Stamped concrete cost in Bismarck, ND
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $3,200 – $7,850
- Per sq ft
- $7.90 – $19
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −1%
- US $5,600
- Rank of 300 metros
- #140
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to pour stamped concrete in Bismarck, plan on $3,200 to $7,850 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 4% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 95.7).
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Bismarck, ND, standard level
$4,600 to $6,450
About $11 to $15.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 50% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,250 | $2,950 |
| Labor | $2,250 | $3,300 |
| Permits and fees | $130 | $240 |
| Total | $4,600 | $6,450 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Bismarck, ND
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,700 | $2,600 | $3,450 | 47% |
| Labor | $1,450 | $2,750 | $4,100 | 50% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $180 | $320 | 3% |
| Total | $3,200 | $5,550 | $7,850 | 100% |
What is behind the Bismarck number
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, Bismarck wages are 1.03 times the national level. Labor makes up about 50% of the midpoint estimate (48% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Bismarck metro is 95.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 400 sq ft comes to $2,600, compared with $2,700 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (91.0) and land at $45 to $320.
Bismarck 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 Bismarck is 1.03 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 60%) the local median is $27.66 an hour, which is in line with the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $23.01 and $30.05 an hour. BLS counts 190 of them working in the area, 26.7 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 30% of the weighting: a median of $23.93 an hour, 6% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.87 and $29.41 an hour. About 620 work in the metro. That is 87.0 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 $29.88 an hour, which is 4% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $25.67 and $35.15 an hour. BLS counts 580 of them working in the area, 81.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the cement masons and concrete finishers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($30.05 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $140. At the 25th percentile ($23.01) it shrinks by about $270. The total moves by 2.6% or 5.0%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 71,270 jobs in the Bismarck area. That makes it the 258th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.05% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 60% | $23.01 | $27.66 | $30.05 | $27.41 | 1.01 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $21.87 | $23.93 | $29.41 | $22.66 | 1.06 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $25.67 | $29.88 | $35.15 | $28.78 | 1.04 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.03 | |||||
Planning more than one job in Bismarck?
Because every project leans on different trades, Bismarck's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, paver patio runs +7% and concrete slab −2%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,950 | −2% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,600 – $9,200 | level |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,200 – $5,850 | +7% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,400 – $5,050 | −2% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,000 – $7,300 | −2% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,500 – $10,200 | level |
Add-ons priced for Bismarck
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Bismarck by the average of the local wage index (1.03) and goods index (0.96), 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 Bismarck: timing your stamped concrete job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Bismarck (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through September is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Bismarck (5 of 12 months). January, February, March, April, October, 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.
Bismarck gets about 19 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 51 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and July (3.4 inches in June). Inside the workable window, May and September are the driest, at 2.5 and 1.7 inches. The station averages about 21 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 | 23 | 2 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Feb | 28 | 7 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 41 | 19 | 0.8 | Cold |
| Apr | 56 | 30 | 1.3 | Cold |
| May | 68 | 42 | 2.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 78 | 53 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jul | 85 | 58 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Aug | 84 | 56 | 2.5 | Workable |
| Sep | 73 | 46 | 1.7 | Workable |
| Oct | 57 | 33 | 1.4 | Cold |
| Nov | 41 | 19 | 0.7 | Cold |
| Dec | 28 | 8 | 0.6 | Cold |
Is Bismarck cheap or dear? The local comparison
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 400 sq ft range from $5,200 to $5,850 across Bismarck and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, NDthis page | $3,200 – $7,850 | $5,550 | |
| Fargo, ND190 miles | $3,200 – $7,850 | $5,500 | level |
| Rapid City, SD210 miles | $3,000 – $7,350 | $5,200 | −6% |
| Sioux Falls, SD305 miles | $3,050 – $7,350 | $5,200 | −6% |
| St. Cloud, MN325 miles | $3,350 – $8,300 | $5,850 | +5% |
| Sioux City, IA380 miles | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | −2% |
| North Dakota (statewide) | $3,200 – $7,850 | $5,500 | level |
| United States | $3,250 – $7,950 | $5,600 | +1% |
Across 300 US metros, Bismarck comes in at #140 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $8,150; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $4,550 (midpoints, 400 sq ft). Statewide, Bismarck is 0% above the North Dakota figure.
Other North Dakota metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND | 148,660 jobs | $3,200 – $7,850 | $5,500 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Bismarck's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Bismarck against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redding, CA | 71,550 jobs | $3,500 – $8,650 | $6,100 | +10% |
| Lexington Park, MD | 70,650 jobs | $3,150 – $7,700 | $5,450 | −2% |
| Bozeman, MT | 72,210 jobs | $3,400 – $8,400 | $5,900 | +6% |
| Janesville, WI | 69,870 jobs | $3,550 – $8,850 | $6,200 | +12% |
Cost by quality level and size in Bismarck
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Bismarck 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 $5,050
Basic pattern, one integral color
Standard
$4,600 to $6,450
Two-tone color release and a border
Premium
$6,000 to $7,850
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 – $5,050 | $4,600 – $6,450 | $6,000 – $7,850 |
| 2-car driveway (600 sq ft) | $4,800 – $7,550 | $6,850 – $9,600 | $8,900 – $11,600 |
Why two Bismarck 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.
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 $6,450 for Bismarck, ND is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
The report lays out the stamped concrete numbers for Bismarck, ND 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.
Stamped concrete in Bismarck: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour stamped concrete in Bismarck?
For 400 sq ft, expect $3,200 to $7,850 in the Bismarck area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,600 to $6,450. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for stamped concrete in Bismarck?
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 Bismarck or Fargo?
Fargo is 190 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $5,500, which is 0% less than Bismarck ($5,550). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Bismarck?
About 50% at the midpoint, or $2,750 out of $5,550. Materials are 47% and permits 3%. Nationally, labor is 48%.
+What would 20x20 patio (400 sq ft) cost in Bismarck?
$3,200 to $7,850. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does stamped concrete need a permit in Bismarck?
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 Bismarck area (our national range of $50 to $350 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Bismarck expensive for stamped concrete compared with the rest of North Dakota?
Bismarck is 0% above the North Dakota statewide estimate ($5,500 at the midpoint). We cover 2 metros in North Dakota; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Bismarck?
The BLS median is $27.66 an hour in the Bismarck area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.01 to $30.05.
+What do basic and premium stamped concrete work cost in Bismarck?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $3,200 to $5,050 and premium work $6,000 to $7,850. 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 Bismarck?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through September. May and September 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 Bismarck?
$200 to $400 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Stamped concrete near Bismarck
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.