This article discusses fill dirt pricing, showing typical totals and per‑unit costs to help buyers budget accurately. The price to acquire grade‑A fill dirt depends on quantity, transport, moisture, and access. Understand the main cost drivers to estimate a fair overall price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery distance (miles) | $2 | $6 | $12 | Per mile, typical in rural vs. urban areas |
| Fill dirt price per cubic yard | $12 | $18 | $28 | Depends on moisture and quality |
| Hauling and loading | $40 | $90 | $180 | Includes equipment and operator |
| Minimum charge or load | $50 | $100 | $250 | Smaller jobs may incur a flag or setup fee |
| Soil testing or certification | $0 | $20 | $100 | Optional, for sensitive projects |
| Site prep (grading, compaction) | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Depends on scope and soil conditions |
Assumptions: Midwest or Southern regions, standard 2-inch moisture content, accessible site, one truck and loader on site.
Fill Dirt Price by Quantity: Cubic Yards Across Typical Jobs
Prices are commonly quoted per cubic yard (CY) or per 1,000 gallons of spoil material. For a residential driveway fill, buyers typically need 15–40 CY, while a small landscaping project might use 5–15 CY. Low, average, and high ranges reflect material quality and access, not a single fixed quote.
- Small landscaping job (5–10 CY): $60–$220 total, depending on delivery distance.
- Medium driveway fill (20–30 CY): $360–$720 total, including loading and spreading.
- Larger site grade (40–60 CY): $960–$1,500 total, with compaction and site prep.
Per-Cubic-Yard Breakdown: Materials, Labor, and Equipment
Breaking the price into core components helps buyers compare bids. The following ranges assume standard fill dirt with normal moisture content and a clear access path.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (fill dirt) | $12 | $18 | $28 | Per CY; quality varies by source |
| Labor to load and spread | $8 | $12 | $20 | Includes operator time |
| Equipment (tractor, loader) | $6 | $10 | $18 | Measured per CY moved |
| Delivery fee | $2 | $6 | $12 | Distance‑dependent |
| Permits or fees | $0 | $0 | $50 | Rare for simple fills |
Typical labor hours per 10–20 CY are 2–6, with rates ranging from $55–$95 per hour depending on region and crew size.
Key Variables That Change the Final Quote
Several site and project specifics can push prices up or down. The strongest drivers include the quantity of material and access constraints.
- Quantity threshold: Projects under 10 CY often incur minimum charges that can raise per‑CY pricing.
- Site access: Narrow driveways, gated lots, or soft soils raise equipment time and labor costs.
For example, projects requiring off‑haul or extra compaction steps can add $0.50–$1.50 per CY for each additional process.
Regional Variations in Fill Dirt Costs
Price ranges shift by region due to transportation costs and local material sources. Coastal regions and large metropolitan areas tend to run higher overall delivery and disposal costs.
- Midwest: typical CY pricing in the $14–$22 range, with delivery around $4–$10 per mile.
- Southwest: higher trucking costs can push CY prices toward $20–$28 when delivered far from supply.
- West Coast: premium handling and restricted supply can raise total quotes to $30–$40 per CY for smaller loads.
Assumptions: standard truck capacity, typical weather, ordinary access, no special remediation.
Cost Scenarios by Job Scope and System Type
Different project scopes drive distinct price bands. A simple fill for a shallow garden bed differs from a full‑depth trench fill for drainage or a new building pad.
- Shallow garden bed (2–4 CY): $40–$120 total, mostly delivery and small spread job.
- Driveway approach (15–25 CY): $270–$600 total, including compaction and edge work.
- Building pad (30–60 CY): $540–$1,200 total, with moisture control and compaction testing.
Assumptions: single delivery, standard compaction, no landfill dumping fees.
Material Quality and Source: How It Affects Price
Fill dirt price varies by soil quality and grade. Cheaper fill may be available, but it could include clay or debris that requires more compaction or testing later.
- Clean fill (sandier, minimal debris): $14–$20 per CY.
- Standard fill (mixed soil, some organics): $16–$24 per CY.
- Specialty fill (clay‑rich or contaminated risk): $22–$40 per CY plus handling fees.
Assumptions: standard moisture and dryness, no chemical contamination.
Three Realistic Quote Scenarios with Specs
Illustrative quotes show how different specs affect total pricing. Use these as benchmarks when evaluating bids.
- Residential garden bed, 8 CY, 6 miles distance: Delivery $48, Materials $128, Labor/Spread $96 — Total about $272.
- Small driveway fill, 22 CY, 12 miles, with compaction: Delivery $144, Materials $396, Labor/Spread $264, Compaction $120 — Total about $924.
- Building pad, 50 CY, 25 miles, full site prep: Delivery $300, Materials $900, Labor/Spread $600, Compaction $300, Permits/Soil test $0–$60 — Total about $2,160.
These figures assume typical regional rates and standard equipment.
Ways to Cut Dirt Fill Costs Without Compromising Results
Readers can control several factors to reduce the price without sacrificing project integrity.
- Match the scope to the need: avoid over‑ordering material or spreading beyond necessary areas.
- Choose standard moisture fill over heavily moisture‑adjusted varieties when appropriate.
- Consolidate loads: scheduling multiple small loads into a single delivery can trim per‑load costs.
- Ask for bundled services: loading, spreading, and compaction can sometimes be bundled for a discount.
Assumptions: normal weather window, standard access, no emergency delivery.