Iowa · NRMCA 2026 · Updated September 2026
Concrete Prices in Iowa — 2026 Cost Guide + Calculator
Ready-mix concrete in Iowa costs $118–$148 per cubic yard in 2026. Des Moines metro averages $130–$145/yd³; Eastern Iowa (Cedar Rapids, Davenport) runs $125–$140/yd³; rural Iowa falls to $118–$130/yd³. Iowa's abundant local aggregate, moderate labor rates, and competitive contractor market make it one of the best-value concrete states in the Midwest.
Free Tool
Iowa Concrete Calculator
Select your Iowa region, enter dimensions, and get cubic yards needed, material cost, and installed estimate — Iowa BLS labor rates pre-loaded.
Iowa note: 3,500 PSI air-entrained is the practical standard for all exterior flatwork in Iowa. For driveways and garage floors, 4,000 PSI is recommended. Iowa's active season runs approximately April through October — book your contractor by March for spring pours.
Find Costs & Prices in Your City — Iowa 2026
Iowa Concrete Costs & Prices by City
Standard 3,500 PSI air-entrained mix, plant-gate price. Delivery within 10 miles adds $8–$14/yd³ in Des Moines, $6–$10/yd³ in smaller markets.
| City / Area | PSI | $/yd³ (material) | $/sq ft installed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines / Polk Co. | 3,500 | $130–$145 | $7–$11 | Largest market; most competitive contractor pool |
| West Des Moines / Ankeny | 3,500 | $128–$143 | $7–$11 | Suburban growth corridor; high demand |
| Cedar Rapids / Linn Co. | 3,500 | $125–$140 | $6–$10 | Second-largest market; strong supply |
| Iowa City / Johnson Co. | 3,500 | $124–$138 | $6–$10 | University market; stable demand |
| Davenport / Quad Cities | 3,500 | $128–$143 | $7–$11 | IL border influence; slightly above state avg |
| Waterloo / Cedar Falls | 3,500 | $124–$136 | $6–$10 | NE Iowa hub; moderate market |
| Ames / Story Co. | 3,500 | $122–$134 | $6–$10 | ISU corridor; residential focus |
| Sioux City / Woodbury Co. | 3,500 | $120–$132 | $6–$9 | W Iowa; tri-state (IA/NE/SD) market |
| Council Bluffs / Pottawattamie | 3,500 | $122–$135 | $6–$10 | Omaha NE metro spillover |
| Dubuque / NE Iowa | 3,500 | $118–$130 | $6–$9 | Mississippi River corridor; hilly terrain adds cost |
| Rural Iowa | 3,500 | $118–$128 | $6–$9 | Best value; delivery surcharge applies >15 miles from plant |
Project Reference
What Concrete Crews Charge in Iowa — 2026
Installed estimates (material + labor + forming + broom finish). Rural/small-city uses $125/yd³ + $4.75/sq ft. Des Moines metro uses $138/yd³ + $6/sq ft.
| Project | Size / Thickness | Yards needed | Material cost | Installed (Rural / Small City) | Installed (Des Moines Metro) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small patio / pad | 10×10 / 4" | 1.2 yd³ | $145–$185 | $620–$900 | $760–$1,100 |
| 20×20 concrete slab | 20×20 / 4" | 5.9 yd³ | $710–$920 | $2,600–$4,000 | $3,200–$5,000 |
| Driveway (16×38) | 16×38 / 5" | 9.4 yd³ | $1,130–$1,460 | $4,100–$6,200 | $5,100–$7,800 |
| 40×60 concrete slab | 40×60 / 6" | 44.4 yd³ | $5,330–$6,885 | $18,000–$27,000 | $22,000–$34,000 |
| Garage floor (24×24) | 24×24 / 5" | 10.7 yd³ | $1,285–$1,660 | $4,600–$7,000 | $5,700–$8,700 |
| 12×12 slab | 12×12 / 4" | 2.1 yd³ | $255–$330 | $940–$1,400 | $1,160–$1,750 |
| Concrete patio (16×20) | 16×20 / 4" | 3.9 yd³ | $470–$605 | $1,700–$2,600 | $2,100–$3,200 |
Iowa Concrete Market Deep Dive
What Do Concrete Crews Cost in Iowa in 2026?
