How Much to Charge to Shovel a Driveway

Snow Removal Prices

The average cost of residential snow removal is $30 to $100 for up to 6" and $30 per additional 6". Snow plowers charge $25 to $75 per hour, with contract prices at $200 to $600 per season. Commercial snow plowing rates are $50 to $200 per hour for parking lots and $150 to $350 per acre for salting.

Snow Removal Pricing Calculator

Contractors charge using various snow removal pricing formulas depending on the job size, season length, amount of expected snowfall for the year, depth of snow, and the estimated time to complete the job. Prices are typically derived from hourly rates instead of charging per square foot.

Snow Removal Pricing Calculator

Unit	Average Cost	Description
Per Hour	$25 – $75	Typically charged for shoveling, blowing, or throwing.
Per Visit	$30 – $70	Each time an area is cleared with no additional services.
Per Event	$30 – $100	Charged per storm, in areas with short periods or light snowfall.
Per Season	$200 – $600	Coverage for the entire season, with an upward limit on visits.
Per Month	$100 – $300	Sometimes charged in areas with short periods or light snowfall.
Per Inch	$60 – $100	For the first 4 to 6 inches of snow; Add $3 to $10 per each additional inch.

DIY snow shoveling is a labor-intensive hassle and poses a risk for injury. Hiring a snow removal service saves you time, is much safer, and is cheaper than renting tools for every snowstorm.

Average Cost of Snow Removal

National Average Cost	$81
Minimum Cost	$25
Maximum Cost	$2,000
Average Range	$44 to $128

Table of Contents

1. Snow Removal Prices
   • Pricing Calculator
2. Snow Removal Service Cost
   • Plowing Rates
   • Blowing Estimates
   • Shoveling Charges
   • Salt Spreading
3. Snow Removal Rates By Location
   • Driveway
   • Roof
   • Parking Lot
   • Sidewalk
4. How Much Do Pros Charge For Snow Removal?
   • Removal vs. Plowing
   • Contracts
   • Residential vs. Commercial
   • Driveway Size
   • Other Conditions
5. DIY Snow Removal Costs
   • Tools & Rental
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Hiring A Snow Removal Service
8. Snow Removal Near Me

Snow Removal Service Cost

Most snow removal services charge $25 to $75 per hour or between $200 to $600 per season, depending on the location and size of the area to clear. Contractors calculate how much to charge based on hourly rates to operate, equipment, and overhead.

Snow Removal Service Cost

Service	Average Cost
Shoveling	$25 – $75 per hour
Blowing	$25 – $75 per hour
Plowing	$30 – $100 per visit
Roof Raking	$200 – $500 per visit
Salt Spreading	$20 – $65 per application
Commercial	$50 – $150 per hour

Snow removal companies may use a combination of methods to clear your driveway and sidewalk depending on the depth of snow and size of the area. Ask upfront what equipment will be used and where the snow will be moved to on your property.

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Snow Plowing Rates

Snow plowing rates are $30 to $70 per visit on average or between $200 and $600 for a seasonal contract with a limited number of visits. Plowing an average driveway under 70' ranges from $30 to $50 on average.

Snow Blowing Estimates

A snow blowing service charges $25 to $75 per hour per worker, which is the same as shoveling. Homeowners can expect to spend between $40 and $75 per visit, depending on the size of the area and depth of the snow.

Snow Shoveling Charges

Professionals charge $25 to $75 per hour per worker for shoveling snow depending on the size and type of area to be cleared. Homeowners should expect to pay $30 to $70 per visit for snow shoveling the average driveway.

Snow Salt Spreading Rates

Snow salt spreading rates are $20 to $65 per application of 1,000-square-feet depending on the amount of salt used. Some companies charge $5 to $15 per bag of salt spread. Spreading salt leads to melting and prevents snow or rain from being able to freeze.

Cost To Salt A Parking Lot

The average cost to salt a parking lot is $2 to $3 per 1,000 square feet on small jobs or $150 to $350 per acre, which uses 500 to 1000 lbs. of salt. Bulk snow salt costs $100 to $200 per ton depending on the availability.

