Inground pool cost in Raleigh, NC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $33,600 – $105,000
- Per sq ft
- $74.50 – $233
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −7%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #201
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to install an inground pool in Raleigh, plan on $33,600 to $105,000 for 450 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $74.50 to $233 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 7% lower than the national one. Construction laborers earn a median of $21.95 an hour in the Raleigh area, 3% below the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Raleigh, NC, standard level
$55,100 to $83,600
About $122 to $185 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 50% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $27,200 | $41,500 |
| Labor | $27,700 | $41,900 |
| Permits and fees | $160 | $240 |
| Total | $55,100 | $83,600 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Raleigh, NC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,500 | $34,300 | $52,200 | 50% |
| Labor | $17,000 | $34,800 | $52,600 | 50% |
| Permits and fees | $100 | $200 | $290 | 0% |
| Total | $33,600 | $69,300 | $105,000 | 100% |
Why Raleigh prices look the way they do
Labor is 50% 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 Raleigh the blended ratio comes out at 0.90.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Raleigh metro is 96.6 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 450 sq ft comes to $34,300, compared with $35,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (98.2) and land at $100 to $290.
Raleigh 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 Raleigh is 0.90 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% of the weighting: a median of $21.95 an hour, 3% below the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.31 and $23.77 an hour. About 6,360 work in the metro. That is 85.6 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 30%) the local median is $24.57 an hour, which is 15% below the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $23.05 and $28.70 an hour. BLS counts 3,080 of them working in the area, 41.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021), 20% of the weighting: a median of $24.00 an hour, 20% below the US median of $29.87. The middle half of them earn between $22.21 and $29.61 an hour. About 290 work in the metro. That is 3.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 3.4 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 10%) the local median is $29.10 an hour, which is 5% below the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $23.26 and $33.66 an hour. BLS counts 2,810 of them working in the area, 37.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($23.77 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $1,250. At the 25th percentile ($18.31) it shrinks by about $2,500. The total moves by 1.8% or 3.6%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 743,120 jobs in the Raleigh-Cary area. That makes it the 41st largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.48% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $18.31 | $21.95 | $23.77 | $22.66 | 0.97 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $23.05 | $24.57 | $28.70 | $28.78 | 0.85 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $22.21 | $24.00 | $29.61 | $29.87 | 0.80 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $23.26 | $29.10 | $33.66 | $30.67 | 0.95 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.90 | |||||
How Raleigh 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 $66,700 to $69,600 across Raleigh and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NCthis page | $33,600 – $105,000 | $69,300 | |
| Durham, NC40 miles | $33,700 – $105,500 | $69,600 | level |
| Burlington, NC55 miles | $33,000 – $103,000 | $68,100 | −2% |
| Fayetteville, NC60 miles | $32,800 – $102,500 | $67,600 | −2% |
| Greenville, NC60 miles | $32,300 – $101,000 | $66,700 | −4% |
| Greensboro, NC75 miles | $32,500 – $101,500 | $67,000 | −3% |
| North Carolina (statewide) | $33,200 – $104,000 | $68,500 | −1% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | +7% |
Across 300 US metros, Raleigh comes in at #201 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $105,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $62,300 (midpoints, 450 sq ft). Statewide, Raleigh is 1% above the North Carolina figure.
Other North Carolina metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 1,358,370 jobs | $33,700 – $105,500 | $69,600 | level |
| Greensboro, NC | 365,410 jobs | $32,500 – $101,500 | $67,000 | −3% |
| Durham, NC | 344,020 jobs | $33,700 – $105,500 | $69,600 | level |
| Winston, NC | 271,980 jobs | $32,300 – $101,000 | $66,600 | −4% |
| Wilmington, NC | 191,280 jobs | $33,200 – $103,500 | $68,400 | −1% |
| Asheville, NC | 180,620 jobs | $33,500 – $104,500 | $69,100 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Raleigh's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Raleigh against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA | 763,060 jobs | $32,700 – $102,000 | $67,400 | −3% |
| Providence, RI | 714,120 jobs | $40,500 – $126,500 | $83,400 | +20% |
| Jacksonville, FL | 765,930 jobs | $33,500 – $104,500 | $69,000 | level |
| Louisville, KY | 685,190 jobs | $35,900 – $112,500 | $74,100 | +7% |
Climate in Raleigh: timing your inground pool job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Raleigh Durham Intl Ap (10 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
April through June and August through October are the stretches where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Raleigh (6 of 12 months). January, February, March, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below; July has 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 July, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Raleigh gets about 46 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 5 inches of snow. The wettest months are July, August and September (5.2 inches in September). Inside the workable window, May and October are the driest, at 3.4 and 3.4 inches. The station averages about 52 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 | 52 | 32 | 3.4 | Cold |
| Feb | 56 | 34 | 2.8 | Cold |
| Mar | 63 | 40 | 4.1 | Cold |
| Apr | 73 | 49 | 3.5 | Workable |
| May | 80 | 58 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 87 | 66 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Jul | 91 | 70 | 5.0 | Hot |
| Aug | 89 | 69 | 4.7 | Workable |
| Sep | 83 | 63 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 73 | 50 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Nov | 63 | 40 | 3.3 | Cold |
| Dec | 55 | 34 | 3.4 | Cold |
Raleigh: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Raleigh 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
$33,600 to $62,200
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$55,100 to $83,600
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$76,500 to $105,000
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $29,900 – $55,300 | $49,000 – $74,400 | $68,000 – $93,400 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $38,200 – $70,700 | $62,600 – $95,100 | $87,000 – $119,500 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $59,700 – $110,500 | $97,700 – $148,500 | $136,000 – $186,500 |
Why two Raleigh 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.
Related projects, priced for Raleigh
Because every project leans on different trades, Raleigh's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, French drain runs −5% and retaining wall −8%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,550 – $10,700 | −6% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,800 – $5,150 | −6% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,650 | −8% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,950 – $14,000 | −8% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $570 – $2,000 | −5% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $6,400 – $12,500 | −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 $55,100 to $83,600 for Raleigh, NC is attached.
Detailed inground pool report for Raleigh, NC, $9
Multi-page report for Raleigh, NC: 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 Raleigh: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Raleigh?
For 450 sq ft, expect $33,600 to $105,000 in the Raleigh area. A standard-spec job lands at $55,100 to $83,600. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Raleigh?
About $74.50 to $233 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $100 to $290 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Raleigh or Durham?
Durham is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $69,600, which is 0% more than Raleigh ($69,300). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Raleigh?
About 50% at the midpoint, or $34,800 out of $69,300. Materials are 50% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Raleigh?
$38,200 to $119,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Raleigh?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $100 to $290 for fees in the Raleigh area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Raleigh expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of North Carolina?
Raleigh is 1% above the North Carolina statewide estimate ($68,500 at the midpoint). We cover 11 metros in North Carolina; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Raleigh?
The BLS median is $21.95 an hour in the Raleigh area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $18.31 to $23.77.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Raleigh?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $33,600 to $62,200 and premium work $76,500 to $105,000. 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 Raleigh?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through June and August through October. May 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 Raleigh
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.