Stamped concrete cost in Des Moines, IA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $3,200 – $7,900
- Per sq ft
- $7.90 – $19
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −1%
- US $5,600
- Rank of 300 metros
- #136
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to pour stamped concrete in Des Moines, plan on $3,200 to $7,900 for 400 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $7.90 to $19 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint lands close to the national one. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.7).
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Des Moines, IA, standard level
$4,600 to $6,500
About $11 to $15.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 51% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,200 | $2,850 |
| Labor | $2,300 | $3,400 |
| Permits and fees | $130 | $240 |
| Total | $4,600 | $6,500 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Des Moines, IA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,700 | $2,550 | $3,350 | 46% |
| Labor | $1,450 | $2,850 | $4,200 | 51% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $180 | $320 | 3% |
| Total | $3,200 | $5,550 | $7,900 | 100% |
Why Des Moines prices look the way they do
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 3 trades: cement masons and concrete finishers at 60%, construction laborers at 30%, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators at 10%. Weighted together, Des Moines wages are 1.05 times the national level. Labor makes up about 51% of the midpoint estimate (48% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Des Moines metro is 93.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 400 sq ft comes to $2,550, compared with $2,700 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (91.7) and land at $45 to $320.
Des Moines labor market for stamped concrete
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 Des Moines is 1.05 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 60%) the local median is $28.70 an hour, which is 5% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $23.89 and $33.56 an hour. BLS counts 530 of them working in the area, 13.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is about average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 30% of the weighting: a median of $24.03 an hour, 6% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.67 and $28.91 an hour. About 3,510 work in the metro. That is 86.9 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 10%) the local median is $30.10 an hour, which is 5% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $28.03 and $37.62 an hour. BLS counts 1,260 of them working in the area, 31.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is about average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the cement masons and concrete finishers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($33.56 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $290. At the 25th percentile ($23.89) it shrinks by about $280. The total moves by 5.2% or 5.1%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 404,130 jobs in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area. That makes it the 64th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.26% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 60% | $23.89 | $28.70 | $33.56 | $27.41 | 1.05 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.67 | $24.03 | $28.91 | $22.66 | 1.06 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $28.03 | $30.10 | $37.62 | $28.78 | 1.05 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.05 | |||||
Optional extras in Des Moines
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Des Moines by the average of the local wage index (1.05) and goods index (0.94), a factor of 0.99. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add a vapor barrier | $200 – $400 |
Climate in Des Moines: timing your stamped concrete job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Des Moines Intl Ap (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 Des Moines (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.
Des Moines gets about 37 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 37 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and August (5.3 inches in June). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.2 and 2.8 inches. The station averages about 22 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 | 31 | 14 | 1.1 | Cold |
| Feb | 36 | 18 | 1.3 | Cold |
| Mar | 49 | 30 | 2.2 | Cold |
| Apr | 62 | 41 | 4.0 | Workable |
| May | 72 | 52 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Jun | 82 | 62 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 86 | 66 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Aug | 84 | 64 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Sep | 77 | 55 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 63 | 43 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 48 | 30 | 1.9 | Cold |
| Dec | 36 | 20 | 1.6 | Cold |
Related projects, priced for Des Moines
Because every project leans on different trades, Des Moines's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, paver patio runs +5% and concrete slab −2%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $4,000 | −1% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,650 – $9,350 | +1% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,150 – $5,750 | +5% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,450 – $5,100 | −2% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,000 – $7,450 | level |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,500 – $10,100 | −1% |
Des Moines against nearby metros and the rest of Iowa
Same job, same size (400 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Waterloo is the priciest of the group at $5,700. Omaha is the cheapest at $5,250.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IAthis page | $3,200 – $7,900 | $5,550 | |
| Waterloo, IA95 miles | $3,250 – $8,100 | $5,700 | +2% |
| Iowa City, IA110 miles | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | −2% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA115 miles | $3,150 – $7,800 | $5,500 | −1% |
| Omaha, NE120 miles | $3,050 – $7,450 | $5,250 | −5% |
| Sioux City, IA145 miles | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | −2% |
| Iowa (statewide) | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | −2% |
| United States | $3,250 – $7,950 | $5,600 | +1% |
Across 300 US metros, Des Moines comes in at #136 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $8,150; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $4,550 (midpoints, 400 sq ft). Statewide, Des Moines is 2% above the Iowa figure.