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Snow Removal Rates By Location

Snow removal rates average between $25 and $75 per hour depending on the location and the amount of snowfall. A sidewalk and driveway plowing combo costs $30 to $100 per visit, while roof snow removal costs $200 to $500 on average.

Average Cost of Snow Removal

Location	Average Cost
Sidewalk	$25 – $75 per hour
Driveway	$30 – $70 per visit
Roof	$200 – $500 per visit
Parking Lot	$50 – $200 per hour

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Average Cost To Remove Snow From Driveway

Snow plowing a driveway costs $30 to $70 per visit on average. The average price to snowblow a steep or gravel driveway costs $50 to $100 or more. Driveway snow removal sometimes includes the sidewalk and costs depend on the length, condition, slope, design, and material of the driveway.

Driveway Plowing Prices

Type	Average Cost Per Storm
Standard Driveway (up to 90')	$30 – $70
Steep or Gravel Driveway	$50 – $100+

Plowing costs less than snow hauling or removal. Be sure to discuss with your company where the snow will be piled up, or if it will be removed.

Heated Driveways & Mats Cost

A heated driveway costs $12 to $25 per square foot depending on if you need to demolish an existing driveway to install the heating system. Portable snow-melt mats cost $60 to $400 for a small walkway size and between $700 and $2,500 to cover a driveway.

Heated Driveways & Mats Cost

Type	Average Cost
Walkway Mat	$60 – $400
Driveway Mat	$700 – $2,500
Heated Driveway	$12 – $25 per square foot

Heated mats can be embedded in concrete or put down before snowfall. For heated driveways, cables are built into the concrete that are controlled manually or through an automatic system. Electricity costs to heat two tire tracks are $0.44 per hour up to $2.00 per hour for full two-car coverage.

Heated driveways often come with a 10-year warranty, making them more efficient than snow blowers over time.

Roof Snow Removal Cost

Roof snow removal costs $200 to $500 on average or between $50 and $100 per hour depending on the size and the amount of snow and ice. For larger homes with difficult roof access, contractors charge $1,000 to $2,000.

Roof Snow Removal Cost

Type	Average Cost
Standard	$200 – $500
Large or Steep	$1,000 – $2,000

Clearing the snow off your roof prevents damage and is only necessary with heavy or prolonged snowfall. Professionals recommend clearing the snow off for every six inches that accumulates.

Cost To Install Roof Heating Cables

Roof heating cable systems costs $5 to $15 per linear foot, with most homeowners spending $500 to $1,500 for both materials and installation. Heated cables melt the snow, prevent ice dams, and replaces the need to hire a contractor each year.

Snow Plowing Rates For Parking Lots

Snow plowing rates for commercial parking lots are $50 to $150 per hour, while snow removal prices run $80 to $200 per hour. Rates include salting and sanding and depend on the location and size of the parking lot.

Placing snow markers or reflectors helps the professional gauge the parking lot and complete the job faster. Also, getting a seasonal contract for snow hauling is more cost-effective.

Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Charges

Residential sidewalk snow shoveling and blowing costs $25 to $75 per hour on average. Many states have regulations requiring public sidewalks to be cleared of snow within a specific time frame, or you could be fined. Some Homeowners' Associations include all or part of the plowing costs in HOA dues.

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How Much Do Pros Charge For Snow Removal?

When determining how much to charge, professionals use the following snow removal pricing guide.

Snow Removal Pricing Guide

Snow removal services typically charge on a per hour, event, or inch basis depending on the size of the property and if it's residential or commercial. All pricing is calculated from labor costs per hour per person, plus equipment, overhead, and profit.

1. Snow removal vs. plowing
2. One time vs. contract
3. Residential vs. commercial
4. Type of equipment used
5. Number of workers and estimated time required
6. Additional services such as salt spreading
7. Insurance, overhead, and profit

Snow Removal vs. Snow Plowing

Snow plowing moves snow from the driveway to another part of the property. The addition of snow removal includes loading the snow onto trucks and hauling it away. Removal requires extra equipment and labor, which increases the overall costs. Be sure your contract clearly states if removal is included.

