The cost to fill a hole, trench, or void varies by material, volume, access, and labor. Buyers typically pay a mix of materials, labor, and disposal fees, with price ranges widening for larger projects or restricted sites. This guide covers the price to fill with dirt, gravel, or concrete, and breaks down major cost drivers and practical ways to save. The keyword cost appears early to align with search intent for pricing.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soil fill (per cubic yard) | $12 | $28 | $40 | Assumes typical topsoil or fill dirt delivered |
| Gravel fill (per cubic yard) | $18 | $35 | $60 | Includes material and delivery |
| Concrete fill (per cubic yard equivalent) | $180 | $260 | $360 | Includes pour and compaction |
| Labor (full project, 1-2 workers) | $300 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Depends on depth and access |
| Permits/inspections | $0 | $150 | $1,000 | Region-dependent |
| Dump/Disposal fees | $20 | $120 | $300 | Per load or per ton |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard access, residential scale fill, typical soil/gravel availability, normal weather.
Soil Fill Costs for Small Residential Holes
Typical total range: $200-$1,200 for holes up to 6 feet long and 3 feet deep.Assumptions: 1-2 cubic yards of soil, standard delivery, 1-2 hours of labor per cubic yard.
Materials are usually the largest driver for small jobs, followed by delivery distance and site accessibility. The per-cubic-yard price scales with volume, but small projects can incur fixed delivery fees that push the total higher than raw material cost.
Gravel Fill Versus Soil Fill: Material Cost Drivers
Labor remains similar, but material choice shifts the price. Gravel fill costs typically run $25-$60 per cubic yard including delivery, versus soil fills at $12-$40 per cubic yard. For volumes under 5 cubic yards, expect higher per-yard delivery charges.
Concrete Fill or Pumped Slurry for Deep Voids
Concrete or cementitious fills start higher due to material strength needs. A typical range is $180-$360 per cubic yard for material and pour, with extra costs for pumping or finishing. Deep voids can increase labor 1.5x to 2x.
Major Cost Components in a Fill Project
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $12-$60/yd3 | $28-$40/yd3 | $60+/yd3 | Soil, gravel, or concrete mix |
| Labor | $200 | $1,000 | $2,000 | Crew size and depth drive totals |
| Delivery | $50-$150 | $100-$300 | $400+ | Distance and access |
| Disposal | $20-$120 | $80-$200 | $300+ | Load tally and disposal site fees |
| Permits/Inspections | $0-$100 | $100-$400 | $1,000 | Local requirements |
Key Variables That Change the Final Price
Volume matters most: price scales with cubic yards; small jobs under 3 yd3 may incur higher per-yard delivery fees. Access and depth also drive costs: limited access can double labor time and may require larger equipment, increasing both labor and equipment fees.
Regional Price Variations Across the United States
Prices differ by region due to labor rates and material availability. For example, the Midwest often shows lower overall costs than the West Coast, while coastal urban areas may see higher delivery and disposal charges. Region-based deltas can reach 15-40% between markets.
Ways to Cut Fill Costs Without Compromising Safety
Control scope by limiting fill depth to essential levels and using the smallest practical load. Consider coordinating multiple small projects into one delivery, or substituting less expensive fill material where suitable. Scheduling in non-peak seasons can also trim labor and delivery rates.
Typical Quotes: What a 3-Cubic-Yard Job Looks Like
A representative 3 yd3 fill with soil, including delivery and labor for a small residential project, often lands between $420 and $1,000. If gravel is chosen or the area requires a pour, totals can rise to the $1,200-$1,800 range depending on site access and disposal.
Timing, Scheduling, and Weather Impacts on Price
Weather windows can compress or extend work days; extended projects may incur higher labor costs from standby time. Seasonal demand and contractor availability can shift rates by 5-15% in busy periods.
Delivery, Disposal, and Site Prep Costs Broken Down
Delivery and disposal fees often combine into a single line item, but they should be broken out for budgeting clarity. Expect $20-$300 for disposal depending on load size and local landfill fees, plus delivery charges that vary by distance.
How to Read a Fill Quote Like a Pro
Look for material type, volume (yd3), delivery radius, labor hours, and any disposal penalties. A transparent quote will show per-yard prices and a line for each cost component, making it easier to compare alternatives.
An Example Quote Snapshot
| Item | Quantity | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil fill | 3 | yd3 | $28/yd3 |
| Delivery | 1 | trip | $120 |
| Labor | 6 | hours | $150/hr |
| Disposal | 1 | load | $90 |
| Total | $1,320 |