Inground pool cost in Sacramento, CA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $42,900 – $134,000
- Per sq ft
- $95 – $297
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +19%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #16
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to install an inground pool in Sacramento, plan on $42,900 to $134,000 for 450 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $95 to $297 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 19% higher than the national one. Construction laborers earn a median of $29.11 an hour in the Sacramento area, 28% above the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Sacramento, CA, standard level
$70,200 to $106,500
About $156 to $236 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 57% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $29,600 | $45,100 |
| Labor | $40,400 | $61,200 |
| Permits and fees | $170 | $260 |
| Total | $70,200 | $106,500 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Sacramento, CA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $18,000 | $37,400 | $56,800 | 42% |
| Labor | $24,800 | $50,800 | $76,800 | 57% |
| Permits and fees | $110 | $210 | $320 | 0% |
| Total | $42,900 | $88,400 | $134,000 | 100% |
What is behind the Sacramento number
Labor is 57% 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 Sacramento the blended ratio comes out at 1.31.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Sacramento metro is 105.2 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 450 sq ft comes to $37,400, compared with $35,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (106.7) and land at $110 to $320.
Climate in Sacramento: timing your inground pool job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Sacramento 5 Ese (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
September through June is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Sacramento (10 of 12 months). July and August 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 July and August, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Sacramento gets about 19 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, February and December (3.9 inches in January). Inside the workable window, June and September are the driest, at 0.2 and 0.1 inches. The station averages about 90 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 | 57 | 41 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Feb | 62 | 44 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Mar | 68 | 47 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Apr | 74 | 49 | 1.4 | Workable |
| May | 81 | 54 | 0.9 | Workable |
| Jun | 89 | 59 | 0.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 94 | 61 | 0.0 | Hot |
| Aug | 94 | 61 | 0.0 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 59 | 0.1 | Workable |
| Oct | 79 | 53 | 0.9 | Workable |
| Nov | 65 | 45 | 1.8 | Workable |
| Dec | 56 | 41 | 3.5 | Workable |
Sacramento labor market for inground pool
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 Sacramento is 1.31 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% of the weighting: a median of $29.11 an hour, 28% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $23.15 and $36.54 an hour. About 7,390 work in the metro. That is 68.4 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 30%) the local median is $44.06 an hour, which is 53% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $34.45 and $59.85 an hour. BLS counts 2,920 of them working in the area, 27.0 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is about average.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021), 20% of the weighting: a median of $35.49 an hour, 19% above the US median of $29.87. The middle half of them earn between $29.45 and $40.79 an hour. About 340 work in the metro. That is 3.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 3.4 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 10%) the local median is $31.35 an hour, which is in line with the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $27.08 and $41.03 an hour. BLS counts 3,120 of them working in the area, 28.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is about average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($36.54 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $5,100. At the 25th percentile ($23.15) it shrinks by about $4,050. The total moves by 5.7% or 4.6%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 1,080,590 jobs in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom area. That makes it the 35th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.69% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $23.15 | $29.11 | $36.54 | $22.66 | 1.28 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $34.45 | $44.06 | $59.85 | $28.78 | 1.53 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $29.45 | $35.49 | $40.79 | $29.87 | 1.19 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $27.08 | $31.35 | $41.03 | $30.67 | 1.02 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.31 | |||||
Inground pool: what moves the price in Sacramento
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.
Planning more than one job in Sacramento?
Because every project leans on different trades, Sacramento's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, French drain runs +23% and aluminum fence +12%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $4,300 – $12,700 | +12% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,450 – $6,300 | +16% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,400 – $4,500 | +12% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $8,550 – $17,200 | +13% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $740 – $2,600 | +23% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $8,400 – $15,400 | +16% |
Sacramento: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Sacramento 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 3 common sizes.
Basic
$42,900 to $79,300
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$70,200 to $106,500
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$97,500 to $134,000
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $38,200 – $70,500 | $62,400 – $94,800 | $86,700 – $119,000 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $48,800 – $90,200 | $79,900 – $121,500 | $111,000 – $152,500 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $76,200 – $141,000 | $124,500 – $189,500 | $173,000 – $238,000 |
How Sacramento compares
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 450 sq ft range from $83,200 to $89,500 across Sacramento and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento, CAthis page | $42,900 – $134,000 | $88,400 | |
| Stockton, CA60 miles | $41,100 – $128,500 | $84,700 | −4% |
| Vallejo, CA60 miles | $43,400 – $135,500 | $89,500 | +1% |
| Chico, CA70 miles | $40,300 – $126,000 | $83,200 | −6% |
| Napa, CA75 miles | $42,400 – $132,000 | $87,300 | −1% |
| Modesto, CA85 miles | $42,500 – $132,500 | $87,500 | −1% |
| California (statewide) | $42,500 – $133,000 | $87,700 | −1% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | −16% |
Across 300 US metros, Sacramento comes in at #16 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $105,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $62,300 (midpoints, 450 sq ft). Statewide, Sacramento is 1% above the California figure.
Other California metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 6,271,560 jobs | $42,500 – $133,000 | $87,700 | −1% |
| San Francisco, CA | 2,373,920 jobs | $49,100 – $153,000 | $101,000 | +14% |
| Riverside, CA | 1,716,760 jobs | $40,200 – $125,500 | $82,900 | −6% |
| San Diego, CA | 1,538,060 jobs | $41,700 – $130,000 | $85,900 | −3% |
| San Jose, CA | 1,134,970 jobs | $48,700 – $151,500 | $100,000 | +13% |
| Fresno, CA | 476,890 jobs | $40,500 – $126,500 | $83,400 | −6% |
Cities with a workforce like Sacramento's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Sacramento against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | 1,096,110 jobs | $37,000 – $115,500 | $76,300 | −14% |
| Cleveland, OH | 1,031,130 jobs | $38,700 – $121,000 | $79,800 | −10% |
| Nashville, TN | 1,099,300 jobs | $35,100 – $109,500 | $72,400 | −18% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 826,210 jobs | $35,700 – $111,500 | $73,500 | −17% |
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 $70,200 to $106,500 for Sacramento, CA is attached.
Detailed inground pool report for Sacramento, CA, $9
Multi-page report for Sacramento, CA: 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 Sacramento: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Sacramento?
For 450 sq ft, expect $42,900 to $134,000 in the Sacramento area. A standard-spec job lands at $70,200 to $106,500. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Sacramento?
About $95 to $297 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $110 to $320 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Sacramento or Stockton?
Stockton is 60 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $84,700, which is 4% less than Sacramento ($88,400). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Sacramento?
About 57% at the midpoint, or $50,800 out of $88,400. Materials are 42% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Sacramento?
$48,800 to $152,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Sacramento?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $110 to $320 for fees in the Sacramento area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Sacramento expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of California?
Sacramento is 1% above the California statewide estimate ($87,700 at the midpoint). We cover 23 metros in California; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Sacramento?
The BLS median is $29.11 an hour in the Sacramento area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.15 to $36.54.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Sacramento?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $42,900 to $79,300 and premium work $97,500 to $134,000. 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 Sacramento?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through June. June 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.
Inground pool near Sacramento
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.