Fill Dirt Cost Per Yard: Price Guide for U.S. Buyers 2026

Homeowners and contractors typically pay a bundled price per cubic yard that covers material, delivery, and basic handling. Main cost drivers include dirt quality, moisture content, distance from the job site, and any required compaction or moisture testing. The following guide provides cost estimates in USD with clear low–average–high ranges.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Fill dirt (material)	$5–$12	$8–$15	$18–$25	Per cubic yard; varies by quality and source
Delivery (within 20 miles)	$20–$40	$40–$80	$100–$180	Flat fee or per mile; depends on distance
Total installed cost per yard	$25–$60	$40–$90	$120–$200	Includes material + delivery + handling
Minimum delivery charge	$20–$40	$25–$60	$80–$120	Some suppliers charge a minimum yardage
Additional services	–	$5–$15	$20–$40	Dust suppression, compacting, moisture testing

Overview Of Costs

Cost components for fill dirt projects include the raw material price, delivery, and any handling or site preparation. In many markets, a typical job might range from a small driveway restoration to a large fill for grading. Assumptions: region, source quality, and project size influence outcomes.

Cost Breakdown

Column	Details
Materials	Fill dirt per cubic yard; common varieties include topsoil blends or structural fill. Assumptions: 3,000–10,000 cubic yards for larger projects.
Labor	Loader time to move dirt at the worksite; not always separate if delivery driver handles unload.
Equipment	Dump truck or end-dump for material delivery; optional compactors for finished grade.
Permits	Generally not required for typical residential fill; check local rules for large fills.
Delivery/Disposal	One or more loads depending on distance and truck capacity.
Warranty/Contingency	Minimal warranty on material; contingency included for weather-related delays.

Factors That Affect Price

Distance from source significantly shifts delivery fees; farther implies higher per-yard delivery. Regional price differences reflect local dirt markets and transportation costs.

Local Market Variations

Pricing can vary by region. In the Urban Northeast, delivery surcharges and material availability often push totals higher than Rural Midwest markets. Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern markets may sit between extremes, with weather and moisture content affecting handling costs.

Labor, Hours & Rates

For large projects, hours billed for loader operators and spotters can add to the bill. Typical hourly rates for crews range from $60 to $120 per hour depending on locale and crew size. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>

Seasonality & Price Trends

Prices can rise in spring after winter thaw or during droughts when supply tightens. Some suppliers offer off-season discounts or bundled pricing for full truckloads. Plan ahead to lock in lower costs when possible.

Ways To Save

Efficient planning and sourcing strategies can reduce costs. Consider batching deliveries to minimize multiple trips, selecting consistent dirt quality to avoid waste, and negotiating a fixed per-yard rate for a defined project size. Ask suppliers about bulk discounts and year-end pricing.

Real-World Pricing Examples

Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes for common residential needs. Each card lists specs, labor assumptions, per-yard costs, and totals. Assumptions: region, project size, and driver distance.

Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.