Massachusetts · NRMCA 2026 · Updated September 2026
Concrete Prices in Massachusetts — 2026 Cost Guide + Calculator
Ready-mix concrete in Massachusetts costs $155–$192 per cubic yard in 2026 — among the highest in the country. Greater Boston averages $172–$192/yd³; Central Massachusetts runs $160–$178/yd³; the Cape and Western Massachusetts fall to $155–$168/yd³. Union labor, strict licensing, 48" frost depth requirements, and year-round demand drive Massachusetts concrete costs well above the national average.
Free Tool
Massachusetts Concrete Calculator
Select your Massachusetts region, enter dimensions, and get cubic yards, material cost, and installed estimate — MA BLS labor rates pre-loaded.
Massachusetts note: 4,000 PSI air-entrained is the practical standard for all exterior flatwork statewide. Active season May–October; winter pours require insulated blankets. CSL-licensed contractor required for most MA concrete work. Greater Boston contractors book 6–10 weeks out in peak season.
Massachusetts Concrete Costs & Prices — Find Costs in Your City
Massachusetts Concrete Costs & Prices by City — 2026
Standard 4,000 PSI air-entrained mix, plant-gate price effective 4/1/26. Delivery adds $14–$22/yd³ in Greater Boston, $10–$16/yd³ elsewhere.
| City / Area | PSI | $/yd³ (material) | $/sq ft installed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston / Suffolk County | 4,000 AE | $175–$192 | $12–$18 | Highest in MA; union labor, permitting, access premium |
| Cambridge / Somerville | 4,000 AE | $172–$190 | $12–$18 | Dense urban; permits required for most work |
| North Shore (Salem, Beverly, Gloucester) | 4,000 AE | $168–$182 | $11–$16 | Coastal; saltwater-resistant spec recommended |
| South Shore (Quincy, Braintree, Weymouth) | 4,000 AE | $165–$178 | $10–$15 | Suburban Boston; competitive contractor pool |
| MetroWest (Framingham, Natick, Waltham) | 4,000 AE | $162–$178 | $10–$15 | High-demand tech corridor; contractors booked fast |
| Lowell / Lawrence (Merrimack Valley) | 4,000 AE | $158–$172 | $10–$14 | Gateway cities; more competitive than Boston |
| Worcester / Central MA | 4,000 AE | $160–$176 | $10–$14 | Second-largest city; good contractor availability |
| Plymouth / South Plymouth County | 4,000 AE | $160–$174 | $10–$14 | Growing residential market |
| Cape Cod / Barnstable County | 4,000 AE | $156–$168 | $10–$15 | Summer surge; book in winter for summer projects |
| Springfield / Hampden County | 4,000 AE | $155–$165 | $9–$14 | Most affordable major market in MA |
| Berkshires / Pittsfield | 4,000 AE | $155–$162 | $9–$13 | Rural Western MA; delivery adds cost in remote areas |
Project Reference
What Concrete Contractors Charge in Massachusetts — 2026
Installed estimates at 4,000 PSI air-entrained. Western MA uses $160/yd³ + $8/sq ft. Greater Boston uses $182/yd³ + $12/sq ft.
| Project | Size / Thickness | Yards needed | Material cost | Installed (Western / Central MA) | Installed (Greater Boston) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12×12 patio | 12×12 / 4" | 2.1 yd³ | $340–$415 | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,500–$4,000 |
| 12×16 concrete slab | 12×16 / 4" | 2.8 yd³ | $450–$550 | $2,400–$3,700 | $3,400–$5,300 |
| 20×20 concrete slab | 20×20 / 4" | 5.9 yd³ | $950–$1,160 | $4,800–$7,400 | $7,200–$11,200 |
| Concrete driveway | 16×38 / 5" | 9.4 yd³ | $1,520–$1,850 | $7,700–$11,700 | $11,400–$17,600 |
| 1,500 sq ft slab (4") | ~39×39 / 4" | 18.5 yd³ | $2,990–$3,640 | $15,000–$23,000 | $22,400–$34,700 |
| 40×60 concrete slab | 40×60 / 6" | 44.4 yd³ | $7,175–$8,735 | $36,000–$55,000 | $53,000–$82,000 |
| Garage floor (24×24) | 24×24 / 5" | 10.7 yd³ | $1,730–$2,105 | $9,000–$13,600 | $13,300–$20,500 |
Massachusetts Concrete Deep Dive
Massachusetts Concrete Costs & Prices — Why MA Is One of the Most Expensive Markets
Massachusetts Concrete Labor Costs — BLS OEWS Verified (2025)
Massachusetts cement masons are among the highest-paid in the country. BLS OEWS 2025 release for Massachusetts cement masons and concrete finishers (SOC 47-2051):
| Occupation (SOC) | Mean hourly | Mean annual | Median annual | Employed in MA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers (47-2051) | $35.80 | $74,500 | $71,200 | ~2,800 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton MSA | $38.20 | $79,500 | $76,100 | ~1,700 |
| Springfield MSA | $30.40 | $63,200 | $60,800 | ~500 |
| Construction Laborers (47-2061) | $29.80 | $62,000 | $59,400 | ~8,200 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025 release, Massachusetts statewide and Boston-Cambridge-Newton MSA (SOC series). Boston MSA cement masons at $38.20/hr are 35% above the national mean of $28.40/hr — comparable to New York City ($40+ union) and among the top 5 most expensive concrete labor markets in the US. A 3-person crew in Greater Boston runs $760–$1,150/day in labor alone.
