How Much Does Excavation Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Excavation costs average $3,988, with most homeowners spending between $1,662 and $6,711. Your total cost will depend on factors like your location, the size of your project, and the soil composition on your property. Budgeting properly and hiring a professional ensures your excavation project goes smoothly.

Excavation Cost Factors

Pricing factors that may affect land excavation costs include the total area, terrain and soil composition, purpose of the excavation, labor, and equipment needs. Tough projects on difficult-to-access terrain or projects requiring additional equipment or multiple machines at once are more costly than standard jobs because they require more labor.

Size and Accessibility

Many contractors charge minimum fees for residential projects. Accessibility determines the type of equipment needed and can influence labor hours. Smaller projects often require smaller, less expensive equipment. For example, renting a skid steer or backhoe for a small job costs around $100 an hour, including the operator. A full-sized excavator costs about 50% more but is a better choice for larger projects where access allows. 

Soil and Terrain

If your property has rocky terrain or hard-to-dig soil, you could pay an extra $200 to $1,200 or more. Excavating in areas with loose soil and no obstacles is easier and cheaper. But if your land is filled with trees, boulders, or clay-like soil, the job becomes more complex and costly.

Flattening Hills or Slopes

Cut and fill rates range from $1 to $12 per cubic yard. Haul distance can significantly affect excavation costs, sometimes even more than the size of the project. For example, moving earth over a few hundred feet uses less crew, equipment, fuel, and time than hauling it over five miles. These factors, along with location, accessibility, and the type of project, can cause price differences.

Labor and Equipment Costs

Renting excavation equipment costs $100 to $250 per hour, which often includes the operator. Labor rates, including equipment, usually run between $120 and $150 per hour, depending on your location. For larger projects, pros might use bigger, more efficient equipment. While these machines cost more to rent, they can reduce labor time, potentially saving you money overall.

If your job site is hard to access, contractors may need to use smaller dump trucks and spend more time moving dirt and debris, which can increase your bill. The rate often comes with a minimum number of hours—typically at least one day or eight hours. Hourly rates only apply when contracting the excavator directly; general contractors usually bid project rates instead.

Season

Winter conditions can make excavation more challenging. Frozen ground is harder to dig, and snow or ice can cause delays. While excavators have equipment to handle these conditions, working in winter might extend the project timeline and increase costs. If you're planning a project during colder months, discuss potential challenges with your contractor.

Modern equipment and technology can make winter excavation as seamless as summer construction. However, weather delays can still have an impact. Typically, general contractors absorb costs due to delays.

Land Clearing

Land clearing costs between $1,400 and $5,800. This includes removing trees, shrubs, and debris from your land. If you're having grading done at the same time, you'll spend an additional $400 to $6,500.

Dirt Removal Costs

Hauling away dirt from new foundations and in-ground pools costs between $8 and $25 per cubic yard. Access to the dirt is the largest factor. If a dump truck and backhoe have easy access to the dirt, expect to pay closer to $8 per cubic yard.

However, if access is restricted, so only smaller equipment or wheelbarrows can get close to the dirt, or the site is a long way from the removal vehicle, expect to pay closer to $25 per cubic yard.

Cleanup Costs

Soil testing and cleanup costs anywhere from $700 to $2,200. This refers to the process of testing and fixing any soil contamination issues before work begins.

Excavation Prices by Project

Here are some common excavation projects and what you might expect to pay.

Budgeting for Excavation Costs

Want to save on your excavation costs? Here are some tips to help you stay within your budget:

• Schedule your project during the off-season when contractors may offer lower rates.

• Reduce the excavation depth or area if the added scope is not needed.

• Repurpose excavated soil on-site for landscaping rather than removing it.

• Bundle related projects for potential cost savings. Make full use of equipment rentals while they’re on-site so you don’t have to rebook them again later.

• Obtain all necessary permits before digging to avoid fines and delays.

Compare rate quotes from multiple reputable land-clearing professionals or concrete removal contractors in your area.

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. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project 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.