Retaining wall cost in Atlantic City, NJ
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (200 sq ft of wall face)
- $8,000 – $14,600
- Per sq ft of wall face
- $39.50 – $71
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +10%
- US $10,300
- Rank of 300 metros
- #58
- 1 = most expensive
Atlantic City homeowners pay roughly $8,000 to $14,600 to build a retaining wall at 200 sq ft of wall face, or $39.50 to $71 per sq ft of wall face (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Atlantic City is 10% higher. Brickmasons and blockmasons earn a median of $37.03 an hour in the Atlantic City area, 24% above the US median of $29.87.
Estimate your retaining wall cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 200 sq ft of wall face in Atlantic City, NJ, standard level
$9,950 to $12,600
About $49 to $61.50 per sq ft of wall face before permits. Labor is about 51% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4,300 | $6,300 |
| Labor | $5,500 | $6,000 |
| Permits and fees | $170 | $330 |
| Total | $9,950 | $12,600 |
Cost breakdown for 200 sq ft of wall face in Atlantic City, NJ
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,800 | $5,300 | $7,800 | 47% |
| Labor | $5,150 | $5,750 | $6,350 | 51% |
| Permits and fees | $50 | $250 | $440 | 2% |
| Total | $8,000 | $11,300 | $14,600 | 100% |
Where the Atlantic City price comes from
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 3 trades: brickmasons and blockmasons at 50%, construction laborers at 30%, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators at 20%. Weighted together, Atlantic City wages are 1.23 times the national level. Labor makes up about 51% of the midpoint estimate (46% at national prices). BLS does not publish this trade for the metro, so we used the New Jersey statewide median.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Atlantic City metro is 99.8 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 200 sq ft of wall face comes to $5,300, compared with $5,300 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (98.9) and land at $50 to $440.
Data note: 50% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Atlantic City. The wage table below marks each row.
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 3 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Atlantic City is 1.23 times the national level.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 50% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Atlantic City metro, so we used the New Jersey statewide median: $37.03 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $29.59 and $49.85 an hour.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 30% of the weighting: a median of $26.50 an hour, 17% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $20.00 and $35.67 an hour. About 1,140 work in the metro. That is 67.6 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 20%) the local median is $36.65 an hour, which is 27% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $29.46 and $59.01 an hour. BLS counts 320 of them working in the area, 19.0 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the brickmasons and blockmasons on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($49.85 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $1,000. At the 25th percentile ($29.59) it shrinks by about $590. The total moves by 8.9% or 5.2%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 168,700 jobs in the Atlantic City-Hammonton area. That makes it the 139th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.11% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 50% | $29.59 | $37.03 | $49.85 | $29.87 | 1.24 | state |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $20.00 | $26.50 | $35.67 | $22.66 | 1.17 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 20% | $29.46 | $36.65 | $59.01 | $28.78 | 1.27 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.23 | |||||
Planning more than one job in Atlantic City?
Because every project leans on different trades, Atlantic City's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, French drain runs +15% and sod installation +1%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $690 – $2,400 | +15% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,250 – $5,950 | +9% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,950 – $10,100 | +10% |
| Sod installation | 1,500 sq ft | $1,500 – $3,300 | +1% |
| Sprinkler system | 4,000 sq ft of lawn | $4,250 – $10,600 | +6% |
| Inground pool | 450 sq ft | $39,800 – $124,500 | +10% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: retaining wall pricing in Atlantic City
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Atlantic City 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 4 common sizes.
Basic
$8,000 to $10,600
Short block wall, easy access
Standard
$9,950 to $12,600
Standard segmental block wall with drainage
Premium
$12,000 to $14,600
Tall or stone wall, engineered, hard access
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| short garden wall (4x25 ft), 100 sq ft of wall face | $4,000 – $5,400 | $5,050 – $6,450 | $6,100 – $7,500 |
| 20 ft x 4 ft (80 sq ft of wall face) | $3,250 – $4,400 | $4,100 – $5,250 | $4,950 – $6,100 |
| 40 ft x 4 ft (160 sq ft of wall face) | $6,400 – $8,550 | $8,000 – $10,200 | $9,600 – $11,800 |
| 40 ft x 6 ft (240 sq ft of wall face) | $9,600 – $12,700 | $11,900 – $15,100 | $14,300 – $17,400 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Atlantic City bid
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.
Rebuilding
Replacing an old wall adds $15-$30 per linear foot for demolition plus disposal.
