Prices for ready mix concrete per yard vary by region, quality, delivery distance, and project specs. The main cost drivers are concrete strength, slump, additives, transport, and site access. This guide presents typical cost ranges to help builders budget accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ready mix per yard | $110 | $135 | $170 | Common 3000–4000 psi mixes; short lead times |
| Delivery fee | $60 | $120 | $180 | Distance and ramp access affect price |
| Water/Curing aids | $5 | $15 | $30 | Optional additives or curing compounds |
| |mined aggregate surcharge | $0 | $0 | $20 | Occasional fuel or raw material fluctuation |
| Delivery window surcharge | $0 | $10 | $30 | Off-peak or weekend deliveries |
| Subgrade preparation | $0 | $2.50 | $6 | Includes compacting and forms prep for standard slab |
Overview Of Costs
Cost estimates for a typical project show material plus delivery dominates, while site prep and local fees add modest increments. For one standard yard of 4,000 psi concrete with basic admixtures, expect roughly $135 on average, plus delivery. Lower-cost regions with shorter hauls can dip near $110, while high-demand periods or long hauls push toward $170 per yard. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Typical project ranges include small slabs (1–5 yards) and large slabs or foundations (20–50 yards). Per-yard pricing tends to be stable, but total project costs scale with volume and access. The below ranges assume standard truck delivery, no specialty pours, and typical site access.
Per-Yard vs Total Project Example
Assumptions: region, mix strength 3000–4000 psi, standard slump, no rework. For a 10-yard pour, material cost sits around $1,350–$1,700 before taxes or fees, with delivery adding $120–$180 and minor additives $5–$30. Total project cost usually lands in the $1,475–$2,000 range.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Per Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $110 | $135 | $170 | $135 | 3,000–4,000 psi concrete; bulk discounts possible at scale |
| Labor | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Labor is typically included in the supplier price; site crew not always separate |
| Equipment | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Truck mixer and pump may incur added charges |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Usually not required for standard residential slabs |
| Delivery/Disposal | $60 | $120 | $180 | $120 | Distance, timing, and ramp access affect cost |
| Taxes | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Sales tax varies by state |
| Contingency | $0 | $5 | $20 | $5 | Buffer for overruns or material substitutions |
What Drives Price
Pricing variables include concrete strength (psi), slump (workability), additives (air entraining agents, accelerators), and the aggregate mix. Stronger mixes or specialized admixtures raise per-yard costs. For larger pours, suppliers may offer volume discounts but delivery fees can offset savings. Regional demand, weather windows, and truck availability also influence quotes.
Regional price gaps matter. Urban centers near ports or large markets typically show higher base rates than rural areas due to logistics and demand. Cold-weather zones may incur heating measures or set delays that affect cost. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Truck fleets charged by distance add a distinct line item to the bill.
Ways To Save
Cost-saving strategies focus on planning and logistics. Order closer to the project start, schedule deliveries during off-peak hours, and batch pours to reduce repeat trips. Specify a standard mix with minimal specialty additives unless required by structural needs. Some suppliers offer day-rate discounts for multi-yard orders; compare quotes for identical specs to capture true savings.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across markets. In the Northeast, delivery fees can be higher due to congestion and infrastructure costs, pushing per-yard averages toward the upper end. The Midwest often benefits from competitive regional suppliers and shorter haul distances, reducing delivery surcharges. The South can see lower base pricing but regional tax and permit costs may shift totals. Expect a typical regional delta of ±10–20% between these areas.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Project
Specs: 3,000 psi mix, standard slump, 6 yards of concrete for a concrete slab. Labor is bundled with supplier price. Assumptions: region, basic mix, standard truck delivery.
Scenario details: Materials $135/yard, Delivery $120, Additives $10, Subtotal $1,155; Tax $0–$60 depending on state; Total around $1,200–$1,250.
Mid-Range Project
Specs: 3,500 psi, basic silica fume not used, 15 yards for a driveway and pad. Delivery window: standard. Assumptions: region, mid-range mix, typical access.
Scenario details: Materials $140/yard, Delivery $140, Delivery window surcharge $15, Additives $20, Subtotal $2,150; Tax $0–$80; Total around $2,250–$2,350.
Premium Project
Specs: 4,000 psi, self-consolidating concrete, 40 yards for a thick foundation. Specialized pump and long haul. Assumptions: region, high-strength mix, complex access.
Scenario details: Materials $170/yard, Delivery $180, Pumping/Equipment $25/yard, Additives $40, Subtotal $9,400; Tax $0–$150; Total around $9,550–$9,800.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours. Real-world quotes often include a line-item for pumping and surge pricing during peak season. For large jobs, ask suppliers to price by yard and confirm any minimums or delivery window constraints to avoid hidden fees.