How Much Does a Soil Test Cost in 2025?

Average Soil Test Cost

Soil Test Cost Factors

The cost of soil tests depends on on-site test labor, lab fees, and other factors.

Labor

In-depth soil tests often require a local soil engineer, geotechnical engineer, or geologist to inspect and take samples from the site. Labor costs for field work, sample collection, and on-site consultation range from $50 to $100 per hour, but most contractors operate with either a flat-rate testing fee or a day rate of $300 to $800. The actual cost depends on the type of test they’re performing and the collection complexity, number of samples, travel time, and other variables.

Lab Fees

Some tests require lab processing for complete results. Lab fees vary depending on the type of test, specialization, number of samples, and total testing time required. Chemists and lab technician labor rates are about $100 to $200 per hour or $1,000 to $2,000 per day.

Lab fees also vary depending on the organization. Private organizations are usually more expensive than public labs offered through government or university funds, which subsidize and lower costs. Public labs often focus on agricultural or environmental services, while private and commercial labs may offer greater specialization.

Area Size

Soil test expenses are relatively similar for lots of comparable sizes. However, large sites may require widespread testing to adequately represent the soil’s results. The project may affect the area size. For example, an oil tank soil test is generally restricted to the area of the tank, regardless of the lot size, while homes with multi-acre agricultural plans may require more testing.

Soil Remediation

If soil tests yield unfavorable results, such as contaminants, poor nutritional quality, or weak structures, soil remediation usually follows. Soil remediation refers to cleaning, improving, or replacing unsuitable or polluted soil. Costs vary depending on the method and scale of remediation.

Soil Test Cost by Type

Soil test costs vary, but the type of test is the main cost factor. The type of soil test you need depends on the project you’re preparing for. Basic tests are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $15 to $300, and evaluate soil for basic nutrients and composition for landscaping and gardening purposes. Specialized tests can reach $5,000 or more and are generally part of site preparation for construction projects.

Basic Soil Profile

Ranging from $270 to $300, basic soil profile testing provides an overview of the soil’s composition and quality, describing its texture and general characteristics down to the bedrock. It determines levels of various nutrients, including:

• Nitrogen

• Phosphorus

• Calcium

• Sulfur

• Magnesium

• Iron

• Copper

• Potassium

These tests allow you to strategize amendments or fertilizers when planning gardens or landscaping. While more comprehensive than other tests, basic profiles don’t identify or measure contaminants.

Garden Soil Test

Garden soil tests cost $15 to $200 and provide basic information for gardening purposes. Lower-end tests measure pH levels, nitrogen, potassium, and other trace minerals, while high-end tests provide more comprehensive analysis and measurements.

Lawn Soil Test

Also called turf tests, lawn soil tests serve a similar purpose as garden soil tests but focus on key nutrients for growing grass and other greenery. These tests cost between $20 and $100. More costly tests require lab processing but provide detailed results that help optimize lawn health.

Soil Texture Test

Soil texture tests range from $35 to $75 and determine the basic composition of your soil. Different soil types carry qualities that make them more or less ideal for certain purposes. Understanding the proportions of sandy, loamy, clay, silt, or chalky soil provides information that helps when selecting plants or amending soil.

Sulfur and Boron Test

Sulfur helps break down carbon in soil, and plants and crops rely on boron for growth. Both are essential nutrients for plant health. For about $25 to $100, a test can confirm their presence and amount in your soil.

Heavy Metal Screening

Heavy metal tests average $70 to $200 and are important for concerns about harmful soil contamination. This test checks broadly for the presence and concentration of heavy metals, such as:

• Lead

• Arsenic

• Cadmium

• Chromium

• Nickel

• Selenium

• Copper

Organic Content Analysis

Organic content analysis tests range from $40 to $60 and determine the soil’s percentage of organic matter. Organic matter is made of decomposing plant and animal tissue that boosts soil fertility and prevents erosion. It should range from 3% to 6% of soil content.

Oil Tank Soil Test

Oil tank soil tests cost between $600 and $675. Regulations typically require these tests if you’re removing a tank or suspect a leak or soil contamination, which poses health and environmental hazards. Oil tank soil tests involve taking numerous soil samples from around the tank’s perimeter and processing them at a lab.

Soil Gravity Test

Soil gravity tests, which range from $50 to $80, measure soil density to determine its water capacity and drainage abilities. These tests are important for landscaping or growing a garden because moisture retention and drainage are crucial for plant health. This test is separate from percolation tests, as it provides an overview rather than an in-depth analysis.

Geotechnical Survey

Geotechnical surveys aren’t just one test but a series of tests that assess the site’s suitability for construction projects. These pre-construction soil tests cost between $1,000 and $5,000, although large or complex development sites may cost substantially more.

Performed by soil engineers or geologists, geotechnical surveys include tests that measure the composition, compaction, drainage, and various other features of the soil. These assessments provide essential insight into the soil’s quality and what kind of construction it can support.

Soil boring tests are the most costly, starting at $800 for two 15-foot boreholes. Costs can exceed $1,500 for additional boreholes or added depth.

Budgeting for Soil Testing

High-quality soil testing is necessary for accurate information. Compromising soil report costs and proceeding with incorrect or limited information can lead to more expensive corrections and fines later. Try these strategies to get the most value from your investment:

• Get multiple quotes from soil testing companies.

• Look for contractors who specialize in your specific soil testing needs.

• Bundle services and tests together, such as basic profiles with soil amendment or aeration.

• Focus on the tests relevant to your project, such as landscaping or construction.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.