Inground pool cost in Waco, TX
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $31,800 – $99,500
- Per sq ft
- $70.50 – $220
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −12%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #271
- 1 = most expensive
An inground pool in Waco, TX usually costs $31,800 to $99,500 for 450 sq ft. That works out to about $70.50 to $220 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $8,800 less. Construction laborers earn a median of $18.08 an hour in the Waco area, 20% below 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 Waco, TX, standard level
$52,100 to $79,200
About $115 to $175 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 49% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $26,400 | $40,200 |
| Labor | $25,600 | $38,700 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $220 |
| Total | $52,100 | $79,200 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Waco, TX
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,000 | $33,300 | $50,600 | 51% |
| Labor | $15,700 | $32,100 | $48,600 | 49% |
| Permits and fees | $95 | $190 | $280 | 0% |
| Total | $31,800 | $65,600 | $99,500 | 100% |
What is behind the Waco number
The wage side of the estimate leans on construction laborers, who do 40% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $18.08 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Waco is 0.83 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 49% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Waco is at 93.8 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 92.5: $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 Waco. The wage table below marks each row.
Specs and site conditions that change a Waco 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.
Cost by quality level and size in Waco
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Waco. 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
$31,800 to $58,900
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$52,100 to $79,200
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$72,400 to $99,500
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $28,300 – $52,400 | $46,300 – $70,400 | $64,400 – $88,500 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $36,200 – $67,000 | $59,300 – $90,100 | $82,400 – $113,000 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $56,500 – $104,500 | $92,500 – $140,500 | $128,500 – $176,500 |
What local crews earn in Waco
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 Waco the blend is 0.83.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 40%) the local median is $18.08 an hour, which is 20% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $16.60 and $20.65 an hour. BLS counts 1,220 of them working in the area, 93.9 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 $22.95 an hour, 20% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $19.36 and $26.86 an hour. About 470 work in the metro. That is 36.2 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 20% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Waco metro, so we used the Texas statewide median: $27.12 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $23.31 and $28.57 an hour.
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152), 10% of the weighting: a median of $27.67 an hour, 10% below the US median of $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $22.05 and $35.09 an hour. About 490 work in the metro. That is 37.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.0 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (construction laborers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $1,750 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $1,000. That is a swing of roughly 1.5% to 2.7% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Waco has 129,860 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 168th 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% | $16.60 | $18.08 | $20.65 | $22.66 | 0.80 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $19.36 | $22.95 | $26.86 | $28.78 | 0.80 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $23.31 | $27.12 | $28.57 | $29.87 | 0.91 | state |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $22.05 | $27.67 | $35.09 | $30.67 | 0.90 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.83 | |||||
Waco 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, Waco Rgnl Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For pouring concrete, the comfortable months in Waco are March through May and October through November: 5 of 12. Outside them, January, February and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below, and June, July, August and September have 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 June, July, August and September, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Waco gets about 36 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are May, June and October (4.4 inches in May). Inside the workable window, April and November are the driest, at 3.3 and 2.7 inches. The station averages about 115 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 | 59 | 36 | 2.6 | Cold |
| Feb | 63 | 40 | 2.7 | Cold |
| Mar | 70 | 47 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Apr | 78 | 55 | 3.3 | Workable |
| May | 85 | 63 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 93 | 71 | 3.4 | Hot |
| Jul | 97 | 74 | 1.8 | Hot |
| Aug | 97 | 74 | 2.0 | Hot |
| Sep | 91 | 67 | 2.9 | Hot |
| Oct | 81 | 56 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Nov | 69 | 46 | 2.7 | Workable |
| Dec | 60 | 38 | 2.9 | Cold |
What nearby projects cost in Waco
Jobs that often go together with inground pool are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Waco wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, retaining wall comes out highest (−10%) and concrete patio lowest (−14%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,350 – $10,200 | −11% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,650 – $4,850 | −11% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,100 – $3,400 | −14% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,550 – $13,200 | −13% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $530 – $1,850 | −12% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $6,250 – $12,200 | −10% |
How Waco compares
Same job, same size (450 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Dallas is the priciest of the group at $72,300. College Station is the cheapest at $64,100.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waco, TXthis page | $31,800 – $99,500 | $65,600 | |
| Killeen, TX40 miles | $31,800 – $99,400 | $65,600 | level |
| College Station, TX75 miles | $31,000 – $97,100 | $64,100 | −2% |
| Dallas, TX90 miles | $35,000 – $109,500 | $72,300 | +10% |
| Austin, TX95 miles | $33,500 – $105,000 | $69,200 | +5% |
| Tyler, TX130 miles | $31,500 – $98,400 | $65,000 | −1% |
| Texas (statewide) | $33,400 – $104,500 | $68,800 | +5% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | +13% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Waco ranks #271 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Waco is 5% below the Texas figure.
Elsewhere in Texas
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | 4,049,800 jobs | $35,000 – $109,500 | $72,300 | +10% |
| Houston, TX | 3,289,720 jobs | $34,000 – $106,500 | $70,200 | +7% |
| Austin, TX | 1,293,690 jobs | $33,500 – $105,000 | $69,200 | +5% |
| San Antonio, TX | 1,126,880 jobs | $32,200 – $101,000 | $66,500 | +1% |
| El Paso, TX | 339,120 jobs | $30,700 – $96,100 | $63,400 | −3% |
| McAllen, TX | 296,700 jobs | $30,200 – $94,300 | $62,300 | −5% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Waco against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympia, WA | 130,300 jobs | $43,800 – $136,500 | $90,200 | +37% |
| Kennewick, WA | 129,490 jobs | $42,300 – $132,000 | $87,300 | +33% |
| Fayetteville, NC | 131,430 jobs | $32,800 – $102,500 | $67,600 | +3% |
| Elkhart, IN | 127,730 jobs | $36,100 – $112,500 | $74,400 | +13% |
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 $52,100 to $79,200 for Waco, TX is attached.
Take this estimate with you: PDF report, $9
Multi-page report for Waco, TX: 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 Waco: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Waco?
For 450 sq ft, expect $31,800 to $99,500 in the Waco area. A standard-spec job lands at $52,100 to $79,200. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Waco?
About $70.50 to $220 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 Waco or Killeen?
Killeen is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $65,600, which is 0% less than Waco ($65,600). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Waco?
About 49% at the midpoint, or $32,100 out of $65,600. Materials are 51% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Waco?
$36,200 to $113,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Waco?
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 Waco area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Waco expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of Texas?
Waco is 5% below the Texas statewide estimate ($68,800 at the midpoint). We cover 21 metros in Texas; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Waco?
The BLS median is $18.08 an hour in the Waco area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $16.60 to $20.65.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Waco?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $31,800 to $58,900 and premium work $72,400 to $99,500. 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 Waco?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through May and October 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 Waco
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.