Stamped concrete cost in Rapid City, SD
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $3,000 – $7,350
- Per sq ft
- $7.45 – $17.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −7%
- US $5,600
- Rank of 300 metros
- #194
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for stamped concrete in the Rapid City area: $3,000 to $7,350 for 400 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 7% lower than the US figure. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $23.22 an hour in the Rapid City area, 15% below the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in Rapid City, SD, standard level
$4,300 to $6,050
About $10.50 to $14.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 47% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,250 | $2,900 |
| Labor | $1,950 | $2,900 |
| Permits and fees | $120 | $230 |
| Total | $4,300 | $6,050 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in Rapid City, SD
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,700 | $2,600 | $3,450 | 50% |
| Labor | $1,250 | $2,450 | $3,600 | 47% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $180 | $310 | 3% |
| Total | $3,000 | $5,200 | $7,350 | 100% |
Why Rapid City 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, Rapid City wages are 0.90 times the national level. Labor makes up about 47% of the midpoint estimate (48% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Rapid City is at 95.5 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $2,700 nationally becomes $2,600 here (midpoint, 400 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 89.2: $45 to $310.
Cost by quality level and size in Rapid City
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Rapid City. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 10x20 patio (200 sq ft) to 2-car driveway (600 sq ft).
Basic
$3,000 to $4,750
Basic pattern, one integral color
Standard
$4,300 to $6,050
Two-tone color release and a border
Premium
$5,600 to $7,350
Multi-color, hand-detailed, sealed to a high finish
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x20 patio (200 sq ft) | $1,550 – $2,450 | $2,200 – $3,150 | $2,900 – $3,850 |
| 20x20 patio (400 sq ft) | $3,000 – $4,750 | $4,300 – $6,050 | $5,600 – $7,350 |
| 2-car driveway (600 sq ft) | $4,500 – $7,050 | $6,400 – $8,950 | $8,350 – $10,900 |
How Rapid City compares
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 $5,600 across Rapid City and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SDthis page | $3,000 – $7,350 | $5,200 | |
| Bismarck, ND210 miles | $3,200 – $7,850 | $5,550 | +7% |
| Cheyenne, WY220 miles | $3,200 – $7,950 | $5,600 | +8% |
| Greeley, CO260 miles | $3,200 – $7,850 | $5,550 | +7% |
| Fort Collins, CO275 miles | $3,200 – $7,950 | $5,600 | +8% |
| Sioux Falls, SD305 miles | $3,050 – $7,350 | $5,200 | level |
| South Dakota (statewide) | $3,000 – $7,300 | $5,150 | −1% |
| United States | $3,250 – $7,950 | $5,600 | +8% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Rapid City ranks #194 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Rapid City is 1% above the South Dakota figure.
Elsewhere in South Dakota
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD | 178,590 jobs | $3,050 – $7,350 | $5,200 | level |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Rapid City against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg, VA | 74,070 jobs | $2,950 – $7,100 | $5,050 | −3% |
| Kahului, HI | 73,750 jobs | $4,600 – $11,700 | $8,150 | +57% |
| Sioux City, IA | 75,010 jobs | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | +5% |
| Bloomington, IN | 73,240 jobs | $3,300 – $8,150 | $5,700 | +10% |
Who does the work: Rapid City 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 Rapid City the blend is 0.90.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 60% of the weighting: a median of $23.22 an hour, 15% below the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $21.78 and $28.47 an hour. About 470 work in the metro. That is 63.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 13.3 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $21.94 an hour, which is 3% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $19.14 and $22.91 an hour. BLS counts 410 of them working in the area, 55.5 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), 10% of the weighting: a median of $29.16 an hour, in line with the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $25.29 and $30.59 an hour. About 410 work in the metro. That is 55.5 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 (cement masons and concrete finishers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $310 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $85. That is a swing of roughly 1.6% to 6.0% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Rapid City has 73,820 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 249th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 60% | $21.78 | $23.22 | $28.47 | $27.41 | 0.85 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $19.14 | $21.94 | $22.91 | $22.66 | 0.97 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $25.29 | $29.16 | $30.59 | $28.78 | 1.01 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.90 | |||||
Optional extras in Rapid City
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.93 for Rapid City, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.90) and goods price index (0.95). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add a vapor barrier | $190 – $370 |
The best months for stamped concrete in Rapid City
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Rapid City Wfo (in the city). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For pouring concrete, the comfortable months in Rapid City are May through September: 5 of 12. Outside them, 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.
Rapid City gets about 20 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 54 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and July (4.1 inches in May). Inside the workable window, August and September are the driest, at 2.2 and 1.4 inches. The station averages about 24 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 | 37 | 16 | 0.3 | Cold |
| Feb | 38 | 18 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 47 | 26 | 0.9 | Cold |
| Apr | 55 | 34 | 2.3 | Cold |
| May | 65 | 45 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Jun | 76 | 55 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 84 | 62 | 2.6 | Workable |
| Aug | 83 | 60 | 2.2 | Workable |
| Sep | 74 | 51 | 1.4 | Workable |
| Oct | 59 | 38 | 1.5 | Cold |
| Nov | 47 | 27 | 0.5 | Cold |
| Dec | 38 | 19 | 0.4 | Cold |
Why two Rapid City quotes can differ
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.
Specialist labor
Stamping has to be done before the concrete sets, so crews arrive in larger teams and charge for it.
Sealing and vapor barrier
Sealer is usually quoted separately; vapor barrier material is $0.20-$1.50 per sq ft depending on thickness (HomeGuide).
Related projects, priced for Rapid City
Jobs that often go together with stamped concrete are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Rapid City wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, asphalt driveway comes out highest (−1%) and concrete driveway lowest (−9%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,650 | −8% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,350 – $8,400 | −9% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,850 – $5,200 | −5% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,250 – $4,800 | −7% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,000 – $7,350 | −1% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,450 – $9,900 | −3% |
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 $4,300 to $6,050 for Rapid City, SD is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for Rapid City, SD: 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 Rapid City: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour stamped concrete in Rapid City?
For 400 sq ft, expect $3,000 to $7,350 in the Rapid City area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,300 to $6,050. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for stamped concrete in Rapid City?
About $7.45 to $17.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $310 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $8 to $19.
+Is stamped concrete cheaper in Rapid City or Bismarck?
Bismarck is 210 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $5,550, which is 7% more than Rapid City ($5,200). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Rapid City?
About 47% at the midpoint, or $2,450 out of $5,200. Materials are 50% and permits 3%. Nationally, labor is 48%.
+What would 20x20 patio (400 sq ft) cost in Rapid City?
$3,000 to $7,350. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does stamped concrete need a permit in Rapid City?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $310 for fees in the Rapid City area (our national range of $50 to $350 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Rapid City expensive for stamped concrete compared with the rest of South Dakota?
Rapid City is 1% above the South Dakota statewide estimate ($5,150 at the midpoint). We cover 2 metros in South Dakota; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Rapid City?
The BLS median is $23.22 an hour in the Rapid City area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.78 to $28.47.
+What do basic and premium stamped concrete work cost in Rapid City?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $3,000 to $4,750 and premium work $5,600 to $7,350. 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 Rapid City?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through September. August 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 Rapid City?
$190 to $370 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Stamped concrete near Rapid 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 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.