buyers commonly pay a per yard price for premix concrete that includes the mix, delivery, and basic placement. The cost per yard varies by strength, additives, and regional delivery fees. This article lays out current price ranges, typical drivers, and practical ways to compare quotes for a yard of premix concrete.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premix concrete (2000–2500 psi) | $110 | $140 | $170 | Standard residential mix |
| Delivery/hauling | $60 | $110 | $180 | Distance-based; may include fuel surcharge |
| Pumped placement | $50 | $90 | $140 | Flat rate or per hour |
| Color/accelerators/additives | $0 | $10 | $60 | Per yard depending on material |
| Taxes/permits | $0 | $5 | $15 | Regional requirements |
Average Cost Breakdown Per Yard by Mix Type and Strength
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 4-inch thickness for slabs, 8–12 cubic yards total for delivery routing, typical ready-mix supplier margins.
Premix concrete costs per yard vary primarily with strength (psi) and additives. For a common 3000–3500 psi mix, expect $120–$150 per yard delivered, with a pump-and-placement add-on of $60–$120 per yard if needed. Higher-strength mixes (4000–5000 psi) commonly push toward $150–$180 per yard, not including premium finishes.
| Strength/Grade | Low | Average | High | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000–3500 psi | $110 | $135 | $165 | Residential slabs, driveways |
| 3500–4000 psi | $120 | $145 | $170 | Garage floors, light commercial |
| 4000–5000 psi | $130 | $160 | $185 | Industrial or heavy-use areas |
Labor and Delivery Factors That Drive Premix Price
Assumptions: standard 4-inch slab, single delivery route, no on-site batching.
Delivery distance, access, and pump requirements are major price levers. Shorter trips with accessible sites reduce fees; remote locations or restricted access can double transport costs. Pumping adds about $60–$120 per yard on average, depending on height and reach.
| Factor | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery distance | $40 | $90 | $150 | Based on miles |
| Pump placement | $50 | $90 | $130 | Per yard, varies by height |
| Labor on site | $0 | $5 | $15 | Minimal crew time for small pours |
| Site prep alignment | $0 | $5 | $20 | Form work, edge finishing prep |
Regional Variations in Premix Cost Per Yard
Assumptions: typical urban to suburban sites, standard four-inch thick slab, standard access.
Region matters more than most assume. The West Coast and Northeast often see higher baseline pricing due to logistics and labor costs, while the South and Midwest generally run lower averages. Typical ranges per yard are roughly $120–$190 in higher-cost markets and $110–$150 in mid- to lower-cost markets.
| Region | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast | $130 | $170 | $190 | Higher delivery and labor costs |
| Northeast | $125 | $165 | $180 | Urban access and permits impact |
| Midwest | $110 | $140 | $170 | Generally more affordable delivery |
| Southeast | $110 | $140 | $165 | Conservative price ranges |
Project Scope and Add-Ons That Change the Total Cost
Assumptions: standard slab with no decorative finish, no curly edges, no curb pours.
Add-ons and scope changes drive per-yard cost in predictable ways. Epoxy or color enhancements can add $6–$20 per square yard if priced per yard, while stamping or texturing may push total by $0–$40 per yard equivalents. Also consider necessary edge forms, sub-base preparation, and curing blankets as part of the overall cost package.
| Add-On | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color/ Integral pigment | $0 | $8 | $25 | Per yard |
| Stamping/Texture | $0 | $20 | $40 | Per yard equivalent |
| Edge forms/finishing | $0 | $5 | $15 | Per yard lineal measure |
| Base prep (gravel, compaction) | $0 | $5 | $20 | Site dependent |
Size of Order How Yards Affects Unit Price
Assumptions: single project, contiguous pour, standard mix.
Buying more yards can lower the per-yard price due to routing efficiencies. For small pours under 5 yards, delivery and minimum charges may dominate. Pours in the 10–40 yard range commonly show modest discounts, with per-yard prices trending toward the mid-range of regional norms.
| Order Size (yards) | Low per Yard | Average per Yard | High per Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | $120 | $140 | $170 | Delivery minimum often applies |
| 5–9 | $115 | $135 | $165 | Better routing efficiency |
| 10–20 | $110 | $130 | $160 | Most favorable unit prices |
| 21+ yards | $105 | $125 | $155 | Volume discounts common |
Example Scenarios for Driveway and Slab Projects
Scenario A: 20 yards of 3000–3500 psi premix delivered for a residential driveway, 4 inches thick, standard finish. Scenario B: 8 yards of 4000 psi mix for a garage floor with minor decorative color, pump-assisted placement. Scenario C: 15 yards for a small patio slab with stamped texture and integral color.
Assumptions: mid-range regional delivery, standard formulation, no major site constraints.
Scenario A typical range: $2,600–$3,400 total before tax, including delivery and basic finish.
| Scenario | Yards | Per Yard | Delivery | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Driveway | 20 | $135 | $110 | $3,310 |
| B Garage Floor | 8 | $150 | $90 | $1,560 |
| C Patio With Color | 15 | $140 | $100 | $2,800 |
