When planning a fill dirt project, buyers typically pay a per-yard price plus delivery. Main cost drivers include dirt type, quantity, distance, and local delivery fees. This guide provides practical price ranges in USD to help compare estimates and set a realistic budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Dirt (per yard) | $10 | $15 | $25 | Common unprocessed dirt with minimal rock |
| Delivery (per load or yard) | $20 | $50 | $150 | Distance and fuel surcharges apply |
| Hauling Time / Labor | $0 | $20 | $60 | Includes load-unload and minor compaction |
| Permits / Taxes | $0 | $5 | $50 | Depends on local rules |
| Subgrade Preparation | $200 | $600 | $2,000 | Site prep and leveling may be needed |
Overview Of Costs
Costs typically range from about $10 to $25 per cubic yard for fill dirt, with delivery and prep adding $20 to $150 per trip based on distance and load size. The total project price often falls between $150 and $2,500, depending on quantity, transport, and site conditions. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
Understanding where money goes helps identify savings opportunities and avoid overpaying for basic fill dirt.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $10 | $15 | $25 | Fill dirt vs. compactable or engineered fill | |
| Labor | $0 | $20 | $60 | Loader, compaction, raking | data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> |
| Delivery | $20 | $50 | $150 | Distance, access, load size | |
| Permits / Taxes | $0 | $5 | $50 | Local rules may apply | |
| Site Prep | $200 | $600 | $2,000 | Grading, compaction, moisture control | |
| Extras | $0 | $20 | $100 | Delivery surcharges, off-season fees |
What Drives Price
Dirt type, regional availability, and distance to the site are the primary price drivers for fill dirt. Engineered fill or certified soil typically costs more per yard but may reduce future site issues. Price varies with project scale, access constraints, and whether soil needs screening or moisture conditioning. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Drivers
Two niche-specific drivers to monitor: dirt type and transport distance. For example, engineered fill may cost 15–40% more per yard than simple fill, especially if moisture conditioning or compaction is required. Delivery distance adds 0.5–2.0% per mile to per-yard costs due to fuel and crew time. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to supply, demand, and labor markets. In the Northeast, expect higher delivery fees; the Midwest often offers lower hauling costs; the West may add surcharge for terrain. Typical deltas: ±10–25% between Urban, Suburban, and Rural areas. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Delivery and site work often require stacked processes—unloading, spreading, and compacting. Labor hours depend on crew size, equipment, and site accessibility. Expect 1–3 hours for small driveways and 4–12 hours for larger lot fills, with hourly rates ranging from $20 to $60 per hour per worker. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Extras & Hidden Costs
Hidden charges may appear as surcharges for weekend delivery, offload in tight spaces, or extra compaction cycles. Always confirm whether moisture conditioning, screening, or waste removal is included. Some contracts bill separately for rocks, debris, or oversized clumps. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical projects and how costs accumulate.
Basic Scenario
Spec: 6 yards of standard fill dirt, no engineered fill, delivery 10 miles, flat site. Labor minimal; quick spread. Total: $210–$390. Per-yard: $10–$15; Delivery: $20–$50. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Mid-Range Scenario
Spec: 20 yards of fill dirt with light compaction and moisture conditioning, delivery 25 miles, access average. Total: $900–$1,800. Per-yard: $15–$25; Delivery: $40–$120; Site prep: $300–$900. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Premium Scenario
Spec: 40 yards of engineered fill, moisture control, compaction, delivery 40 miles, tight access. Total: $3,000–$5,000. Per-yard: $18–$28; Delivery: $80–$180; Site prep: $1,200–$2,500; Permits: $20–$100. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Ways To Save
Shop for volume and plan delivery timing to reduce costs. Combining multiple loads, choosing standard fill over engineered fill, and scheduling outside peak seasons can lower per-yard prices. Clarify access needs early to prevent delays and extra fees. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
