Excavation Costs in 2025: Land Clearing and Earthwork Pricing
Excavation costs $50-$200 per cubic yard, with site clearing adding $1,500-$5,000 per acre. Learn what drives earthwork pricing and how to estimate your project.
Excavation Costs in 2025: Land Clearing and Earthwork Pricing
Excavation is often the first—and least predictable—phase of construction. Hidden conditions like rock, water, or contaminated soil can dramatically affect costs. Understanding pricing factors helps you budget appropriately and recognize when bids seem unrealistic.
Current Excavation Pricing (2025)
Excavation by Volume
| Soil Condition | Cost per Cubic Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard soil | $50–$100 | Clay, loam, sandy soil |
| Rocky soil | $100–$200 | Requires breaker attachment |
| Solid rock | $150–$300 | May need blasting |
| Contaminated | $200–$500+ | Special handling required |
Common Project Costs
| Project Type | Typical Range | Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation dig | $1,500–$6,000 | Size, depth, access |
| Pool excavation | $2,000–$10,000 | Size, soil, access |
| Land grading (per acre) | $1,000–$4,000 | Slope, amount of cut/fill |
| Utility trenching | $5–$15/linear ft | Depth, width, soil |
| Tree/stump removal | $150–$500 each | Size, root system |
These prices assume reasonable site access for standard equipment. Restricted access requiring smaller equipment or hand digging increases costs 30–100%.
What Drives Excavation Costs
Soil Conditions: The single biggest cost variable. Soft, dry soil excavates quickly; wet clay, rock, or debris-laden fill requires specialized equipment and more time.
Site Access: Can standard equipment reach the work area? Tight lots requiring mini excavators or track machines cost more per yard. Backyard pools with fence-only access may require hand digging portions.
Disposal Requirements: Clean fill can often be hauled away free or sold. Contaminated soil or construction debris may cost $30–$75 per ton for proper disposal.
Water Management: High water tables or rainy-season work requires pumping, possibly well points or sheet piling—adding thousands to project costs.
Permit Requirements: Some jurisdictions require soil testing, erosion control plans, or archeological surveys before excavation permits are issued.
Regional Cost Variations
| Region | Cost Multiplier | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | 1.2–1.5× | Rocky soil common, shorter season |
| Southeast | 0.9–1.1× | Easier soil, year-round work |
| Midwest | 1.0–1.2× | Variable soil conditions |
| West Coast | 1.3–1.6× | Regulations, seismic requirements |
| Mountain West | 1.2–1.4× | Rock, access challenges |
Urban projects run 20–40% higher than rural due to traffic control, limited work hours, and disposal logistics.
How to Estimate Excavation Volume
Basic Volume Calculation
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic yards
For a 30×40 foot foundation dig, 4 feet deep:
- 30 × 40 × 4 = 4,800 cubic feet
- 4,800 ÷ 27 = 178 cubic yards
Account for Swell Factor
Excavated soil expands 20–40% from its in-ground state (called "swell"):
- Clay: 30–40% swell
- Sandy soil: 10–20% swell
- Rock: 50–70% swell
For hauling calculations, multiply in-place volume by swell factor:
- 178 cubic yards × 1.30 = 231 cubic yards to haul
Bank vs. Loose Measurement
Contractors may quote prices by "bank" (in-place) or "loose" (after excavation) cubic yards. Always clarify which measurement applies to avoid 20–40% pricing confusion.
Equipment Costs and Capabilities
| Equipment | Daily Rental | Production Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mini excavator | $200–$350 | 30–50 cy/day |
| Standard excavator | $400–$700 | 100–200 cy/day |
| Large excavator | $800–$1,500 | 300–500 cy/day |
| Skid steer | $200–$350 | 50–100 cy/day |
| Dump truck | $400–$600 | 10–15 cy per load |
For DIY-friendly projects, mini excavators can be rented from equipment dealers. However, underground utility strikes and property damage liability make professional excavation advisable for most work.
Hidden Cost Factors
Underground surprises: Old foundations, buried tanks, unexpected rock, or unmarked utilities can halt work and require change orders. Budget 10–20% contingency for unknown conditions.
Dewatering: If groundwater is encountered, pumping costs $500–$2,000 per day plus potential permit requirements.
Soil disposal: Clean fill often finds takers for free. Anything questionable requires testing ($500–$1,500) before disposal facilities will accept it.
Compaction requirements: If excavated material will be used as backfill, compaction testing ($300–$600) may be required to meet building code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permits for excavation? Most jurisdictions require permits for excavation over a certain depth (typically 4–5 feet) or within setback distances from property lines. Foundation and pool excavations always require permits.
How do I know if there's rock on my site? Request a geotechnical report ($1,000–$3,000) for large projects. For smaller work, ask neighbors about their experiences and check local geological maps. Some contractors offer test pits at reasonable cost.
Can excavated soil be reused? Yes, if it's suitable quality. Topsoil should be stockpiled separately for final grading. Subsoil can be used for fill if it meets compaction requirements. Avoid reusing soil with high organic content or debris.
What's the difference between excavation and grading? Excavation removes soil from a specific area (dig a hole). Grading redistributes soil across a site to achieve desired slopes and elevations. Many projects require both.
Next Steps
Use our Excavation Calculator to estimate cubic yards for your project, accounting for swell factors and equipment productivity.
For projects over 100 cubic yards, we recommend getting at least three contractor bids after a site visit—phone quotes without seeing the site are unreliable.