Clean Fill Dirt Cost Guide: Price and Budget Ranges 2026
Clean fill dirt cost is driven by location, supply quality, load size, and delivery distance. Typical price ranges reflect material purity, moisture, and hauling. The following numbers give a practical estimate for U.S. buyers seeking clean fill for grading, backfill, or landscaping projects.
Cost and price considerations are central to planning: expect delivery fees, compaction needs, and any permitting or disposal rules to affect total budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean fill dirt (per yard) | $12 | $22 | $40 | Includes material only; compacted value varies by moisture |
| Delivery (per load, 10–16 yd) | $120 | $250 | $450 | Distance-based; may require minimums |
| Labor & placement (hours) | $60 | $180 | $420 | Includes spreading and light compaction; varies by site access |
| Equipment (if rented) | $50 | $150 | $350 | Skid steer, loader, or compactor; rental duration matters |
| Permits, if required | $0 | $50 | $300 | Local rules vary; some areas do not require permits |
| Delivery/Disposal fees | $0 | $40 | $150 | May apply to disposal of existing material |
Overview Of Costs
Typical project ranges include material, delivery, and handling; per-yard costs reflect moisture and compaction needs. A small backyard fill project may total under $1,000, while larger grading or backfill jobs can exceed $5,000 when multiple loads are needed and site work is extensive.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | What affects it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $12/yd | $22/yd | $40/yd | Moisture content, purity, fines content |
| Labor | $40/hr | $60/hr | $110/hr | Access, site slope, compaction requirements |
| Equipment | $50 | $150 | $350 | Needed for spreading, leveling, or compaction |
| Permits | $0 | $50 | $300 | Local code and right-of-way rules |
| Delivery | $120 | $250 | $450 | Distance, access, and minimum load charges |
| Contingency | $0 | $50 | $200 | Unforeseen grading or compaction needs |
What Drives Price
Material purity and site constraints are primary cost drivers for clean fill dirt. Regional availability, load size, and access affect the per-yard price and delivery fee. For example, urban areas with tight access often incur higher delivery charges, while rural sites may benefit from lower supplies but longer transport times.
Per-unit pricing is common: dirt can cost $12–$40 per cubic yard, with delivery often adding $120–$450 per load. Labor and equipment costs rise with the complexity of placement, and permits add another layer where required by local authorities.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to supply networks and transportation costs. In the Northeast, expect higher delivery charges due to density and traffic, while the Midwest may offer moderate rates with strong regional supply. The South can show lower per-yard material costs but modest delivery fees depending on distance from quarry sources. Urban areas typically show a wider range because of access constraints and permit requirements.
Labor & Installation Time
Estimating hours helps match crew size to project scope. Light spreading in a flat yard for a small pad may take 2–4 hours, while larger grading with compaction can require 8–16 hours or more. Hourly rates for general labor commonly range from $40–$110, depending on local wage scales and job difficulty.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden fees can surprise budgets if not anticipated. Some projects incur disposal fees for removed material, equipment rental days beyond planned use, or additional compaction passes to meet moisture-density requirements. Permit and inspection costs may appear even for relatively simple fill work in some jurisdictions.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots illustrate typical totals under varying project scopes.
Basic Fill Task
Specs: 25 yards of clean fill, level ground prep, basic hand finishing. Labor 4 hours; one skid steer; delivery to site 15 miles. Per-yard price: $18. Delivery: $140. Labor: $200. Equipment: $100. Total: approximately $1,000–$1,350.
Mid-Range Backfill Project
Specs: 60 yards, moderate slope, light compaction required, access via driveway. Labor 8–12 hours; 1 skid steer; delivery 25 miles. Per-yard price: $22. Delivery: $250. Labor: $720. Equipment: $180. Total: roughly $2,800–$4,000.
Premium Grading For Landscaping
Specs: 120 yards, heavy moisture content, strict compaction and leveling, equipment rig and crew for extended time. Per-yard price: $28–$35. Delivery: $350. Labor: $1,500. Equipment: $400. Permits: $150. Total: about $6,000–$9,500.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Ways To Save
Strategies to reduce cost include optimizing load size and timing delivery to align with off-peak rates. Consolidating multiple fill needs into a single delivery reduces trips. If site access allows, using a smaller, efficient machine for spreading can lower labor and equipment costs. Request a bundled quote that combines material, delivery, and labor to avoid surprise line items.
Regional Price Differences
Local market variations can shift the bottom line by several percent. Compare quotes from multiple suppliers within the same radius to ensure you’re receiving consistent material quality and accurate delivery charges. Some regions offer seasonal promotions or bulk discounts for larger orders, especially in off-season windows when demand is lower.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Prices can shift with demand and weather patterns. Dry seasons often yield more stable pricing, while wet seasons may complicate delivery and require additional moisture management. Short-term spikes can occur after storms when quarry stocks are disrupted or when demand spikes for erosion control projects.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.