Retaining wall cost in Kingsport, TN
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (200 sq ft of wall face)
- $6,700 – $12,800
- Per sq ft of wall face
- $33 – $62
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −5%
- US $10,300
- Rank of 300 metros
- #185
- 1 = most expensive
A retaining wall in Kingsport, TN usually costs $6,700 to $12,800 for 200 sq ft of wall face. That works out to about $33 to $62 per sq ft of wall face before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $520 less. Brickmasons and blockmasons earn a median of $27.62 an hour in the Kingsport area, 8% below the US median of $29.87.
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Estimated cost for 200 sq ft of wall face in Kingsport, TN, standard level
$8,500 to $10,900
About $42 to $53.50 per sq ft of wall face before permits. Labor is about 45% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4,150 | $6,050 |
| Labor | $4,200 | $4,600 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $290 |
| Total | $8,500 | $10,900 |
Cost breakdown for 200 sq ft of wall face in Kingsport, TN
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,700 | $5,100 | $7,500 | 52% |
| Labor | $3,950 | $4,400 | $4,900 | 45% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $220 | $390 | 2% |
| Total | $6,700 | $9,750 | $12,800 | 100% |
Where the Kingsport 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, Kingsport wages are 0.94 times the national level. Labor makes up about 45% of the midpoint estimate (46% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Kingsport is at 96.2 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $5,300 nationally becomes $5,100 here (midpoint, 200 sq ft of wall face). Permits follow the all-items index of 86.4: $45 to $390.
What local crews earn in Kingsport
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 Kingsport the blend is 0.94.
For brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021, weighted 50%) the local median is $27.62 an hour, which is 8% below the national $29.87. The middle half of them earn between $23.67 and $29.99 an hour. BLS counts 60 of them working in the area, 5.0 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 $21.81 an hour, which is 4% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $17.40 and $23.70 an hour. BLS counts 1,430 of them working in the area, 119.6 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), 20% of the weighting: a median of $26.90 an hour, 7% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $21.49 and $36.27 an hour. About 770 work in the metro. That is 64.4 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of 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 $190 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $310. That is a swing of roughly 3.2% to 1.9% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Kingsport-Bristol has 119,560 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 183rd 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% | $23.67 | $27.62 | $29.99 | $29.87 | 0.92 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $17.40 | $21.81 | $23.70 | $22.66 | 0.96 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 20% | $21.49 | $26.90 | $36.27 | $28.78 | 0.93 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.94 | |||||
Kingsport: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Kingsport. 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
$6,700 to $9,100
Short block wall, easy access
Standard
$8,500 to $10,900
Standard segmental block wall with drainage
Premium
$10,300 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 | $3,350 – $4,650 | $4,350 – $5,600 | $5,300 – $6,600 |
| 20 ft x 4 ft (80 sq ft of wall face) | $2,700 – $3,750 | $3,500 – $4,550 | $4,300 – $5,350 |
| 40 ft x 4 ft (160 sq ft of wall face) | $5,350 – $7,350 | $6,850 – $8,800 | $8,300 – $10,300 |
| 40 ft x 6 ft (240 sq ft of wall face) | $8,000 – $10,900 | $10,200 – $13,100 | $12,400 – $15,200 |
Is Kingsport cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, 4 are cheaper than Kingsport. Hickory is the lowest at about $9,300 (midpoint, 200 sq ft of wall face), 75 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsport, TNthis page | $6,700 – $12,800 | $9,750 | |
| Johnson City, TN25 miles | $6,650 – $12,800 | $9,700 | level |
| Asheville, NC70 miles | $6,350 – $12,400 | $9,350 | −4% |
| Hickory, NC75 miles | $6,300 – $12,300 | $9,300 | −4% |
| Knoxville, TN100 miles | $6,800 – $13,000 | $9,900 | +2% |
| Blacksburg, VA110 miles | $6,400 – $12,500 | $9,450 | −3% |
| Tennessee (statewide) | $6,850 – $13,000 | $9,900 | +2% |
| United States | $7,050 – $13,500 | $10,300 | +5% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Kingsport ranks #185 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Kingsport is 2% below the Tennessee figure.
