Earthmoving/United States

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Earthmoving Prices United States

Prices exclude sales tax where applicable. Permits may be required for major excavation work. Always get a written estimate specifying scope, machine size, and disposal arrangements.

12 service types4 cities with data

Earthmoving Prices by Service Type — United States

Prices exclude sales tax where applicable. Permits may be required for major excavation work. Always get a written estimate specifying scope, machine size, and disposal arrangements.

ServiceUnitFromAverageUp to
🚜Mini Excavator Hire (1–3t, with operator)

Compact excavator for residential site work and utility trenching

/hr$75$105$140
🚜Standard Excavator Hire (5–8t, with operator)

Mid-size excavator for foundations, grading, and drainage work

/hr$110$150$200
🚜Large Excavator Hire (12–20t, with operator)

Heavy excavator for commercial grading and large-scale site preparation

/hr$165$240$320
🚜Bobcat / Skid Steer Hire (with operator)

Skid steer for grading, backfilling, and material handling

/hr$80$110$145
📏Site Cut / Grading (per sq ft)

Cut and grade to create a level building pad or yard

/sq ft$1$2$3
⛏️Trenching (per linear foot)

Excavate trenches for utilities, drainage, or footings

/lf$6$12$18
🧱Bulk Excavation (per cubic yard)

Large volume excavation for basements, pools, or site prep

/cu yd$12$20$30
🚛Soil / Rock Removal (per cubic yard incl. haul)

Load, haul, and dispose of excavated material at a licensed facility

/cu yd$25$40$60
🧱Retaining Wall Excavation

Excavate and prepare the footing for retaining wall construction

/job$450$1,000$1,800
🏊Pool Excavation

Complete excavation of a swimming pool to engineered specifications

/job$2,200$4,000$7,000
🚗Driveway / Pad Preparation

Excavate, grade, compact, and prepare sub-base for a driveway or slab

/job$1,300$2,700$4,500
🌳Land Clearing (per sq ft)

Clear vegetation and debris from a lot ready for construction

/sq ft$1$1$2

Earthmoving prices in United States range from $1 for basic services to $7,000 for large-scale excavation and pool excavation. Prices exclude sales tax where applicable. Permits may be required for major excavation work. Always get a written estimate specifying scope, machine size, and disposal arrangements.

The most common excavation / grading services in United States include mini excavator hire, standard excavator hire, large excavator hire, bobcat hire, site cuts and levelling, trenching, bulk excavation, soil removal, retaining wall excavation, pool excavation, driveway preparation, and land clearing.

The most effective savings come from having a clear scope before quoting, ensuring good site access for the most efficient machine, batching multiple tasks into one visit, and scheduling during quieter periods. Always get 2–3 quotes for jobs over $2,000. Prices exclude sales tax where applicable. Permits may be required for major excavation work. Always get a written estimate specifying scope, machine size, and disposal arrangements.

Most local councils or authorities in United States require permits for major earthworks such as deep excavation, work near boundaries, or changes to drainage patterns. Minor works like garden levelling typically do not require a permit. Always check local requirements before starting. Prices exclude sales tax where applicable. Permits may be required for major excavation work. Always get a written estimate specifying scope, machine size, and disposal arrangements.

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