Atlantic City against nearby metros and the rest of New Jersey
Of the five closest metros, 3 are cheaper than Atlantic City. Dover is the lowest at about $10,000 (midpoint, 200 sq ft of wall face), 45 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City, NJthis page | $8,000 – $14,600 | $11,300 | |
| Vineland, NJ20 miles | $8,750 – $15,500 | $12,200 | +8% |
| Dover, DE45 miles | $6,900 – $13,100 | $10,000 | −11% |
| Philadelphia, PA50 miles | $7,750 – $14,200 | $11,000 | −3% |
| Trenton, NJ70 miles | $8,350 – $15,100 | $11,700 | +4% |
| Lancaster, PA95 miles | $7,150 – $13,600 | $10,400 | −8% |
| New Jersey (statewide) | $8,650 – $15,700 | $12,200 | +8% |
| United States | $7,050 – $13,500 | $10,300 | −9% |
Across 300 US metros, Atlantic City comes in at #58 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $13,500; the cheapest is El Paso, TX at $8,850 (midpoints, 200 sq ft of wall face). Statewide, Atlantic City is 7% below the New Jersey figure.
Other New Jersey metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton, NJ | 240,190 jobs | $8,350 – $15,100 | $11,700 | +4% |
| Vineland, NJ | 62,300 jobs | $8,750 – $15,500 | $12,200 | +8% |
Cities with a workforce like Atlantic City's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Atlantic City against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins, CO | 169,430 jobs | $7,200 – $13,500 | $10,300 | −9% |
| Lubbock, TX | 166,780 jobs | $6,000 – $11,800 | $8,900 | −21% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 170,820 jobs | $6,350 – $12,400 | $9,400 | −17% |
| Peoria, IL | 166,020 jobs | $8,600 – $15,100 | $11,800 | +5% |
When to schedule retaining wall in Atlantic City
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Atlantic City (in the city). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
March through December is the stretch where digging, grading and setting material in the ground runs into the fewest weather problems in Atlantic City (10 of 12 months). January and February have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F).
In January and February the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 56 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Atlantic City gets about 44 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are March, October and December (4.3 inches in March). Inside the workable window, May and June are the driest, at 3.1 and 3.2 inches. The station averages about 6 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 | 42 | 30 | 3.1 | Cold |
| Feb | 43 | 31 | 3.3 | Cold |
| Mar | 48 | 37 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Apr | 57 | 46 | 3.4 | Workable |
| May | 66 | 55 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Jun | 75 | 65 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 80 | 71 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Aug | 79 | 70 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Sep | 74 | 65 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Oct | 65 | 54 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Nov | 55 | 43 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Dec | 47 | 35 | 4.2 | Workable |
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 $9,950 to $12,600 for Atlantic City, NJ is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for Atlantic City, NJ: 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.
Retaining wall in Atlantic City: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a retaining wall in Atlantic City?
For 200 sq ft of wall face, expect $8,000 to $14,600 in the Atlantic City area. A standard-spec job lands at $9,950 to $12,600. 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 Atlantic City?
About $39.50 to $71 per sq ft of wall face for materials and labor, plus $50 to $440 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $35 to $65.
+Is retaining wall cheaper in Atlantic City or Vineland?
Vineland is 20 miles away. The midpoint for 200 sq ft of wall face there is $12,200, which is 8% more than Atlantic City ($11,300). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Atlantic City?
About 51% at the midpoint, or $5,750 out of $11,300. Materials are 47% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 46%.
+What would 40 ft x 4 ft (160 sq ft of wall face) cost in Atlantic City?
$6,400 to $11,800. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does retaining wall need a permit in Atlantic City?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $50 to $440 for fees in the Atlantic City area (our national range of $50 to $450 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Atlantic City expensive for retaining wall compared with the rest of New Jersey?
Atlantic City is 7% below the New Jersey statewide estimate ($12,200 at the midpoint). We cover 3 metros in New Jersey; see the state page to compare them.
+What do brickmasons and blockmasons earn in Atlantic City?
BLS has no published metro figure here, so we use the statewide median of $37.03 an hour, compared with $29.87 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $29.59 to $49.85.
+What do basic and premium retaining wall work cost in Atlantic City?
For 200 sq ft of wall face, basic work runs $8,000 to $10,600 and premium work $12,000 to $14,600. 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 Atlantic City?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through December. May and June 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 Atlantic City
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.