Iowa Concrete Labor Costs — Verified from BLS OEWS (2025)
Labor is the largest variable in any Iowa concrete project. BLS OEWS data for Iowa cement masons and concrete finishers (SOC 47-2051), 2025 release:
| Occupation (SOC) | Mean hourly | Mean annual | Median annual | Employed in IA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers (47-2051) | $26.10 | $54,300 | $51,400 | ~2,800 |
| Construction Laborers (47-2061) | $22.40 | $46,600 | $44,200 | ~8,500 |
| First-Line Supervisors, Trades (47-1011) | $38.20 | $79,500 | $76,800 | ~4,100 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025 release, Iowa statewide (SOC series). Iowa cement mason wages sit 8% below the national mean of $28.40/hr — one of the key reasons Iowa concrete is more affordable than neighboring Illinois ($32.50/hr) or Minnesota ($31.20/hr). A typical 3-person concrete crew in Des Moines costs approximately $550–$900/day in labor.
What Factors Affect Concrete Costs in Iowa?
- Distance from batch plant: Iowa has 80+ ready-mix plants statewide, but rural projects more than 15 miles from a plant pay $1.50–$3.50/yd³ per additional mile in delivery surcharge. In remote SW and NW Iowa, this can add $20–$50/yd³ to the pour.
- PSI and admixtures: 3,500 PSI adds ~$7/yd³ over base. 4,000 PSI adds ~$13/yd³. Air-entrainment (required for Iowa exterior) adds $5–$8/yd³ if not already included in the mix design. Fiber reinforcement adds $3–$6/yd³.
- Access and slope: Iowa's hilly terrain in the NE and Dubuque area adds forming complexity. Pump trucks run $400–$900/day in Iowa when direct chute access isn't possible.
- Season: Iowa's active season runs April–October. Fall pours (October) are possible with blanket protection if temps drop below 40°F overnight. Cold-weather additives add $4–$8/yd³.
- Concrete tear out and prep: Removing existing concrete in Iowa runs $2–$5/sq ft — one of the more commonly asked questions. Includes breaking, hauling, and disposal. Gravel base prep adds $1–$2.50/sq ft for a standard 4" compacted layer.
Cost of Concrete Floor Coating in Iowa — 2026
Concrete floor coatings are one of the fastest-growing segments of Iowa's concrete market — particularly garage floor epoxy in Des Moines suburbs and polyaspartic coatings in commercial settings. Iowa pricing in 2026:
| Coating type | Rural / Small City Iowa | Des Moines / Cedar Rapids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy floor coating (DIY kit) | $0.50–$1.50/sq ft | $0.50–$1.50/sq ft | DIY; limited durability in Iowa climate |
| Epoxy floor coating (professional) | $3–$6/sq ft | $4–$8/sq ft | Solid color or flake; 3–5 year durability |
| Polyaspartic coating | $5–$8/sq ft | $6–$10/sq ft | More UV and temp stable than epoxy; better for Iowa garages |
| Polished concrete | $4–$8/sq ft | $5–$10/sq ft | Commercial / retail; growing in Iowa City and DSM |
| Concrete stain / sealer | $2–$4/sq ft | $2.50–$5/sq ft | Decorative; lower cost option |
Iowa's humidity and temperature swings (−20°F to 100°F) make moisture management critical for floor coatings. A professional moisture vapor test ($75–$150) is recommended before any coating application on Iowa basement or slab-on-grade floors. Epoxy coatings fail at moisture vapor emission rates above 3 lbs/1,000 sq ft/24 hr — common in Iowa's wet spring seasons.
Do I Need a Permit for Concrete Work in Iowa?
Iowa does not have a state-level permit requirement for residential concrete flatwork. Permits are issued and required at the local jurisdiction level — city or county — and vary significantly:
- Des Moines: Requires a building permit for new driveways and slabs connected to structures. Fee: $50–$200 depending on project value. Check with the City of Des Moines Building Services.
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport: Similar requirements to Des Moines for driveways and structural flatwork. Small patios under a certain sq ft threshold often exempt.
- Rural / unincorporated Iowa: County requirements vary widely. Many rural counties have no permit requirement for residential flatwork. Call your county zoning office to confirm.
- Driveway aprons: The portion of the driveway that connects to a public road almost always requires a right-of-way or encroachment permit from the city or county, regardless of other permit exemptions. This is separate from a building permit and often overlooked.
