 25% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.49 and $35.41 an hour. BLS counts 610 of them working in the area, 72.3 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 $34.34 an hour, 19% above the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $28.40 and $44.77 an hour. About 120 work in the metro. That is 14.2 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 $28.34 an hour, in line with the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $23.93 and $36.95 an hour. About 450 work in the metro. That is 53.3 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 $140 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $120. That is a swing of roughly 3.2% to 3.5% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
La Crosse-Onalaska has 84,380 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 228th 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% | $25.00 | $29.26 | $33.93 | $27.41 | 1.07 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.49 | $28.32 | $35.41 | $22.66 | 1.25 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $28.40 | $34.34 | $44.77 | $28.78 | 1.19 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $23.93 | $28.34 | $36.95 | $29.12 | 0.97 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.13 | |||||
The best months for concrete slab in La Crosse
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, La Crosse Wfo (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 La Crosse are May through September: 5 of 12. Outside them, 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.
La Crosse gets about 37 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 54 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and August (5.3 inches in June). Inside the workable window, July and September are the driest, at 4.3 and 4.0 inches. The station averages about 3 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 | 24 | 8 | 1.1 | Cold |
| Feb | 29 | 13 | 1.1 | Cold |
| Mar | 41 | 24 | 1.9 | Cold |
| Apr | 55 | 36 | 4.0 | Cold |
| May | 67 | 48 | 4.9 | Workable |
| Jun | 76 | 58 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 80 | 62 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Aug | 78 | 60 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Sep | 71 | 52 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Oct | 58 | 40 | 2.9 | Cold |
| Nov | 42 | 28 | 1.9 | Cold |
| Dec | 29 | 15 | 1.5 | Cold |
How La Crosse compares
Same job, same size (400 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Rochester is the priciest of the group at $4,100. Dubuque is the cheapest at $3,700.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Crosse, WIthis page | $2,500 – $5,250 | $3,900 | |
| Rochester, MN65 miles | $2,700 – $5,550 | $4,100 | +6% |
| Dubuque, IA85 miles | $2,400 – $5,050 | $3,700 | −4% |
| Eau Claire, WI85 miles | $2,550 – $5,250 | $3,900 | level |
| Madison, WI85 miles | $2,600 – $5,400 | $4,000 | +3% |
| Waterloo, IA105 miles | $2,500 – $5,150 | $3,800 | −2% |
| Wisconsin (statewide) | $2,550 – $5,300 | $3,950 | +1% |
| United States | $2,450 – $5,200 | $3,850 | −1% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, La Crosse ranks #98 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, La Crosse is 1% below the Wisconsin figure.
Elsewhere in Wisconsin
| 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 | +3% |
| Green Bay, WI | 174,550 jobs | $2,550 – $5,300 | $3,900 | +1% |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $2,650 – $5,450 | $4,050 | +4% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $2,650 – $5,500 | $4,100 | +5% |
| Eau Claire, WI | 86,060 jobs | $2,550 – $5,250 | $3,900 | level |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is La Crosse against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson, TN | 84,530 jobs | $2,200 – $4,700 | $3,450 | −11% |
| Waterloo, IA | 84,260 jobs | $2,500 – $5,150 | $3,800 | −2% |
| Eau Claire, WI | 86,060 jobs | $2,550 – $5,250 | $3,900 | level |
| Houma, LA | 83,440 jobs | $2,150 – $4,600 | $3,400 | −13% |
Cost by quality level and size in La Crosse
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to La Crosse. 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
$2,500 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) | $660 – $1,050 | $940 – $1,300 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $940 – $1,400 | $1,300 – $1,750 | $1,650 – $2,100 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,500 – $3,600 | $3,350 – $4,450 | $4,150 – $5,250 |
| 24x24 garage floor (576 sq ft) | $3,600 – $5,100 | $4,750 – $6,250 | $5,900 – $7,400 |
| 30x40 foundation (1,200 sq ft) | $7,450 – $10,500 | $9,750 – $12,700 | $12,000 – $15,000 |
Why two La Crosse quotes can differ
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.
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).
Optional extras in La Crosse
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 1.03 for La Crosse, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.13) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $410 – $1,250 |
| Remove old concrete first | $830 – $2,500 |
What nearby projects cost in La Crosse
Jobs that often go together with concrete slab are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same La Crosse wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, gravel driveway comes out highest (+8%) and detached garage lowest (+1%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,850 – $9,850 | +7% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,250 – $4,150 | +3% |
| Detached garage | 576 sq ft | $29,200 – $58,600 | +1% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,300 – $8,250 | +3% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,200 – $7,950 | +6% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,700 – $11,000 | +8% |
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 $3,350 to $4,450 for La Crosse, WI is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for La Crosse, WI: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. 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 La Crosse: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete slab in La Crosse?
For 400 sq ft, expect $2,500 to $5,250 in the La Crosse 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 La Crosse?
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 La Crosse or Rochester?
Rochester is 65 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $4,100, which is 6% more than La Crosse ($3,900). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in La Crosse?
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 La Crosse?
$2,500 to $5,250. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete slab need a permit in La Crosse?
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 La Crosse area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is La Crosse expensive for concrete slab compared with the rest of Wisconsin?
La Crosse 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 La Crosse?
The BLS median is $29.26 an hour in the La Crosse area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $25.00 to $33.93.
+What do basic and premium concrete slab work cost in La Crosse?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $2,500 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 La Crosse?
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 La Crosse?
$410 to $1,250 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete slab near La Crosse
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