Concreter Prices in Australia for 2026: What Homeowners Can Expect

Concreter prices in 2026 average $92.27 per square metre, based on the latest data from ServiceSeeking.com.au, with minimum rates starting from $10.00 per square metre for basic work. Jobs quoted by the day cost an average $848.82, or around $106.10 per hour, with most concreting work now priced per square metre rather than by time.

Average Concreter Prices in 2026

Across all concreting jobs listed on ServiceSeeking.com.au, pricing varies depending on job size, preparation work, and finish type. However, clear patterns emerge in how concreters quote their work.

Typical concreter rates

• Minimum price per square metre: $10.00
• Average price per square metre: $92.27

For jobs quoted by the day:

• Minimum daily rate: $250.00
• Average daily rate: $848.82
• Average hourly equivalent (8-hour day): $106.10

These figures show that while low per-square-metre rates exist, they usually apply to very basic pours with minimal preparation. Most homeowners should expect pricing closer to the average once excavation, reinforcement, and finishing are included.

How Concreter Jobs Are Quoted in 2026

Unlike trades that often rely on hourly pricing, concreting is largely measured work. Based on our data:

• 70% of concreter quotes are priced per square metre
• 10% are quoted per day

Per-square-metre pricing is the dominant model because it allows concreters to factor in concrete volume, labour, reinforcement, and finishing in a single rate. This approach is most common for driveways, paths, slabs, and patios, where the scope is clearly defined.

Daily rates are more likely for jobs involving repairs, formwork, or preparatory work where conditions on-site can change. In these cases, concreters may not be able to accurately estimate the total time required upfront.

What’s Usually Included in a Square Metre Rate

When comparing concreter prices, it’s important to understand what’s included in the quote. An average per-square-metre rate often covers basic labour and materials, but inclusions can vary significantly.

In many cases, the quoted price allows for standard concrete thickness, simple formwork, and a basic broom or trowel finish. Costs can increase if the job requires excavation, removal of old concrete, steel reinforcement, complex shapes, or decorative finishes such as exposed aggregate.

This is why two quotes with the same square metre rate can still result in different final costs once all site-specific details are considered.

Why Concreter Prices Vary So Much

Concreter prices are influenced by more than just surface area. Site access plays a major role, especially if concrete pumps or wheelbarrows are required to move material over long distances. Ground conditions, slope, and drainage requirements can also affect labour time and preparation work.

Finish type is another major cost driver. Plain concrete is typically the most affordable option, while coloured concrete, exposed aggregate, or polished finishes require additional materials and labour, increasing the per-square-metre rate.

Finally, job size matters. Larger pours often benefit from better value per square metre, while very small jobs may attract higher rates to cover minimum labour and setup costs.

Is Hourly Pricing Still Used?

Hourly pricing is far less common for concreting than for other trades. While the average daily rate equates to around $106 per hour, most concreters prefer square metre pricing because it reflects the physical output of the job rather than time alone.

Hourly or daily rates may still apply for repairs, remedial work, or preparation tasks where the exact scope cannot be confirmed until work begins.

How to Get an Accurate Concrete Quote

The best way to understand concreter prices for your specific project is to provide clear details upfront. Accurate measurements, photos of the site, and information about access and finishes allow concreters to quote more precisely and reduce the likelihood of price changes later.

Comparing multiple quotes also helps homeowners understand what’s reasonable for their area and project type, particularly when square metre rates vary.