Additional Concrete Services — Iowa Cost Reference
| Service | Rural / Small City Iowa | Des Moines / Cedar Rapids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete tear out & removal | $2–$4/sq ft | $2.50–$5/sq ft | Includes breaking, haul-away, disposal |
| Gravel base prep (4") | $1–$2/sq ft | $1.25–$2.50/sq ft | Compacted class 5 gravel; required for driveways |
| Stamped concrete | $10–$15/sq ft | $12–$18/sq ft | Patio and walkway applications common |
| Slab leveling (mudjacking) | $300–$1,200 | $400–$1,800 | Iowa clay soils cause settlement; common service |
| Polyjacking (foam) | $500–$2,000 | $600–$2,500 | Growing in Iowa; cleaner than mudjacking |
| Concrete sealing | $0.50–$1.50/sq ft | $0.75–$2/sq ft | Penetrating sealer every 3–5 years recommended for Iowa climate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Iowa Concrete — FAQ
A cubic yard of ready-mix concrete in Iowa costs $118–$148 at the batch plant in 2026. Des Moines metro averages $130–$145/yd³. Rural Iowa is most affordable at $118–$128/yd³. Add $8–$14/yd³ for delivery in Des Moines, $6–$10/yd³ elsewhere. Effective 4/1/26 per NRMCA and American Concrete pricing.
The statewide average for ready-mix in Iowa is approximately $132/yd³ for a standard 3,500 PSI mix in 2026. Adding air-entrainment (recommended for Iowa exterior) brings the effective average to $137–$140/yd³. This is 7–10% below the national average — Iowa's abundant local limestone aggregate and competitive labor market keep prices consistently below neighboring Illinois and Minnesota.
A 20×20 ft slab at 4" thickness needs about 5.9 cubic yards (6.5 with overage). Installed cost: $2,600–$4,000 in rural Iowa and smaller cities and $3,200–$5,000 in Des Moines metro. At 5" for a driveway or garage, add approximately 25% to material cost and 10–15% to total installed.
A 40×60 ft slab at 6" depth requires approximately 44.4 cubic yards. Installed: $18,000–$27,000 in rural and small-city Iowa and $22,000–$34,000 in Des Moines metro. Material alone: $5,330–$6,885. Iowa machine sheds and large agricultural slabs are common at this scale — 40×60 is a standard machine shed footprint. Get 3–4 bids; in rural Iowa, a local contractor often beats city pricing significantly.
Concrete tear out and removal in Iowa runs $2–$5 per square foot — including breaking, hauling, and disposal. Thicker slabs (6"+) or reinforced concrete (rebar or wire mesh) adds $0.50–$1.50/sq ft. Gravel base prep for a new pour (4" compacted class 5 aggregate) adds $1–$2.50/sq ft. For a standard 400 sq ft driveway replacement, budget $1,200–$3,000 for tear out and prep alone, before new concrete is poured.
A 12×12 ft slab at 4" thickness requires about 2.1 cubic yards (2.3 with overage) — approximately 92 bags of 80 lb. At $8–$12/bag in Iowa, that's $735–$1,100 in bags plus significant mixing labor. A ready-mix delivery of 2.3 yards in Iowa costs $295–$370 for material. For any exterior pour in Iowa, use air-entrained ready-mix rather than bag concrete — bag mixes are not air-entrained and will not survive Iowa's freeze-thaw cycle long-term.
The formula: (Length ft × Width ft × Thickness in ÷ 12) ÷ 27 × 1.10. The ÷12 converts inches to feet; ÷27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards; ×1.10 adds 10% overage. One yard covers 81 sq ft at 4", 65 sq ft at 5", 54 sq ft at 6". Iowa driveways: use 5" as default thickness. Always specify 3,500–4,000 PSI air-entrained when ordering — Iowa ready-mix plants default to 3,000 PSI standard if you don't specify the exposure class.
More Resources
More Iowa Concrete Resources
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Iowa pricing verified against NRMCA 2026 national data, BLS OEWS cement mason wage series for Iowa statewide (SOC 47-2051, 2025 release), and American Concrete pricing effective 4/1/26. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and rural Iowa data cross-referenced with Iowa batch plant surveys. Permit information sourced from City of Des Moines Building Services and Iowa county zoning offices. Updated September 2026. Reviewed quarterly.