Elsewhere in Tennessee
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | 1,099,300 jobs | $7,000 – $13,200 | $10,100 | +4% |
| Memphis, TN | 611,670 jobs | $6,900 – $13,100 | $10,000 | +3% |
| Knoxville, TN | 424,600 jobs | $6,800 – $13,000 | $9,900 | +2% |
| Chattanooga, TN | 268,750 jobs | $6,950 – $13,100 | $10,000 | +3% |
| Clarksville, TN | 103,220 jobs | $6,750 – $12,900 | $9,800 | +1% |
| Jackson, TN | 84,530 jobs | $6,750 – $12,900 | $9,800 | +1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Kingsport against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, VT | 120,150 jobs | $7,050 – $13,300 | $10,200 | +5% |
| Greeley, CO | 119,540 jobs | $6,950 – $13,200 | $10,100 | +3% |
| Erie, PA | 120,480 jobs | $6,900 – $13,300 | $10,100 | +4% |
| Utica, NY | 118,390 jobs | $7,900 – $14,500 | $11,200 | +15% |
Why two Kingsport quotes can differ
Rebuilding
Replacing an old wall adds $15-$30 per linear foot for demolition plus disposal.
Permit
Permits cost $50-$450 depending on location and wall size.
Height
Walls over 4 feet need engineering, deeper excavation and more skilled labor; many cities require permits over 3-4 feet (HomeGuide).
Related projects, priced for Kingsport
Jobs that often go together with retaining wall are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Kingsport wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, sprinkler system comes out highest (−5%) and concrete driveway lowest (−13%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $570 – $2,000 | −5% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,850 – $5,150 | −6% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,250 – $8,000 | −13% |
| Sod installation | 1,500 sq ft | $1,400 – $3,100 | −7% |
| Sprinkler system | 4,000 sq ft of lawn | $3,800 – $9,550 | −5% |
| Inground pool | 450 sq ft | $34,400 – $107,500 | −5% |
Kingsport weather and the retaining wall calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Kingsport (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 Kingsport 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 83 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Kingsport gets about 45 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 5 inches of snow. The wettest months are February, March and July (5.0 inches in July). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.0 and 2.4 inches. The station averages about 28 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 | 46 | 27 | 3.9 | Cold |
| Feb | 51 | 30 | 4.0 | Cold |
| Mar | 60 | 36 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Apr | 71 | 45 | 4.0 | Workable |
| May | 78 | 54 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Jun | 84 | 62 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 87 | 66 | 5.0 | Workable |
| Aug | 86 | 65 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Sep | 81 | 58 | 3.0 | Workable |
| Oct | 71 | 46 | 2.4 | Workable |
| Nov | 59 | 36 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Dec | 50 | 30 | 4.0 | Cold |
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 $8,500 to $10,900 for Kingsport, TN is attached.
Detailed retaining wall report for Kingsport, TN, $9
The report lays out the retaining wall numbers for Kingsport, TN 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 Kingsport: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a retaining wall in Kingsport?
For 200 sq ft of wall face, expect $6,700 to $12,800 in the Kingsport area. A standard-spec job lands at $8,500 to $10,900. 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 Kingsport?
About $33 to $62 per sq ft of wall face for materials and labor, plus $45 to $390 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $35 to $65.
+Is retaining wall cheaper in Kingsport or Johnson City?
Johnson City is 25 miles away. The midpoint for 200 sq ft of wall face there is $9,700, which is 0% less than Kingsport ($9,750). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Kingsport?
About 45% at the midpoint, or $4,400 out of $9,750. Materials are 52% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 46%.
+What would 40 ft x 4 ft (160 sq ft of wall face) cost in Kingsport?
$5,350 to $10,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does retaining wall need a permit in Kingsport?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $390 for fees in the Kingsport area (our national range of $50 to $450 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Kingsport expensive for retaining wall compared with the rest of Tennessee?
Kingsport is 2% below the Tennessee statewide estimate ($9,900 at the midpoint). We cover 8 metros in Tennessee; see the state page to compare them.
+What do brickmasons and blockmasons earn in Kingsport?
The BLS median is $27.62 an hour in the Kingsport area, compared with $29.87 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.67 to $29.99.
+What do basic and premium retaining wall work cost in Kingsport?
For 200 sq ft of wall face, basic work runs $6,700 to $9,100 and premium work $10,300 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 Kingsport?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through November. September 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 Kingsport
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.