Other Iowa metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA | 180,450 jobs | $3,250 – $8,050 | $5,650 | +2% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 139,260 jobs | $3,150 – $7,800 | $5,500 | −1% |
| Iowa City, IA | 93,760 jobs | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | −2% |
| Waterloo, IA | 84,260 jobs | $3,250 – $8,100 | $5,700 | +2% |
| Sioux City, IA | 75,010 jobs | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | −2% |
| Dubuque, IA | 58,470 jobs | $3,150 – $7,800 | $5,500 | −1% |
Cities with a workforce like Des Moines's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Des Moines against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport, CT | 404,180 jobs | $3,400 – $8,450 | $5,900 | +7% |
| Columbia, SC | 394,200 jobs | $3,000 – $7,350 | $5,200 | −7% |
| Albuquerque, NM | 404,700 jobs | $3,000 – $7,300 | $5,150 | −7% |
| Charleston, SC | 394,170 jobs | $3,050 – $7,500 | $5,250 | −5% |
Why two Des Moines quotes can differ
Sealing and vapor barrier
Sealer is usually quoted separately; vapor barrier material is $0.20-$1.50 per sq ft depending on thickness (HomeGuide).
Not included
These prices don't include site prep that depends on the project: demolition, grading, or a thicker base.
Pattern and color
Basic to average coloring runs $8-$19 per sq ft. A 2-car stamped driveway runs $12-$18 per sq ft (HomeGuide); Estimators.us puts decorative slabs at $15-$30.
Des Moines: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Des Moines 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
$3,200 to $5,100
Basic pattern, one integral color
Standard
$4,600 to $6,500
Two-tone color release and a border
Premium
$6,000 to $7,900
Multi-color, hand-detailed, sealed to a high finish
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x20 patio (200 sq ft) | $1,650 – $2,600 | $2,350 – $3,350 | $3,100 – $4,100 |
| 20x20 patio (400 sq ft) | $3,200 – $5,100 | $4,600 – $6,500 | $6,000 – $7,900 |
| 2-car driveway (600 sq ft) | $4,800 – $7,550 | $6,850 – $9,600 | $8,950 – $11,700 |
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 $4,600 to $6,500 for Des Moines, IA is attached.
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Multi-page report for Des Moines, IA: 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.
Stamped concrete in Des Moines: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour stamped concrete in Des Moines?
For 400 sq ft, expect $3,200 to $7,900 in the Des Moines area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,600 to $6,500. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for stamped concrete in Des Moines?
About $7.90 to $19 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $320 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $8 to $19.
+Is stamped concrete cheaper in Des Moines or Waterloo?
Waterloo is 95 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $5,700, which is 2% more than Des Moines ($5,550). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Des Moines?
About 51% at the midpoint, or $2,850 out of $5,550. Materials are 46% and permits 3%. Nationally, labor is 48%.
+What would 20x20 patio (400 sq ft) cost in Des Moines?
$3,200 to $7,900. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does stamped concrete need a permit in Des Moines?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $320 for fees in the Des Moines area (our national range of $50 to $350 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Des Moines expensive for stamped concrete compared with the rest of Iowa?
Des Moines is 2% above the Iowa statewide estimate ($5,450 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in Iowa; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Des Moines?
The BLS median is $28.70 an hour in the Des Moines area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.89 to $33.56.
+What do basic and premium stamped concrete work cost in Des Moines?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $3,200 to $5,100 and premium work $6,000 to $7,900. Basic means: basic pattern, one integral color. Premium means: multi-color, hand-detailed, sealed to a high finish.
+When is the best time to pour stamped concrete in Des Moines?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. 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.
+What does "add a vapor barrier" add in Des Moines?
$200 to $400 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Stamped concrete near Des Moines
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 Stamped Concrete Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- SimplyWise: Concrete Estimate Template: Free PDF + Excel (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 = SimplyWise's 200 sq ft stamped-patio line ($900-$1,800), divided by 200 sq ft.