Prices for a load of fill dirt vary widely based on volume, delivery distance, and soil quality. The main cost drivers are the amount needed, transport, and any handling or site prep required. This article provides practical, dollar-for-dollar ranges to help buyers budget for fill dirt projects.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Dirt (cubic yard) | $12 | $28 | $60 | Depends on moisture, compaction, and source quality |
| Delivery (per load, 10–12 cu yd) | $140 | $260 | $520 | Includes fuel surcharge and access fees |
| Load Size (yardage) | 8–10 | 12–15 | 20–25 | Typical dump-truck or transfer-truck capacity |
| Site Prep & Access | $0 | $40 | $150 | Signs, permits, or labor for site clearing |
| Disposal & Return Dirt | $0 | $25 | $100 | Unloading fees if tipping is required |
| Optional Compaction | $0 | $20 | $80 | Compacted fill may be needed for stability |
Overview Of Costs
Initial estimate ranges show both total project costs and per-unit pricing. For a typical residential project, a buyer might need 10–20 cubic yards of fill dirt. The total project price would generally fall in the $1,200–$3,000 range, assuming mid-range delivery, modest site prep, and standard dirt quality. Per-unit pricing commonly appears as $12–$60 per cubic yard plus delivery, with higher-end dirt or long-distance hauls pushing costs higher. The exact mix of materials and services will shift totals up or down.
Assumptions: region, dirt quality, delivery distance, and crew availability.
Cost Breakdown
The breakdown below uses a table to show how a typical project might accumulate costs.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $12/yd³ | $28/yd³ | $60/yd³ | Include transport from supplier to job site |
| Labor | $0 | $40 | $120 | Site workers for unloading and spreading |
| Equipment | $0 | $15 | $50 | Delivery truck or skid-steer rental if spreading is needed |
| Permits & Fees | $0 | $0 | $50 | Local access or grading permits if required |
| Delivery/Disposal | $140 | $260 | $520 | Fuel surcharges and tipping fees |
| Taxes | $0 | $15 | $60 | Sales tax varies by state |
What Drives Price
The primary price levers are volume, distance, and dirt quality. Volume savings come from ordering larger loads, which reduces per-cubic-yard delivery costs. Distance matters because fuel and driver time add to the delivery bill; rural locations typically incur higher delivery fees or limited supplier options. Dirt quality influences price: clean fill dirt is usually cheaper than engineered fill or clay-heavy soil, and moisture level affects compactability and handling costs.
Assumptions: standard delivery equipment, typical soil types, and no unusual site constraints.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to supply, demand, and transportation networks. In the Northeast, delivery charges are often higher due to dense urban traffic and higher labor costs, leading to a regional delta of roughly ±15% compared with the national average. The Midwest may offer more competitive rates for bulk loads, with ±10% variance around average prices. In the Mountain West or West Coast, long distances to supplier yards can push delivery costs up by 15–25% for remote sites. These deltas reflect typical market conditions across three distinct regions.
Assumptions: standard regional markets; no emergency pricing.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Delivery speed and manual spreading affect total costs. If a crew spreads dirt on a large area, rates include labor hours and equipment time. A small job might require 2–4 hours of labor, while larger projects can require 8–16 hours or more, depending on site access and slope. Typical labor rates range from $40–$120 per hour for crew time, with some regions offering lower ceiling prices when multiple projects are scheduled together. Plan for potential overtime if weather or site constraints delay work.
Assumptions: standard crew size, local wage norms, good access to site.
Ways To Save
To cut costs without compromising result, consider batching deliveries, optimizing load size, and choosing appropriate dirt quality. Ordering larger loads from the same supplier reduces per-yard delivery fees. If the site allows, schedule deliveries during off-peak periods to avoid surge pricing or weekend surcharges. Compare quotes from multiple suppliers and confirm that the dirt is clean fill rather than pay-for-grade material when not required. Request a written scope that excludes unnecessary services like compaction unless needed.
Assumptions: project uses standard fill dirt; no site remediation beyond basic leveling.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Concrete examples illustrate typical quotes for three project sizes.
-
Basic: 8 cubic yards, standard clean fill, 1 delivery, minimal site prep.
- Materials: $96–$480
- Delivery: $140–$260
- Labor/Spread: $0–$60
- Total: $240–$800
- Notes: Suitable for small grading tweaks; no compaction.
-
Mid-Range: 15 cubic yards, mixed fill with minor moisture adjustment, 1–2 spreads.
- Materials: $180–$900
- Delivery: $200–$420
- Labor/Spread: $120–$360
- Total: $500–$1,680
- Notes: Potential need for light compaction or grading.
-
Premium: 25 cubic yards, engineered fill or highly moisture-controlled dirt, multiple spreads.
- Materials: $300–$1,500
- Delivery: $350–$600
- Labor/Spread: $360–$900
- Total: $1,010–$3,000
- Notes: Higher-quality fill for structural or drainage-critical areas.
Assumptions: urban or suburban site with standard access; no heavy equipment required beyond a skid-steer for spreading.
