Inground pool cost in Montgomery, AL
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $31,400 – $98,300
- Per sq ft
- $69.50 – $218
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −13%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #284
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for an inground pool in the Montgomery area: $31,400 to $98,300 for 450 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 13% lower than the US figure. Construction laborers earn a median of $17.61 an hour in the Montgomery area, 22% below the US median of $22.66.
Estimate your inground pool cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Montgomery, AL, standard level
$51,500 to $78,300
About $114 to $173 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 47% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $27,200 | $41,400 |
| Labor | $24,200 | $36,700 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $220 |
| Total | $51,500 | $78,300 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Montgomery, AL
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,500 | $34,300 | $52,100 | 53% |
| Labor | $14,900 | $30,400 | $46,000 | 47% |
| Permits and fees | $90 | $180 | $270 | 0% |
| Total | $31,400 | $64,900 | $98,300 | 100% |
Where the Montgomery price comes from
Labor is 47% of the midpoint bill here, against 52% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is construction laborers (40%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (30%), brickmasons and blockmasons (20%), plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Montgomery the blended ratio comes out at 0.79.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Montgomery is at 96.4 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $35,600 nationally becomes $34,300 here (midpoint, 450 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 89.7: $90 to $270.
Data note: 20% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Montgomery. The wage table below marks each row.
Pick a size, pick a tier: inground pool pricing in Montgomery
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Montgomery. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from small pool (400 sq ft) to large (800 sq ft).
Basic
$31,400 to $58,200
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$51,500 to $78,300
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$71,600 to $98,300
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $28,000 – $51,800 | $45,800 – $69,600 | $63,600 – $87,400 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $35,800 – $66,200 | $58,600 – $89,000 | $81,400 – $112,000 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $55,800 – $103,500 | $91,500 – $139,000 | $127,000 – $174,500 |
What nearby projects cost in Montgomery
Jobs that often go together with inground pool are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Montgomery wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, aluminum fence comes out highest (−10%) and concrete patio lowest (−14%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,400 – $10,300 | −10% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,600 – $4,700 | −13% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,100 – $3,400 | −14% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,650 – $13,400 | −12% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $530 – $1,850 | −12% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $6,050 – $12,000 | −12% |
Who does the work: Montgomery 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 Montgomery the blend is 0.79.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 40%) the local median is $17.61 an hour, which is 22% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $14.10 and $21.41 an hour. BLS counts 1,040 of them working in the area, 62.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is about average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 30% of the weighting: a median of $21.57 an hour, 25% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $17.49 and $23.74 an hour. About 580 work in the metro. That is 35.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 20% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Montgomery metro, so we used the Alabama statewide median: $23.90 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $18.98 and $27.55 an hour.
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152), 10% of the weighting: a median of $27.87 an hour, 9% below the US median of $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $22.19 and $29.79 an hour. About 340 work in the metro. That is 20.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.0 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (construction laborers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $2,600 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $2,400. That is a swing of roughly 3.7% to 4.0% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Montgomery has 165,550 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 142nd by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $14.10 | $17.61 | $21.41 | $22.66 | 0.78 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $17.49 | $21.57 | $23.74 | $28.78 | 0.75 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $18.98 | $23.90 | $27.55 | $29.87 | 0.80 | state |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $22.19 | $27.87 | $29.79 | $30.67 | 0.91 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.79 | |||||
Specs and site conditions that change a Montgomery bid
Pool type
Vinyl pools are $25,000-$65,000, fiberglass $45,000-$100,000, and concrete or gunite $50,000-$120,000 (HomeGuide).
Maintenance
Pool maintenance is $80-$150 a month; concrete pools also need an acid wash every 3-5 years at $300-$1,000.
Permit
A building permit for a pool is $100-$300 and contractors often include it. Many cities add plumbing and electrical permits.
