Homeowners typically pay for clean fill dirt by the cubic yard or by delivered loads, with price influenced by distance, volume, and site access. The main cost drivers include material quality, delivery, and any required permits or site prep. This guide outlines typical price ranges and practical budgeting tips for clean fill dirt in the United States.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean fill dirt (material) | $10 | $25 | $40 | Per cubic yard; quality varies by source |
| Delivery (within radius) | $30 | $70 | $150 | Delivery fee may scale with distance |
| Stockpile pickup | $0 | $20 | $60 | Self-pickup saves delivery fee |
| Site prep & dumping | $50 | $200 | $500 | Includes spreading and minor leveling |
| Permits & disposal (if required) | $25 | $150 | $600 | Depends on local rules and landfill fees |
Overview Of Costs
Clean fill dirt pricing typically shows both per-cubic-yard and delivered-quantity ranges, making it easy to estimate by the project size. Material costs are the core driver, while delivery, site access, and disposal add variability. For projects under 20 cubic yards, pick-up or smaller loads can be cheaper; larger projects benefit from delivered bulk pricing. Assumptions: regional pricing, standard loose-pack soil, typical truck delivery, and no special soil treatments.
Cost Breakdown
The following table summarizes common cost components and how they contribute to the total project price. The ranges assume typical residential work with standard access and no unusual soil contamination.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $10 | $25 | $40 | Per cubic yard of clean fill dirt |
| Labor | $20 | $60 | $120 | Unloading, spreading, grading |
| Equipment | $5 | $15 | $40 | Loader, skid-steer, or bulldozer sharing |
| Delivery/Hauling | $30 | $70 | $150 | Based on distance and load size |
| Permits & Fees | $0 | $50 | $600 | Location-dependent |
| Disposal & Dump Fees | $0 | $30 | $120 | If surplus soil needs removal |
What Drives Price
Distance to the source and access to the site are primary price drivers, with delivery distance typically expanding costs in $/mile terms. Soil quality and moisture content influence how readily dirt can be used, affecting moisture handling and compaction needs. Volume discounts apply at larger scales, butoperators may impose minimums for small deliveries. Regional variability also exists due to landfill, permitting, and transport fuel costs. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across the United States due to transportation, supplier competition, and local regulations. Three typical regional patterns are outlined below.
- West Coast: Higher delivery fees often accompany abundant supply in some markets; expect $25-$40 per cubic yard material, with delivery $60-$150 depending on distance.
- Midwest/Interior: Generally solid price ranges with good access; materials $15-$30 per cubic yard, delivery $40-$100.
- South & Southeast: Competitive pricing in many areas; materials $12-$28 per cubic yard, delivery $30-$90.
Local market variations may shift overall project cost by ±15% to ±30% from regional averages. When planning, request quotes that break out material, delivery, and labor to compare apples-to-apples.
Labor, Hours & Rates
For projects requiring manual spreading or grading, labor rates commonly range from $40 to $100 per hour depending on crew size and region. A small driveway refill might need 2–4 hours of labor; larger landscape installs can require 8–16 hours or more. Use a simple estimate: labor hours × hourly rate, with a contingency for weather and access issues. Assumptions: standard equipment, no site demolition, typical access.
Ways To Save
Smart budgeting can reduce the total cost without compromising results. Bulk delivery or combining multiple loads from the same supplier often yields lower per-cubic-yard prices. Self-loading or arranging customer pickup reduces delivery fees, though it may increase labor time. Scheduling during off-peak seasons or in regions with lower fuel surcharges can also trim costs. Plan ahead and compare several quotes to capture regional price differences.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical quotes for common project sizes. These are illustrative and depend on local conditions.
-
Basic: 6 cubic yards deliver & spread
Material: $24/yd³; Delivery: $60; Labor: 3 hours at $60/hr; Total roughly $264 plus minor fees. -
Mid-Range: 15 cubic yards with grading
Material: $26/yd³; Delivery: $85; Labor: 6 hours at $75/hr; Equipment: $20; Total around $1,615 including small permit/dump fees. -
Premium: 30 cubic yards with leveling and compacting
Material: $32/yd³; Delivery: $120; Labor: 12 hours at $90/hr; Equipment: $60; Permits/fees: $150; Total near $4,540.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
