Inground pool cost in Traverse City, MI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $36,400 – $114,000
- Per sq ft
- $81 – $252
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +1%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #128
- 1 = most expensive
An inground pool in Traverse City, MI usually costs $36,400 to $114,000 for 450 sq ft. That works out to about $81 to $252 per sq ft before permits. That is within a few percent of the national midpoint, so there is little local premium or discount. Construction laborers earn a median of $23.27 an hour in the Traverse City area, 3% above the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Traverse City, MI, standard level
$59,600 to $90,600
About $132 to $201 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 55% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $26,400 | $40,200 |
| Labor | $33,100 | $50,100 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $220 |
| Total | $59,600 | $90,600 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Traverse City, MI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,000 | $33,300 | $50,600 | 44% |
| Labor | $20,300 | $41,600 | $62,900 | 55% |
| Permits and fees | $95 | $190 | $280 | 0% |
| Total | $36,400 | $75,100 | $114,000 | 100% |
What is behind the Traverse City number
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 4 trades: construction laborers at 40%, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators at 30%, brickmasons and blockmasons at 20%, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at 10%. Weighted together, Traverse City wages are 1.08 times the national level. Labor makes up about 55% of the midpoint estimate (52% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Traverse City is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $35,600 nationally becomes $33,300 here (midpoint, 450 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 93.4: $95 to $280.
What nearby projects cost in Traverse City
Jobs that often go together with inground pool are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Traverse City wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, retaining wall comes out highest (+4%) and wood deck lowest (−4%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,650 – $11,000 | −4% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,100 – $5,650 | +3% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,950 | −2% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,250 – $14,500 | −4% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $600 – $2,100 | +1% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $7,550 – $13,800 | +4% |
What local crews earn in Traverse City
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 Traverse City the blend is 1.08.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 40%) the local median is $23.27 an hour, which is in line with the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.03 and $28.66 an hour. BLS counts 740 of them working in the area, 108.1 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), 30% of the weighting: a median of $29.42 an hour, in line with the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $28.74 and $35.49 an hour. About 280 work in the metro. That is 40.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021, weighted 20%) the local median is $38.65 an hour, which is 29% above the national $29.87. The middle half of them earn between $29.18 and $38.65 an hour.
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152), 10% of the weighting: a median of $30.34 an hour, in line with the US median of $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $24.77 and $43.29 an hour. About 190 work in the metro. That is 27.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.0 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (construction laborers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $3,700 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $1,550. That is a swing of roughly 2.0% to 4.9% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Traverse City has 68,440 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 264th 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% | $21.03 | $23.27 | $28.66 | $22.66 | 1.03 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $28.74 | $29.42 | $35.49 | $28.78 | 1.02 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $29.18 | $38.65 | $38.65 | $29.87 | 1.29 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $24.77 | $30.34 | $43.29 | $30.67 | 0.99 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.08 | |||||
Traverse City weather and the inground pool calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Traverse City Cherry Cptl Ap (in the city). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For pouring concrete, the comfortable months in Traverse City are May through October: 6 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, April, 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.
Traverse City gets about 29 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are August, September and October (3.6 inches in October). Inside the workable window, June and July are the driest, at 2.6 and 2.7 inches. The station averages about 9 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 | 29 | 17 | 1.7 | Cold |
| Feb | 31 | 16 | 1.0 | Cold |
| Mar | 41 | 23 | 1.6 | Cold |
| Apr | 54 | 33 | 2.8 | Cold |
| May | 67 | 43 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Jun | 77 | 54 | 2.6 | Workable |
| Jul | 81 | 59 | 2.7 | Workable |
| Aug | 80 | 59 | 3.0 | Workable |
| Sep | 72 | 52 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Oct | 59 | 41 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Nov | 46 | 32 | 2.2 | Cold |
| Dec | 35 | 24 | 1.8 | Cold |
Traverse City: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Traverse City. 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
$36,400 to $67,400
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$59,600 to $90,600
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$82,800 to $114,000
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $32,400 – $59,900 | $53,000 – $80,500 | $73,700 – $101,000 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $41,400 – $76,600 | $67,800 – $103,000 | $94,200 – $129,500 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $64,700 – $119,500 | $106,000 – $161,000 | $147,000 – $202,000 |
Is Traverse City cheap or dear? The local comparison
Same job, same size (450 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Appleton is the priciest of the group at $84,600. Muskegon is the cheapest at $73,000.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse City, MIthis page | $36,400 – $114,000 | $75,100 | |
| Green Bay, WI110 miles | $39,100 – $122,000 | $80,600 | +7% |
| Muskegon, MI110 miles | $35,400 – $110,500 | $73,000 | −3% |
| Sheboygan, WI125 miles | $38,900 – $121,500 | $80,100 | +7% |
| Appleton, WI130 miles | $41,100 – $128,000 | $84,600 | +13% |
| Grand Rapids, MI135 miles | $36,200 – $113,000 | $74,700 | −1% |
| Michigan (statewide) | $36,600 – $114,500 | $75,500 | +1% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | −1% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Traverse City ranks #128 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Traverse City is 1% below the Michigan figure.
Elsewhere in Michigan
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | 1,904,530 jobs | $39,000 – $122,000 | $80,500 | +7% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | 598,260 jobs | $36,200 – $113,000 | $74,700 | −1% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 219,730 jobs | $37,600 – $117,500 | $77,500 | +3% |
| Lansing, MI | 217,180 jobs | $38,100 – $119,000 | $78,500 | +5% |
| Flint, MI | 135,040 jobs | $38,700 – $120,500 | $79,600 | +6% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | 121,790 jobs | $36,800 – $115,000 | $75,800 | +1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Traverse City against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State College, PA | 68,840 jobs | $37,600 – $117,500 | $77,400 | +3% |
| Dover, DE | 68,080 jobs | $34,300 – $107,500 | $70,800 | −6% |
| Yuma, AZ | 68,880 jobs | $34,000 – $106,000 | $70,100 | −7% |
| Burlington, NC | 67,830 jobs | $33,000 – $103,000 | $68,100 | −9% |
Why two Traverse City quotes can differ
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.
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 $59,600 to $90,600 for Traverse City, MI is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
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Inground pool in Traverse City: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Traverse City?
For 450 sq ft, expect $36,400 to $114,000 in the Traverse City area. A standard-spec job lands at $59,600 to $90,600. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Traverse City?
About $81 to $252 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $95 to $280 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Traverse City or Green Bay?
Green Bay is 110 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $80,600, which is 7% more than Traverse City ($75,100). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Traverse City?
About 55% at the midpoint, or $41,600 out of $75,100. Materials are 44% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Traverse City?
$41,400 to $129,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Traverse City?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $95 to $280 for fees in the Traverse City area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Traverse City expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of Michigan?
Traverse City is 1% below the Michigan statewide estimate ($75,500 at the midpoint). We cover 10 metros in Michigan; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Traverse City?
The BLS median is $23.27 an hour in the Traverse City area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.03 to $28.66.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Traverse City?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $36,400 to $67,400 and premium work $82,800 to $114,000. 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 Traverse City?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through October. June and July 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 Traverse City
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.