How Deep Do Footings Need to Be in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has one of the deepest frost depths in the contiguous US — 48 inches statewide per the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR). All concrete footings, piers, and foundation walls must extend below this depth to prevent frost heave.
| Region | Required frost depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All of Massachusetts | 48" minimum | Per 780 CMR Table R301.2(1); applies statewide |
| Greater Boston / Coast | 48" | Consult local building dept — some areas require deeper for specific soils |
| Western MA / Berkshires | 48" | Higher elevation areas may see deeper frost penetration in severe winters |
| Cape Cod / Islands | 48" | Sandy soils can freeze deeper; 48" is minimum, not guarantee |
At 48" depth, a standard poured wall foundation in Massachusetts is significantly more expensive than in warmer states. Compare: Kentucky requires 18"–24", Tennessee 12"–18", South Carolina 12". This depth requirement is a major driver of Massachusetts foundation costs — expect $55–$120/linear foot for a poured concrete foundation wall, vs. $28–$55/LF in Kentucky or $35–$80/LF in Maryland.
What Is the Going Rate for a 12×12 Patio in the Boston Area?
A 12×12 ft concrete patio (144 sq ft) is one of the most common residential concrete projects in Massachusetts. In the Greater Boston market in 2026:
| Scenario | Cost range | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Material only (4" at $180/yd³) | $395–$480 | Ready-mix only; DIY pour |
| Fully installed — standard broom finish | $2,500–$4,000 | Excavation, base, material, labor, broom finish |
| Fully installed — exposed aggregate | $3,200–$5,500 | Above + decorative finish |
| Fully installed — stamped concrete | $4,500–$8,000 | Above + stamping, coloring, sealer |
The wide range in fully installed cost reflects Boston's contractor market — quotes from CSL-licensed contractors for the same 12×12 job can vary by $1,500–$2,000 depending on the contractor's overhead and current backlog. Always get 3 quotes, verify CSL license, and ask specifically what's included in the base prep (excavation, compacted gravel) — these are frequently quoted separately in MA and can add $600–$1,200 to the project.
Massachusetts Concrete Licensing — CSL Required
Massachusetts requires most contractors performing concrete work to hold a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) issued by the MA Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS). This is one of the stricter contractor licensing regimes in the country.
- CSL mandatory for: Any structural concrete work (foundations, footings, poured walls), driveways connected to permitted structures, and projects requiring a building permit.
- Verify CSL: Search the contractor's license at mass.gov/elicense or call BBRS at (617) 727-3200. The license number must appear on every contract.
- Home Improvement Contractor (HIC): Also required for residential projects. Separate from CSL. Verify at mass.gov/consumer-affairs.
- Permits: Most Massachusetts municipalities require a building permit for driveways, patios over a certain sq ft, and any concrete work near structures. Fees: $75–$400+ depending on municipality and project value. Never skip the permit — MA enforcement is active.