Snow Removal vs. Snow Plowing

	Removal	Plowing
Pros	Removes snow and banks Safer for heavy snowfalls Reduces ice from melted snow	Cheaper Takes less time Only needs one contractor and a plow
Cons	More expensive Requires more time, equipment, and contractors	Leaves snowbanks and berms Creates ice hazards from snowmelt Remaining snow can hinder landscaping

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Snow Removal Contract Prices

Seasonal snow removal contract prices are $200 to $600 on average, depending on the property size. Contracts typically have an upward limit of visits with extra costs for additional clearings. Ask about discounts for multi-year contracts, or if unused visits can be turned in for lawn care.

Residential vs. Commercial Snow Removal Pricing

Residential snow removal costs about half that of commercial. Commercial snow plowing prices are higher due to needing multiple contractors, more equipment, salting and sanding, and clearing larger areas like parking lots. Contractors may need to visit the property multiple times during a snowstorm to keep the business operational.

Residential vs. Commercial Snow Plowing Pricing Guide

Frequency	Residential	Commercial
Per Hour	$25 – $75	$50 – $200
Per Visit	$30 – $100	$60 – $150+

Driveway Size & Design

The size and design of your driveway impact the overall removal costs. Extra-long driveways cost an extra $40 to $80 per each additional 100' of clearing. Removing snow from steep, curvy, dirt, or gravel driveways costs more and takes longer to clear and de-ice.

Other Conditions

• Response time is critical, especially after a significant storm, and contractors typically have a waiting list. Some states have regulations to clear snow within a specific time frame; else, you can face fines. Ask contractors their average response time upfront.
• In locations with little snowfall, service providers typically charge more. For areas with regular snowfall, contracts are usually based on average total snowfall expected for the year.

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DIY Snow Removal Costs

DIY snow removal is relatively inexpensive, but it's labor-intensive and poses a risk for injury. Purchasing or renting equipment will be your largest expense. The type of tools needed depends on the average amount of snow in your area and how often you'll clear your driveway and sidewalk.

Even if you plan on shoveling the snow yourself, it's smart to have a snow removal contractor on call. Don't wait until it snows; companies tend to get booked up quickly during heavy storms.

DIY Snow Removal Tools

DIY Snow Removal Tools

Equipment	Average Cost
Shovel	$15 – $40
Electric Shovel	$60 – $200
Snow Pusher	$30 – $150
Snow Broom	$10 – $30
Ice Chopper	$15 – $30
Roof Rake	$25 – $80
Roof Rake Extensions	$6 – $17
Roof Heat Cables	$25 – $250
Roof Fence Brackets (kit)	$25 – $90
Roof Snow Guards (kit)	$50 – $400
Driveway Marker	$20 – $50
Snow Salt (per bag)	$10 – $30
Heat Mats – Small	$60 – $400
Heat Mats – Large	$600 – $2,000
Heated Driveways (per square foot)	$12 – $25
Salt Spreaders	$150 – $300
Salt Storage	$40 – $100
De-icer (per lb.)	$0.40 – $3

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DIY Snow Plow Rental

The average cost of renting a snow plow for a truck is $650 per month, while an ATV or UTV plow rents for $150 a month. Another option for contractors or large properties is renting a skid steer for $700 to $1,500 per month on average.

Snow Plow Rental Cost

Vehicle	Daily	Weekly	Monthly
ATV or UTV Plow	$20	$60	$150
Truck or SUV Plow	$60	$220	$650
Skid Steer w/ Cab & Bucket Plow	--	--	$700 – $1,500

*Plowing places stress on your vehicles, which can lead to costly repairs.

What Is The Best Way To Remove Snow?

Slow removal is a strenuous endeavor. While there isn't one right way to remove snow, there are a few things that will make it easier.

