Retaining wall cost in Springfield, MO
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (200 sq ft of wall face)
- $6,750 – $12,800
- Per sq ft of wall face
- $33.50 – $62
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −5%
- US $10,300
- Rank of 300 metros
- #181
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a retaining wall in the Springfield area: $6,750 to $12,800 for 200 sq ft of wall face. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 5% lower than the US figure. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 94.2).
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Estimated cost for 200 sq ft of wall face in Springfield, MO, standard level
$8,550 to $11,000
About $42 to $53.50 per sq ft of wall face before permits. Labor is about 47% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4,050 | $5,950 |
| Labor | $4,350 | $4,750 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $290 |
| Total | $8,550 | $11,000 |
Cost breakdown for 200 sq ft of wall face in Springfield, MO
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,650 | $5,000 | $7,350 | 51% |
| Labor | $4,050 | $4,550 | $5,050 | 47% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $220 | $400 | 2% |
| Total | $6,750 | $9,750 | $12,800 | 100% |
Why Springfield prices look the way they do
Labor is 47% of the midpoint bill here, against 46% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is brickmasons and blockmasons (50%), construction laborers (30%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (20%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Springfield the blended ratio comes out at 0.97.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Springfield is at 94.2 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $5,300 nationally becomes $5,000 here (midpoint, 200 sq ft of wall face). Permits follow the all-items index of 88.6: $45 to $400.
Who does the work: Springfield trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 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 Springfield the blend is 0.97.
For brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021, weighted 50%) the local median is $29.10 an hour, which is in line with the national $29.87. The middle half of them earn between $25.07 and $36.72 an hour. BLS counts 170 of them working in the area, 7.6 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 3.4), so the local bench is deeper than average.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $23.00 an hour, which is in line with the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $19.26 and $28.96 an hour. BLS counts 1,020 of them working in the area, 45.7 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 20% of the weighting: a median of $25.64 an hour, 11% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $23.04 and $35.39 an hour. About 530 work in the metro. That is 23.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (brickmasons and blockmasons) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $600 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $320. That is a swing of roughly 3.2% to 6.1% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Springfield has 223,030 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 108th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 50% | $25.07 | $29.10 | $36.72 | $29.87 | 0.97 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $19.26 | $23.00 | $28.96 | $22.66 | 1.02 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 20% | $23.04 | $25.64 | $35.39 | $28.78 | 0.89 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.97 | |||||
Springfield against nearby metros and the rest of Missouri
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 200 sq ft of wall face range from $9,400 to $10,500 across Springfield and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield, MOthis page | $6,750 – $12,800 | $9,750 | |
| Joplin, MO75 miles | $7,200 – $13,300 | $10,300 | +5% |
| Fayetteville, AR100 miles | $6,450 – $12,400 | $9,400 | −4% |
| Jefferson City, MO105 miles | $7,200 – $13,300 | $10,300 | +5% |
| Columbia, MO115 miles | $7,450 – $13,600 | $10,500 | +8% |
| Kansas City, MO130 miles | $7,400 – $13,600 | $10,500 | +7% |
| Missouri (statewide) | $7,550 – $13,900 | $10,700 | +10% |
| United States | $7,050 – $13,500 | $10,300 | +5% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Springfield ranks #181 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Springfield is 9% below the Missouri figure.
Elsewhere in Missouri
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO | 1,341,320 jobs | $8,350 – $15,000 | $11,700 | +20% |
| Kansas City, MO | 1,096,110 jobs | $7,400 – $13,600 | $10,500 | +7% |
| Columbia, MO | 107,680 jobs | $7,450 – $13,600 | $10,500 | +8% |
| Joplin, MO | 87,190 jobs | $7,200 – $13,300 | $10,300 | +5% |
| Jefferson City, MO | 80,220 jobs | $7,200 – $13,300 | $10,300 | +5% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Springfield against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne, IN | 225,520 jobs | $7,200 – $13,400 | $10,300 | +5% |
| Deltona, FL | 219,740 jobs | $6,350 – $12,400 | $9,400 | −4% |
| Augusta, GA | 231,930 jobs | $6,150 – $12,200 | $9,150 | −6% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 219,730 jobs | $7,700 – $14,000 | $10,900 | +11% |
Cost by quality level and size in Springfield
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Springfield. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from short garden wall (4x25 ft), 100 sq ft of wall face to 40 ft x 6 ft (240 sq ft of wall face).
