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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.
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.
| Service | Unit | From | Average | Up 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 by City
Click a city for detailed local pricing and tips
Los Angeles
California · 3.9M
From $1
San Francisco
California · 870K
Pricing available
San Diego
California · 1.4M
Pricing available
San Jose
California · 1.0M
Pricing available
New York City
New York · 8.3M
Pricing available
Buffalo
New York · 280K
Pricing available
Houston
Texas · 2.3M
From $1
Dallas
Texas · 1.3M
Pricing available
Austin
Texas · 1.0M
Pricing available
San Antonio
Texas · 1.5M
Pricing available
Miami
Florida · 450K
Pricing available
Orlando
Florida · 310K
Pricing available
Tampa
Florida · 400K
Pricing available
Jacksonville
Florida · 950K
Pricing available
Chicago
Illinois · 2.7M
From $12
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania · 1.6M
Pricing available
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania · 300K
Pricing available
Columbus
Ohio · 905K
Pricing available
Cleveland
Ohio · 370K
Pricing available
Atlanta
Georgia · 500K
Pricing available
Boston
Massachusetts · 680K
Pricing available
Seattle
Washington · 740K
Pricing available
Phoenix
Arizona · 1.6M
Pricing available
Denver
Colorado · 715K
Pricing available
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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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