Additional Concrete Services — Massachusetts Cost Reference
| Service | Western / Central MA | Greater Boston | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation installation (poured wall) | $55–$90/LF | $75–$120/LF | Frost depth 48" drives high cost vs. other states |
| Concrete floor coating (epoxy) | $5–$9/sq ft | $7–$13/sq ft | Popular in MA garage renovations |
| Slab leveling (mudjacking) | $600–$2,200 | $900–$3,500 | Freeze-thaw heave; common in Greater Boston |
| Concrete demolition / removal | $3–$6/sq ft | $4–$8/sq ft | Boston disposal fees among highest in NE |
| Stamped concrete (patio/driveway) | $16–$24/sq ft | $20–$32/sq ft | High-end suburbs (Wellesley, Weston, Lincoln) are strong market |
| Concrete sealing | $1–$2.25/sq ft | $1.50–$3/sq ft | Every 2–3 years recommended given MA climate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Massachusetts Concrete — FAQ
A cubic yard of ready-mix concrete in Massachusetts costs $155–$192/yd³ at the batch plant in 2026, effective 4/1/26. Greater Boston averages $172–$192/yd³. Springfield and Western MA are the most affordable at $155–$165/yd³. Add $14–$22/yd³ for delivery in Greater Boston, $10–$16/yd³ elsewhere. Massachusetts is one of the most expensive concrete markets in the US due to union labor rates and regulatory requirements.
A fully installed 12×12 ft concrete patio in Greater Boston runs $2,500–$4,000 for a standard broom finish in 2026 (excavation, base, material, labor). Exposed aggregate adds $700–$1,500 over base. Stamped concrete runs $4,500–$8,000 for a 12×12. The $2,500–$4,000 fully installed estimate assumes a CSL-licensed contractor with all prep included — quotes that come in significantly below this range warrant careful scrutiny of what's included (especially base prep and permits).
A 20×20 ft slab at 4" thickness needs about 5.9 cubic yards (6.5 with overage). Installed cost: $4,800–$7,400 in Western and Central Massachusetts and $7,200–$11,200 in Greater Boston. A fully installed slab in Massachusetts includes material (4,000 PSI AE), excavation, compacted gravel base, labor, forming, and broom finish. Always verify that the quote includes all these components.
A 12×16 ft slab (192 sq ft) at 4" thickness needs about 2.8 cubic yards (3.1 with overage). Installed cost: $2,400–$3,700 in Western and Central MA and $3,400–$5,300 in Greater Boston. Material alone: $450–$600 depending on region. This is a common size for a storage shed pad, small patio, or utility slab in Massachusetts — permits are often not required at this size but check with your local building department.
A 1,500 sq ft slab at 4" thickness requires approximately 18.5 cubic yards (20.4 with 10% overage). Installed in Massachusetts: $15,000–$23,000 in Western and Central MA and $22,400–$34,700 in Greater Boston. Material alone: $2,990–$3,640. For a project this scale, budget separately for excavation ($1,500–$4,500), compacted gravel base ($3,000–$7,500), and permits ($300–$800). Total all-in cost for a 1,500 sq ft slab in Greater Boston often runs $28,000–$45,000.
Massachusetts requires all concrete footings to extend to a minimum depth of 48 inches below finished grade, per 780 CMR Table R301.2(1). This applies statewide — there are no regional exemptions for coastal or southern areas. At 48" frost depth, Massachusetts has among the deepest footing requirements in the Northeast. Compare: Rhode Island 48", Connecticut 42", New York 36"–48", New Jersey 36". Always verify the exact depth requirement with your local building inspector, as some municipalities require deeper footings for specific soil conditions.
A 20×20 ft slab at 4" thickness requires 5.9 cubic yards raw, or 6.5 yards with 10% overage. At 5" (recommended for driveways in MA): 7.4 yards raw, 8.1 with overage. Use the calculator above for an instant MA-specific estimate. When calling a Massachusetts ready-mix plant, specify 4,000 PSI air-entrained — this is the standard exterior spec for Massachusetts and most plants will include it automatically for exterior work, but it's worth confirming.
A 10×10 ft slab at 4" thickness requires about 1.2 cubic yards (1.3 with overage) — approximately 50 bags of 80 lb. At $10–$15/bag in Massachusetts (bags are more expensive here than in southern states), that's $500–$750 plus significant mixing labor. A ready-mix delivery of 1.3 yards costs $200–$260 for material in Massachusetts (plus a short-load surcharge). For any exterior pour in MA, use air-entrained ready-mix — standard bag mixes are not air-entrained and will not survive Massachusetts winters reliably.
More Resources
More Massachusetts Concrete Resources
Calculators
Nearby States
Massachusetts pricing verified against NRMCA 2026 national data, BLS OEWS cement mason wage series for Massachusetts statewide and Boston-Cambridge-Newton MSA (SOC 47-2051, 2025 release), and American Concrete pricing effective 4/1/26. Frost depth per 780 CMR Table R301.2(1). CSL licensing requirements sourced from Massachusetts BBRS. Greater Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cape Cod, and Berkshires data cross-referenced with regional batch plant surveys. Updated September 2026. Reviewed quarterly.