Retaining Wall Installation Labor Rates 2026: Akron OH Trade Guide

Price source: Costs shown are derived from our proprietary U.S. construction cost database (updated continuously from contractor/bid/pricing inputs and normalization rules).

Eva Steinmetzer-Shaw

Head of Marketing

Installation Labor Rates 2026: Retaining Wall Costs in Akron, OH

In Akron, Ohio, the cost for retaining wall projects is approximately $32 to $40 per square foot for poured concrete systems, which includes labor and materials. When using medium-grade materials like interlocking concrete blocks, the cost can range from $20 to $39 per square foot based on project complexity. For a standard 4 ft tall, 25 ft long wall (100 sf), costs range between $3,200 and $3,600. Labor crews typically charge $50–$75 per hour, accounting for 40-60% of the total project cost.

Component	Cost Range (USD)	Notes
Poured Concrete Wall	$32–$40 per sf	Includes labor and materials
Interlocking Block	$20–$39 per sf	Gravity-set, standard trade assembly
Average Crew Labor	$50–$75 per hour	Skilled construction crew rate
Typical 100 sf Wall Installed	$3,200–$3,600	Based on median for poured concrete

Construction Crew Costs Analysis

Material impact: Concrete block systems reduce labor hours, while natural stone increases both material and labor costs.
Excavation risks: Site preparation can significantly add to costs.
Permit and engineering: Walls exceeding 3-4 feet often require permits and engineering, increasing expenses.

Avoiding Overestimation of Labor Costs

To avoid inflated bids, maintain precise cost control: use current rates, separate labor and materials costs, and consider site challenges. Track crew hours and model scenarios to hone estimates. For instance, a $75/hour crew rate on a 16-hour job yields $1,200 in labor for a straightforward 100 sf wall, but if conditions are optimal, costs could be reduced to $800, saving 33%.

Trade-Pro Tools & Actionable Tips

Use a simple crew labor calculator with scope, crew rate, and productivity inputs.
Adopt benchmarks: block walls ~6-8 sf/hr, concrete ~10 sf/hr if easily accessible.
Set aside 10-15% for unforeseen conditions.
Update rate cards annually to align with market changes.

Summary for Contractors

In Akron, expect a labor-inclusive price of $32–$40 per sf for concrete and $20–$39 per sf for block systems. Crew labor typically ranges from $50–$75/hour, constituting 40-60% of total costs. This structured approach aids in precise estimates and competitive bidding.