Homeowners and builders in Missouri typically pay for ready-mix concrete by the cubic yard, plus delivery and potential site prep. Costs are driven by mix type, travel distance, and project size. This guide presents practical price ranges in USD to help with budgeting and planning.
Summary table follows the introduction to give a quick snapshot of typical costs, assumptions, and notes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (per cubic yard) | $110 | $140 | $190 | Standard Portland cement mix; regional pricing varies |
| Delivery (per yard) | $60 | $90 | $150 | Distance affects price; access issues may raise costs |
| Site Prep & Forms (per yard equivalent) | $20 | $40 | $80 | Grading, edging, and forms |
| Total Installed Cost (per yd, including delivery) | $190 | $270 | $420 | Assumes standard slab with basic form work |
| Typical Project Size | 5–10 yd | 10–40 yd | 40+ yd | Small patio vs. driveway or slab |
Overview Of Costs
Concrete pricing in Missouri blends material, delivery, and site preparation into a per-yard estimate. Typical material costs range from about $110 to $190 per cubic yard, with delivery often adding $60 to $150 per yard. For most small-to-medium projects, total installed costs commonly fall in the $190 to $420 per yard spectrum, depending on access, concrete type, and prep work. Assumptions: standard 4-inch slab, no decorative finishes, basic forms, and reasonable access within regional delivery routes.
Cost Breakdown
Structure of the price includes several components beyond the concrete itself. A table below shows the main cost drivers and their typical ranges. The numbers assume local Missouri conditions and standard pours.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (concrete) | $110 | $140 | $190 | Standard mix; higher strength or specialty mixes increase price |
| Delivery | $60 | $90 | $150 | Distance and access impact cost; multiple deliveries possible for large pours |
| Labor & Pour Time | $20 | $40 | $80 | Includes crew and equipment for placement and finishing |
| Forms & Finishing | $10 | $20 | $40 | Edging, tie-downs, broom finish or texture adds cost |
| Permits & Inspections | $0 | $10 | $50 | Local rules may require permits for larger slabs |
| Subtotal per yard | $190 | $270 | $420 | Includes materials, delivery, labor, and forms on a per-yard basis |
Factors That Affect Price
Important price variables include mix design, thickness, and access constraints. Additional drivers are the project size, finishing requirements, and seasonal demand. In Missouri, heavier-duty mixes for driveways or industrial floors cost more, as do pours with exposed-aggregate finishes or decorative stamping. Regional weather and moisture management can also influence setting time and labor needs.
Cost Drivers
Concrete costs scale with several concrete-specific thresholds. For example, thicker slabs (5–6 inches) and higher-strength mixes (Type III or高-early-strength) raise material costs per cubic yard. A driveway typically requires more iron reinforcement or fiber additives, increasing materials and labor. Drainage considerations and subgrade preparation further affect total spend.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across Missouri by region and market conditions. In urban areas (e.g., Kansas City or St. Louis), delivery and access generally push costs higher than rural zones. Midwestern regions can see modest premium during peak construction seasons. The following ranges illustrate regional deltas assumed uniform project specs.
- Urban/Suburban Missouri: Materials $125-$175/yd; Delivery $80-$150/yd; Installed $260-$450/yd
- Rural Missouri: Materials $105-$160/yd; Delivery $60-$110/yd; Installed $190-$350/yd
- Regional Variability: ±10–20% depending on supplier, traffic patterns, and permits
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs reflect crew size and pour duration. A typical team for a flat slab might include two to four workers for several hours. Pour intensity, weather, and slab size influence total labor hours. Labor rates in Missouri commonly range from $40 to $80 per hour per crew, with total hours scaling with project size.
Ways To Save
Budget-minded approaches can reduce installed costs without compromising safety. Consider scheduling during off-peak seasons to secure better delivery quotes, combining pours to minimize mobilization, and selecting standard finish options. If decorative finishes aren’t required, opting for a basic broom finish rather than stamped concrete can save substantial amounts. Proper subgrade preparation reduces future cracking and potential warranty claims.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical Missouri projects with varying finishes and sizes.
-
Basic Patio — 150 sq ft, 4-inch slab, standard mix, basic form work, no decorative finish.
- Volume: 0.56 yd3
- Materials: $110/yd3
- Delivery: $70
- Labor & Pour Time: $60
- Forms & Finishing: $20
- Permits: $0
- Total: ≈ $440–$500
-
Driveway — 800 sq ft, 4-inch slab, standard mix, broom finish.
- Volume: ~2.96 yd3
- Materials: $140/yd3
- Delivery: $100
- Labor & Pour Time: $260
- Forms & Finishing: $60
- Permits: $0–$25
- Total: ≈ $900–$1,300
-
Small Garage Floor — 400 sq ft, 5-inch slab, higher-strength mix, decorative edge.
- Volume: ~2.3 yd3
- Materials: $170/yd3
- Delivery: $90
- Labor & Pour Time: $260
- Edges/Finish: $80
- Permits: $0–$40
- Total: ≈ $1,200–$1,700
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.