Inground pool cost in Salem, OR
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $41,900 – $130,500
- Per sq ft
- $93 – $290
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +16%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #29
- 1 = most expensive
Salem homeowners pay roughly $41,900 to $130,500 to install an inground pool at 450 sq ft, or $93 to $290 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Salem is 16% higher. Construction laborers earn a median of $26.20 an hour in the Salem area, 16% above the US median of $22.66.
Estimate your inground pool cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Salem, OR, standard level
$68,500 to $104,000
About $152 to $231 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 56% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $29,700 | $45,200 |
| Labor | $38,700 | $58,600 |
| Permits and fees | $170 | $250 |
| Total | $68,500 | $104,000 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Salem, OR
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $18,000 | $37,400 | $56,800 | 43% |
| Labor | $23,800 | $48,700 | $73,600 | 56% |
| Permits and fees | $100 | $210 | $310 | 0% |
| Total | $41,900 | $86,300 | $130,500 | 100% |
Where the Salem price comes from
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, Salem wages are 1.26 times the national level. Labor makes up about 56% of the midpoint estimate (52% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Salem metro is 105.3 (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 (103.6) and land at $100 to $310.
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 Salem is 1.26 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% of the weighting: a median of $26.20 an hour, 16% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.67 and $29.27 an hour. About 1,690 work in the metro. That is 89.6 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 $35.71 an hour, which is 24% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $29.63 and $45.45 an hour. BLS counts 750 of them working in the area, 39.8 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 $44.29 an hour, 48% above the US median of $29.87. The middle half of them earn between $35.86 and $46.87 an hour. About 120 work in the metro. That is 6.4 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 $38.76 an hour, which is 26% above the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $29.42 and $45.97 an hour. BLS counts 440 of them working in the area, 23.3 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 ($29.27 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $2,100. At the 25th percentile ($22.67) it shrinks by about $2,400. The total moves by 2.4% or 2.8%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 188,620 jobs in the Salem area. That makes it the 122nd 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% | $22.67 | $26.20 | $29.27 | $22.66 | 1.16 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $29.63 | $35.71 | $45.45 | $28.78 | 1.24 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $35.86 | $44.29 | $46.87 | $29.87 | 1.48 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $29.42 | $38.76 | $45.97 | $30.67 | 1.26 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.26 | |||||
How Salem compares
Of the five closest metros, 3 are cheaper than Salem. Eugene is the lowest at about $81,000 (midpoint, 450 sq ft), 65 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem, ORthis page | $41,900 – $130,500 | $86,300 | |
| Portland, OR50 miles | $42,200 – $132,000 | $87,100 | +1% |
| Eugene, OR65 miles | $39,300 – $122,500 | $81,000 | −6% |
| Bend, OR110 miles | $40,100 – $125,500 | $82,700 | −4% |
| Olympia, WA140 miles | $43,800 – $136,500 | $90,200 | +5% |
| Yakima, WA150 miles | $39,600 – $123,500 | $81,500 | −6% |
| Oregon (statewide) | $40,900 – $128,000 | $84,400 | −2% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | −14% |
Across 300 US metros, Salem comes in at #29 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $105,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $62,300 (midpoints, 450 sq ft). Statewide, Salem is 2% above the Oregon figure.
Other Oregon metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, OR | 1,208,410 jobs | $42,200 – $132,000 | $87,100 | +1% |
| Eugene, OR | 157,710 jobs | $39,300 – $122,500 | $81,000 | −6% |
| Bend, OR | 108,240 jobs | $40,100 – $125,500 | $82,700 | −4% |
| Medford, OR | 89,060 jobs | $39,100 – $122,000 | $80,600 | −7% |
Cities with a workforce like Salem's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Salem against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pensacola, FL | 190,480 jobs | $32,500 – $101,500 | $67,100 | −22% |
| Salinas, CA | 186,430 jobs | $41,500 – $129,500 | $85,500 | −1% |
| Wilmington, NC | 191,280 jobs | $33,200 – $103,500 | $68,400 | −21% |
| Tallahassee, FL | 186,160 jobs | $31,800 – $99,500 | $65,700 | −24% |
Specs and site conditions that change a Salem bid
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.
What nearby projects cost in Salem
Because every project leans on different trades, Salem's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, retaining wall runs +18% and wood deck +4%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $4,000 – $12,000 | +5% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,500 – $6,400 | +17% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,350 – $4,450 | +11% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,850 – $15,700 | +4% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $680 – $2,400 | +13% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $8,600 – $15,600 | +18% |
When to schedule inground pool in Salem
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Salem Mcnary Fld (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
April through October is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Salem (7 of 12 months). January, February, March, 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.
Salem gets about 40 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, November and December (7.0 inches in December). Inside the workable window, July and August are the driest, at 0.3 and 0.4 inches. The station averages about 18 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 | 48 | 36 | 6.1 | Cold |
| Feb | 52 | 36 | 4.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 57 | 38 | 4.3 | Cold |
| Apr | 62 | 41 | 3.1 | Workable |
| May | 69 | 46 | 2.3 | Workable |
| Jun | 75 | 51 | 1.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 84 | 55 | 0.3 | Workable |
| Aug | 84 | 55 | 0.4 | Workable |
| Sep | 78 | 51 | 1.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 65 | 44 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Nov | 54 | 39 | 6.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 47 | 35 | 7.0 | Cold |
Cost by quality level and size in Salem
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Salem 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
$41,900 to $77,400
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$68,500 to $104,000
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$95,200 to $130,500
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $37,200 – $68,800 | $60,900 – $92,500 | $84,600 – $116,000 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $47,600 – $88,100 | $77,900 – $118,500 | $108,500 – $148,500 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $74,400 – $137,500 | $121,500 – $185,000 | $169,000 – $232,000 |
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 $68,500 to $104,000 for Salem, OR is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for Salem, OR: 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 Salem: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Salem?
For 450 sq ft, expect $41,900 to $130,500 in the Salem area. A standard-spec job lands at $68,500 to $104,000. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Salem?
About $93 to $290 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $100 to $310 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Salem or Portland?
Portland is 50 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $87,100, which is 1% more than Salem ($86,300). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Salem?
About 56% at the midpoint, or $48,700 out of $86,300. Materials are 43% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Salem?
$47,600 to $148,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Salem?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $100 to $310 for fees in the Salem area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Salem expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of Oregon?
Salem is 2% above the Oregon statewide estimate ($84,400 at the midpoint). We cover 5 metros in Oregon; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Salem?
The BLS median is $26.20 an hour in the Salem area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.67 to $29.27.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Salem?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $41,900 to $77,400 and premium work $95,200 to $130,500. 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 Salem?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. July and August 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 Salem
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.