Inground pool cost in Wilmington, NC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $33,200 – $103,500
- Per sq ft
- $73.50 – $230
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −8%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #219
- 1 = most expensive
Wilmington homeowners pay roughly $33,200 to $103,500 to install an inground pool at 450 sq ft, or $73.50 to $230 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Wilmington is 8% lower. Construction laborers earn a median of $22.16 an hour in the Wilmington area, 2% below the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Wilmington, NC, standard level
$54,300 to $82,500
About $120 to $183 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 49% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $27,200 | $41,500 |
| Labor | $26,900 | $40,800 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $230 |
| Total | $54,300 | $82,500 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Wilmington, NC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,500 | $34,300 | $52,200 | 50% |
| Labor | $16,500 | $33,900 | $51,200 | 49% |
| Permits and fees | $95 | $190 | $290 | 0% |
| Total | $33,200 | $68,400 | $103,500 | 100% |
What is behind the Wilmington number
Labor is 49% 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 Wilmington the blended ratio comes out at 0.87.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Wilmington 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 (96.4) and land at $95 to $290.
When to schedule inground pool in Wilmington
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Wilmington Intl Ap (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
March through June and August through November are the stretches where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Wilmington (8 of 12 months). January, February 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.
Wilmington gets about 60 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are July, August and September (8.7 inches in September). Inside the workable window, April and November are the driest, at 3.1 and 3.6 inches. The station averages about 45 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 | 36 | 3.8 | Cold |
| Feb | 60 | 38 | 3.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 67 | 44 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Apr | 75 | 53 | 3.1 | Workable |
| May | 81 | 61 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 87 | 69 | 5.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 90 | 73 | 6.9 | Hot |
| Aug | 88 | 72 | 8.2 | Workable |
| Sep | 84 | 67 | 8.7 | Workable |
| Oct | 76 | 56 | 4.7 | Workable |
| Nov | 67 | 45 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Dec | 60 | 39 | 3.7 | Cold |
What nearby projects cost in Wilmington
Because every project leans on different trades, Wilmington's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, French drain runs −6% and concrete patio −10%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,550 – $10,700 | −6% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,800 – $5,100 | −7% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,600 | −10% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,950 – $14,000 | −8% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $560 – $2,000 | −6% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $6,300 – $12,300 | −9% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: inground pool pricing in Wilmington
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Wilmington 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
$33,200 to $61,300
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$54,300 to $82,500
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$75,400 to $103,500
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $29,500 – $54,500 | $48,300 – $73,400 | $67,100 – $92,200 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $37,700 – $69,800 | $61,800 – $93,800 | $85,800 – $118,000 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $58,900 – $109,000 | $96,400 – $146,500 | $134,000 – $184,000 |
Local wages behind the labor line
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 Wilmington is 0.87 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% of the weighting: a median of $22.16 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.02 and $26.94 an hour. About 1,870 work in the metro. That is 97.8 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 $23.03 an hour, which is 20% below the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $21.55 and $27.13 an hour. BLS counts 790 of them working in the area, 41.3 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 $23.17 an hour, 22% below the US median of $29.87. The middle half of them earn between $21.03 and $28.85 an hour. About 80 work in the metro. That is 4.2 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 $27.11 an hour, which is 12% below the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $22.29 and $30.10 an hour. BLS counts 690 of them working in the area, 36.1 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 ($26.94 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $3,250. At the 25th percentile ($18.02) it shrinks by about $2,850. The total moves by 4.8% or 4.1%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 191,280 jobs in the Wilmington area. That makes it the 120th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.12% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $18.02 | $22.16 | $26.94 | $22.66 | 0.98 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $21.55 | $23.03 | $27.13 | $28.78 | 0.80 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $21.03 | $23.17 | $28.85 | $29.87 | 0.78 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $22.29 | $27.11 | $30.10 | $30.67 | 0.88 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.87 | |||||
Inground pool: what moves the price in Wilmington
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.
Wilmington against nearby metros and the rest of North Carolina
Same job, same size (450 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Raleigh is the priciest of the group at $69,300. Myrtle Beach is the cheapest at $64,900.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, NCthis page | $33,200 – $103,500 | $68,400 | |
| Myrtle Beach, SC60 miles | $31,500 – $98,400 | $64,900 | −5% |
| Fayetteville, NC75 miles | $32,800 – $102,500 | $67,600 | −1% |
| Greenville, NC100 miles | $32,300 – $101,000 | $66,700 | −2% |
| Florence, SC100 miles | $33,000 – $103,000 | $68,100 | level |
| Raleigh, NC105 miles | $33,600 – $105,000 | $69,300 | +1% |
| North Carolina (statewide) | $33,200 – $104,000 | $68,500 | level |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | +9% |
Across 300 US metros, Wilmington comes in at #219 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $105,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $62,300 (midpoints, 450 sq ft). Statewide, Wilmington is 0% below 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 | +2% |
| Raleigh, NC | 743,120 jobs | $33,600 – $105,000 | $69,300 | +1% |
| Greensboro, NC | 365,410 jobs | $32,500 – $101,500 | $67,000 | −2% |
| Durham, NC | 344,020 jobs | $33,700 – $105,500 | $69,600 | +2% |
| Winston, NC | 271,980 jobs | $32,300 – $101,000 | $66,600 | −3% |
| Asheville, NC | 180,620 jobs | $33,500 – $104,500 | $69,100 | +1% |
Cities with a workforce like Wilmington's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Wilmington against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 192,390 jobs | $36,800 – $115,000 | $76,000 | +11% |
| Pensacola, FL | 190,480 jobs | $32,500 – $101,500 | $67,100 | −2% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 192,580 jobs | $32,700 – $102,000 | $67,500 | −1% |
| Salem, OR | 188,620 jobs | $41,900 – $130,500 | $86,300 | +26% |
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 $54,300 to $82,500 for Wilmington, NC is attached.
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Multi-page report for Wilmington, 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 Wilmington: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Wilmington?
For 450 sq ft, expect $33,200 to $103,500 in the Wilmington area. A standard-spec job lands at $54,300 to $82,500. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Wilmington?
About $73.50 to $230 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $95 to $290 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Wilmington or Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach is 60 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $64,900, which is 5% less than Wilmington ($68,400). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Wilmington?
About 49% at the midpoint, or $33,900 out of $68,400. Materials are 50% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Wilmington?
$37,700 to $118,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Wilmington?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $95 to $290 for fees in the Wilmington area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Wilmington expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of North Carolina?
Wilmington is 0% below 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 Wilmington?
The BLS median is $22.16 an hour in the Wilmington area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $18.02 to $26.94.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Wilmington?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $33,200 to $61,300 and premium work $75,400 to $103,500. 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 Wilmington?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through June and August through November. April and November 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 Wilmington
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.