Inground pool cost in Utica, NY
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $38,300 – $119,500
- Per sq ft
- $85 – $265
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +6%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #90
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to install an inground pool in Utica, plan on $38,300 to $119,500 for 450 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $85 to $265 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 6% higher than the national one. Construction laborers earn a median of $23.90 an hour in the Utica area, 5% above the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Utica, NY, standard level
$62,700 to $95,200
About $139 to $211 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 55% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $28,100 | $42,800 |
| Labor | $34,500 | $52,200 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $220 |
| Total | $62,700 | $95,200 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Utica, NY
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $17,000 | $35,400 | $53,800 | 45% |
| Labor | $21,200 | $43,300 | $65,500 | 55% |
| Permits and fees | $95 | $190 | $280 | 0% |
| Total | $38,300 | $79,000 | $119,500 | 100% |
Why Utica prices look the way they do
The wage side of the estimate leans on construction laborers, who do 40% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $23.90 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Utica is 1.12 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 55% of the total.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Utica metro is 99.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 450 sq ft comes to $35,400, compared with $35,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (92.7) and land at $95 to $280.
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 Utica. The wage table below marks each row.
Climate in Utica: timing your inground pool job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Utica Oneida Co Ap (10 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through October is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Utica (6 of 12 months). 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.
Utica gets about 44 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are June, August and October (4.7 inches in August). Inside the workable window, May and September are the driest, at 3.9 and 3.5 inches. The station averages about 5 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 | 30 | 14 | 2.6 | Cold |
| Feb | 32 | 15 | 2.3 | Cold |
| Mar | 41 | 23 | 3.0 | Cold |
| Apr | 55 | 35 | 3.9 | Cold |
| May | 68 | 46 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Jun | 76 | 55 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Jul | 81 | 60 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Aug | 79 | 58 | 4.7 | Workable |
| Sep | 72 | 51 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 59 | 41 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Nov | 46 | 31 | 3.6 | Cold |
| Dec | 35 | 21 | 3.6 | Cold |
What nearby projects cost in Utica
Because every project leans on different trades, Utica's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, retaining wall runs +9% and aluminum fence level.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,800 – $11,400 | level |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,250 – $5,850 | +8% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,250 – $4,050 | +1% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,500 – $15,100 | level |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $640 – $2,250 | +6% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $7,900 – $14,500 | +9% |
Why two Utica 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.
Utica 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 Utica is 1.12 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% of the weighting: a median of $23.90 an hour, 5% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.66 and $30.48 an hour. About 550 work in the metro. That is 46.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 30%) the local median is $29.94 an hour, which is 4% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $25.30 and $42.89 an hour. BLS counts 200 of them working in the area, 16.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 20% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Utica metro, so we used the New York statewide median: $40.58 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $35.65 and $51.73 an hour.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 10%) the local median is $35.00 an hour, which is 14% above the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $24.66 and $47.60 an hour. BLS counts 140 of them working in the area, 11.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($30.48 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $4,500. At the 25th percentile ($21.66) it shrinks by about $1,550. The total moves by 5.7% or 1.9%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 118,390 jobs in the Utica-Rome area. That makes it the 185th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.08% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $21.66 | $23.90 | $30.48 | $22.66 | 1.05 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $25.30 | $29.94 | $42.89 | $28.78 | 1.04 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $35.65 | $40.58 | $51.73 | $29.87 | 1.36 | state |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $24.66 | $35.00 | $47.60 | $30.67 | 1.14 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.12 | |||||
Pick a size, pick a tier: inground pool pricing in Utica
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Utica 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
$38,300 to $70,800
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$62,700 to $95,200
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$87,100 to $119,500
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $34,100 – $63,000 | $55,700 – $84,700 | $77,400 – $106,500 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $43,600 – $80,600 | $71,300 – $108,500 | $99,100 – $136,000 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $68,000 – $126,000 | $111,500 – $169,000 | $154,500 – $212,500 |
Utica against nearby metros and the rest of New York
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 $77,400 to $83,300 across Utica and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utica, NYthis page | $38,300 – $119,500 | $79,000 | |
| Syracuse, NY55 miles | $37,600 – $117,500 | $77,400 | −2% |
| Albany, NY75 miles | $40,400 – $126,000 | $83,300 | +6% |
| Binghamton, NY90 miles | $38,800 – $121,000 | $80,000 | +1% |
| Kingston, NY105 miles | $39,000 – $121,500 | $80,300 | +2% |
| Pittsfield, MA120 miles | $38,900 – $121,500 | $80,200 | +2% |
| New York (statewide) | $42,500 – $133,000 | $87,600 | +11% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | −6% |
Across 300 US metros, Utica comes in at #90 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $105,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $62,300 (midpoints, 450 sq ft). Statewide, Utica is 10% below the New York figure.
Other New York metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 9,492,000 jobs | $45,700 – $143,000 | $94,200 | +19% |
| Buffalo, NY | 534,550 jobs | $39,100 – $122,000 | $80,500 | +2% |
| Rochester, NY | 494,280 jobs | $38,000 – $118,500 | $78,200 | −1% |
| Albany, NY | 449,410 jobs | $40,400 – $126,000 | $83,300 | +6% |
| Syracuse, NY | 300,130 jobs | $37,600 – $117,500 | $77,400 | −2% |
| Poughkeepsie, NY | 268,970 jobs | $41,500 – $129,500 | $85,600 | +8% |
Cities with a workforce like Utica's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Utica against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greeley, CO | 119,540 jobs | $35,300 – $110,000 | $72,700 | −8% |
| Longview, TX | 118,060 jobs | $31,800 – $99,400 | $65,600 | −17% |
| Kingsport, TN | 119,560 jobs | $34,400 – $107,500 | $70,900 | −10% |
| Columbus, GA | 116,380 jobs | $31,200 – $97,600 | $64,400 | −18% |
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 $62,700 to $95,200 for Utica, NY is attached.
Detailed inground pool report for Utica, NY, $9
Multi-page report for Utica, NY: 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 Utica: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Utica?
For 450 sq ft, expect $38,300 to $119,500 in the Utica area. A standard-spec job lands at $62,700 to $95,200. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Utica?
About $85 to $265 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 Utica or Syracuse?
Syracuse is 55 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $77,400, which is 2% less than Utica ($79,000). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Utica?
About 55% at the midpoint, or $43,300 out of $79,000. Materials are 45% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Utica?
$43,600 to $136,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Utica?
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 Utica area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Utica expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of New York?
Utica is 10% below the New York statewide estimate ($87,600 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in New York; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Utica?
The BLS median is $23.90 an hour in the Utica area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.66 to $30.48.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Utica?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $38,300 to $70,800 and premium work $87,100 to $119,500. 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 Utica?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through October. May 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 Utica
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.