How Montgomery compares
Same job, same size (450 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Birmingham is the priciest of the group at $67,500. Dothan is the cheapest at $63,300.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, ALthis page | $31,400 – $98,300 | $64,900 | |
| Auburn, AL50 miles | $31,400 – $98,100 | $64,700 | level |
| Birmingham, AL80 miles | $32,700 – $102,000 | $67,500 | +4% |
| Columbus, GA90 miles | $31,200 – $97,600 | $64,400 | −1% |
| Dothan, AL95 miles | $30,600 – $95,900 | $63,300 | −3% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL95 miles | $31,700 – $99,200 | $65,500 | +1% |
| Alabama (statewide) | $31,800 – $99,300 | $65,500 | +1% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | +15% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Montgomery ranks #284 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Montgomery is 1% below the Alabama figure.
Elsewhere in Alabama
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | 520,290 jobs | $32,700 – $102,000 | $67,500 | +4% |
| Huntsville, AL | 266,650 jobs | $32,000 – $99,900 | $65,900 | +2% |
| Mobile, AL | 172,550 jobs | $31,800 – $99,300 | $65,500 | +1% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 108,460 jobs | $31,700 – $99,200 | $65,500 | +1% |
| Daphne, AL | 87,120 jobs | $31,900 – $99,800 | $65,800 | +1% |
| Auburn, AL | 72,710 jobs | $31,400 – $98,100 | $64,700 | level |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Montgomery against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peoria, IL | 166,020 jobs | $42,400 – $132,000 | $87,300 | +35% |
| Spartanburg, SC | 165,150 jobs | $32,400 – $101,500 | $67,000 | +3% |
| Lubbock, TX | 166,780 jobs | $30,900 – $96,700 | $63,800 | −2% |
| Beaumont, TX | 163,220 jobs | $33,900 – $106,000 | $69,900 | +8% |
The best months for inground pool in Montgomery
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Montgomery Ap (10 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 Montgomery are March through May and September through November: 6 of 12. Outside them, January, February and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below, and June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
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.
Heat matters for concrete as well. With average highs of 90°F or more in June, July and August, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Montgomery gets about 51 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are March, July and December (5.2 inches in March). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.7 and 2.9 inches. The station averages about 93 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 | 60 | 37 | 4.6 | Cold |
| Feb | 65 | 40 | 4.9 | Cold |
| Mar | 72 | 47 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Apr | 79 | 53 | 4.0 | Workable |
| May | 86 | 61 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Jun | 92 | 69 | 4.1 | Hot |
| Jul | 94 | 72 | 5.1 | Hot |
| Aug | 94 | 71 | 4.0 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 66 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Oct | 80 | 55 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Nov | 70 | 43 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Dec | 62 | 39 | 5.0 | Cold |
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 $51,500 to $78,300 for Montgomery, AL is attached.
Take this estimate with you: PDF report, $9
Multi-page report for Montgomery, AL: 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.
Inground pool in Montgomery: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Montgomery?
For 450 sq ft, expect $31,400 to $98,300 in the Montgomery area. A standard-spec job lands at $51,500 to $78,300. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Montgomery?
About $69.50 to $218 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $90 to $270 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Montgomery or Auburn?
Auburn is 50 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $64,700, which is 0% less than Montgomery ($64,900). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Montgomery?
About 47% at the midpoint, or $30,400 out of $64,900. Materials are 53% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Montgomery?
$35,800 to $112,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Montgomery?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $90 to $270 for fees in the Montgomery area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Montgomery expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of Alabama?
Montgomery is 1% below the Alabama statewide estimate ($65,500 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Alabama; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Montgomery?
The BLS median is $17.61 an hour in the Montgomery area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $14.10 to $21.41.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Montgomery?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $31,400 to $58,200 and premium work $71,600 to $98,300. Basic means: vinyl-liner pool, small size. Premium means: concrete or gunite, large with custom features.
+When is the best time to install an inground pool in Montgomery?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through May and September through November. September 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.
Inground pool near Montgomery
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 An Inground Pool Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Cost to Renovate: Renovation Labor Report 2026: Where the Money Goes (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
Note on derived figures: Materials = 48% of the installed price, from Cost to Renovate's mid-range 'Outdoor Living' category split. It is a category average, not a pool-specific one, so read the pool materials line loosely.