Basic
$6,750 to $9,150
Short block wall, easy access
Standard
$8,550 to $11,000
Standard segmental block wall with drainage
Premium
$10,400 to $12,800
Tall or stone wall, engineered, hard access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| short garden wall (4x25 ft), 100 sq ft of wall face | $3,400 – $4,700 | $4,350 – $5,650 | $5,300 – $6,600 |
| 20 ft x 4 ft (80 sq ft of wall face) | $2,750 – $3,800 | $3,500 – $4,550 | $4,300 – $5,350 |
| 40 ft x 4 ft (160 sq ft of wall face) | $5,400 – $7,350 | $6,900 – $8,850 | $8,350 – $10,300 |
| 40 ft x 6 ft (240 sq ft of wall face) | $8,100 – $11,000 | $10,200 – $13,100 | $12,400 – $15,300 |
The best months for retaining wall in Springfield
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Springfield Wbo (in the city). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For digging, grading and setting material in the ground, the comfortable months in Springfield are March through November: 9 of 12. Outside them, January, February and December have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F).
In January, February and December the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 89 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Springfield gets about 47 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are April, May and June (6.0 inches in May). Inside the workable window, August and October are the driest, at 3.6 and 3.6 inches. The station averages about 38 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 | 43 | 23 | 2.4 | Cold |
| Feb | 48 | 26 | 2.4 | Cold |
| Mar | 58 | 35 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Apr | 67 | 44 | 5.2 | Workable |
| May | 75 | 56 | 6.0 | Workable |
| Jun | 84 | 64 | 4.9 | Workable |
| Jul | 88 | 68 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Aug | 88 | 67 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Sep | 81 | 58 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 69 | 46 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Nov | 57 | 35 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Dec | 46 | 27 | 2.6 | Cold |
Specs and site conditions that change a Springfield bid
Height
Walls over 4 feet need engineering, deeper excavation and more skilled labor; many cities require permits over 3-4 feet (HomeGuide).
Material
Block, poured concrete and natural stone are priced differently; concrete and stone walls run higher than the segmental block default.
Drainage
Every wall needs drainage behind it. A French drain adds $10-$85+ per linear foot.
Related projects, priced for Springfield
Jobs that often go together with retaining wall are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Springfield wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, concrete driveway comes out highest (−2%) and sod installation lowest (−6%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $580 – $2,000 | −4% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,900 – $5,250 | −3% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,550 – $9,000 | −2% |
| Sod installation | 1,500 sq ft | $1,400 – $3,100 | −6% |
| Sprinkler system | 4,000 sq ft of lawn | $3,800 – $9,550 | −4% |
| Inground pool | 450 sq ft | $34,400 – $107,500 | −5% |
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 $8,550 to $11,000 for Springfield, MO is attached.
Detailed retaining wall report for Springfield, MO, $9
The report lays out the retaining wall numbers for Springfield, MO line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Retaining wall in Springfield: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a retaining wall in Springfield?
For 200 sq ft of wall face, expect $6,750 to $12,800 in the Springfield area. A standard-spec job lands at $8,550 to $11,000. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft of wall face and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft of wall face for retaining wall in Springfield?
About $33.50 to $62 per sq ft of wall face for materials and labor, plus $45 to $400 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $35 to $65.
+Is retaining wall cheaper in Springfield or Joplin?
Joplin is 75 miles away. The midpoint for 200 sq ft of wall face there is $10,300, which is 5% more than Springfield ($9,750). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Springfield?
About 47% at the midpoint, or $4,550 out of $9,750. Materials are 51% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 46%.
+What would 40 ft x 4 ft (160 sq ft of wall face) cost in Springfield?
$5,400 to $10,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does retaining wall need a permit in Springfield?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $400 for fees in the Springfield area (our national range of $50 to $450 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Springfield expensive for retaining wall compared with the rest of Missouri?
Springfield is 9% below the Missouri statewide estimate ($10,700 at the midpoint). We cover 6 metros in Missouri; see the state page to compare them.
+What do brickmasons and blockmasons earn in Springfield?
The BLS median is $29.10 an hour in the Springfield area, compared with $29.87 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $25.07 to $36.72.
+What do basic and premium retaining wall work cost in Springfield?
For 200 sq ft of wall face, basic work runs $6,750 to $9,150 and premium work $10,400 to $12,800. Basic means: short block wall, easy access. Premium means: tall or stone wall, engineered, hard access.
+When is the best time to build a retaining wall in Springfield?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through November. August 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.
Retaining wall near Springfield
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 a Retaining Wall Cost? (2026) (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 = 40% of the low installed price and 60% of the high one, since HomeGuide says labor is 40-60% of the total project cost.