1. Get the right equipment for the amount of snowfall in your area.
2. Spreading salt before expected snowfall helps make the process easier.
3. Put driveway markers down.
4. Plan to shovel in stages and remove the snow every two to five inches.
5. Avoid stepping on and packing down the snow.
6. Clear snow from around the cars and tires first.
7. Avoid leaving snowbanks at the edges of walkways or driveways.
8. Have a snow removal service on call for heavy snow events or times when you are unavailable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Snow Removal Service Worth It?

Hiring a snow removal service is worth in areas with a lot of snowfall. DIY snow removal is possible in locations with light or infrequent snowfall, and if you are physically up to the task. Always have a snow removal contractor on call for when heavy storms hit or when you are unable to shovel it yourself.

How Much Is A Snow Blower?

A gas-powered snow blower costs $400 to $1,200 to buy or around $75 per day to rent. Electric snow blower or thrower prices are $100 to $250 on average and are excellent for flat driveways or snow coverage of 4 inches or less. Additional costs apply for ongoing operations and maintenance.

Snow Blower Prices

Power Source	Average Cost	Best For
Electric	$100 – $250	Small driveways Light, powder snow Less than 8 inches per event
Gas	$400 – $1,200	All driveways and walkways Heavy, packed, wet snow 8 to 20+ inches per event

How Much Does A Snow Plow Cost?

The average cost to buy a snow plow attachment for a truck is $1,000 to $2,500. Snowplow kits for ATVs and UTVs cost $200 to $800 on average. Additional costs apply for installation and mounting, operational costs such as gas, and ongoing maintenance. Plus, using a plow requires some experience.

Snow Plow Cost

Vehicle Type	Average Cost
ATV or UTV	$200 – $800
Truck or SUV	$1,000 – $2,500

Can You Snow Plow a Gravel Driveway?

Plowing gravel driveways and surfaces requires putting shoes on the plow and adjusting the blade to a half-inch above the ground. This prevents digging into and damaging the gravel in most cases. Before plowing, be sure to resurface your gravel driveway to fix wheel ruts, potholes, and tilted sections.

What Is The Best Snow Removal Equipment?

The best snow removal equipment depends on the size of your driveway and the amount of snowfall. Snow plows are recommended for long driveways, while a snow blower is best for short driveways or sidewalks. In places with heavy snowfall, roof heating cables are the best way to remove snow.

What is the Cheapest Way to Remove Snow?

Buying a snow shovel for about $20 and manually removing the snow all season is the cheapest way. However, shoveling snow by hand is time-consuming and can lead to injuries. The next cheapest way to remove snow is by renting a plow or blower, followed by hiring a professional.

How Much Does Snow Removal Insurance Cost?

Snow removal insurance costs $29 to $40 per month for residential homeowners. General liability insurance for a snow plow business costs $400 to $1,000 per year, plus $900 a year for a commercial auto policy and $400 annually for a business owner's policy.

Still have questions? Ask a snow removal pro. View Pros

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Hiring A Snow Removal Contractor

There are over 10,000 snow removal related injuries each year. Hiring a professional contractor saves you time, is much safer, and is cheaper than renting tools over and over. Be sure to:

• Get at least 3 competing quotes.
• Read their reviews on HomeGuide, BBB, and Google and look for reliability.
• Check for licensing and insurance.
• Never wait until it snows. Sign your contract during the summertime to save.
• Book a year-round contract for both lawn care and snow removal to save.
• Ask your neighbors what they are paying, so you know what to expect.

Questions To Ask

1. What snow removal services do you offer? (Plowing, Blowing, or Salting)
2. Do you have insurance?
3. How long have you been in business?
4. What is your average response time? Do I have to call each time?
5. Do you offer lawn care services or package deals?
6. What type of contracts do you offer? (Seasonal, Per event, Hourly)
7. Can my unused snow removal visits be turned in for lawn care?

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How Much to Charge to Shovel a Driveway

Source: https://homeguide.com/costs/snow-removal-cost

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