The average snow removal cost is $105 per visit or $700 per seasonal contract. Most homeowners pay $45 to $160 for one visit or $300 to $1,000 for a contract that lasts the entire snowy season.
Snow removal prices vary by removal method, location, and other cost factors. Large roofs with steep slopes can cost as much as $3,000 per visit. In contrast, ground-level snow removal costs as little as $25 per visit in rural areas with light snowfall.
Average snow removal cost in 2025
| Typical cost per visit | $45 – $160 |
| Typical cost per seasonal contract | $300 – $1,000 |
| Typical cost per hour | $25 – $75 |
Savvy shoppers save big by signing season-long snow removal contracts. Many lawn care companies offer snow removal services in the off-season.
Cost per visit
Most snow removal visit costs $45 to $160, but prices vary:
- Typically cost: Snow removal pros typically charge $25 to $75 per hour with a $25 to $100 minimum.
- Low-end visits: Homeowners in small towns with light snowfall may pay as little as $25 to remove snow from their driveway and sidewalk. Even in big cities, sidewalk snow removal can be as little as $25. A single salt application costs $20 to $50.
- High-end visits: Removing snow from roofs typically costs $190 to $735 per visit, but large steeply slanted roofs cost up to $3,000. Removing snow from gravel driveways can cost as much as $200. Big cities with heavy snowfall have high rates.
Cost per contract
| National average seasonal contract cost | $700 |
| Typical price range | $300 – $1,000 |
| Low-end cost | $70 |
| High-end cost | $6,000 |
Snow removal contracts last the entire snowy season, usually November through March. Signing seasonal contracts is a great way to save money:
- Typical contract cost: The average snow removal contract costs about $700, with most homeowners paying between $300 and $1,000 for season-long snow removal.
- Low-end contracts: Homeowners with small properties and light snowfall may pay as little as $200 for a contract. However, if your HOA hires a company to handle the entire subdivision, the cost may be as low as $70 per unit.
- High-end contracts: Large commercial properties are the most expensive. Expect to pay about $6,000 per season for a 50-space commercial parking lot.
Cost by location
Snow removal costs more in highly populated cities with heavy snowfall. In contrast, small towns with light snow tend to have the cheapest snow removal rates.
| City | Typical Price Per Visit |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Baltimore, MD | $100 – $150 |
| Hartford, CT | $100 – $150 |
| Livingston, NJ | $100 – $200 |
| New York, NY | $60 – $200 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $70 – $250 |
| Washington, DC | $70 – $135 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Chicago, IL | $60 – $225 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $45 – $130 |
| Omaha, NE | $50 – $100 |
| Toledo, OH | $60 – $80 |
| West U.S. | |
| Boise, ID | $30 – $80 |
| Denver, CO | $60 – $180 |
| Salt Lake City, Utah | $45 – $135 |
| South U.S. | |
| Nashville, TN | $25 – $200 |
| Raleigh, NC | $80 – $100 |
| Richmond, VA | $120 – $160 |
Cost by removal method
The price homeowners pay for snow removal depends on the removal method:
- Snowplowing usually costs $35 to $95 per visit. It has the highest minimum cost, but is the quickest and most cost-effective method for large areas.
- Snowblowing typically costs $25 to $75 per hour and is best for small to medium areas. Blowing is slower than plowing, but much quicker than shoveling.
- Snow shoveling also costs around $25 to $75 per hour, but is the slowest method. Sometimes it’s cost effective in very small spaces, but the time it takes can quickly create a high price tag.
- Salt applications typically cost $20 to $50. Salt helps lower water’s freezing point, preventing icy driveways and sidewalks.
Other Factors that Affect Cost
The following factors also affect the cost of snow removal:
Cost by removal area
| Removal Area | Typical Cost |
| Driveway | $30 – $70 / visit |
| Sidewalk | $25 – $75 / hour |
| Parking Lot | $45 – $155 / hour |
| Roof | $190 – $735 / visit |
Driveway
Driveway snow removal typically costs $30 to $70 per visit, but some homeowners pay as much as $200. The following driveway characteristics contribute to the cost:
- Material: Gravel driveways are the most expensive.
- Size: Expect long and wide driveways to cost more.
- Condition: You may incur additional labor costs if your driveway is in bad shape.
- Slope: Prepare to pay a premium for snow removal on steep slopes.
Sidewalk
Sidewalk snow removal typically takes about 15 minutes, and most companies charge $25 to $75 per hour. Check with your city to see if you’re responsible for removing snow from the sidewalk in front of your house.
Parking Lot
Parking lot snow removal typically costs $45 to $155 per hour and it includes:
- De-icing
- Salting
- Sanding
Larger parking lots are more costly to clear.
Roof
Rooftop snow removal is the most dangerous and the most costly. Most people pay $190 to $735 per visit, but it can cost as much as $900 to $3,000. The following factors influence the price:
- Amount of snow
- Roof size
- Roof slope
- Type of equipment used
Cost by inches of snow
| Inches of Snow | Typical Cost Per Visit |
| ≤ 6 | $65 – $110 |
| 6 – 12 | $105 – $165 |
| 12 – 18 | $130 – $250 |
The first 6 inches of snow typically costs $10 to $25 per inch. After 6 inches, add another $4 to $9 per extra inch.
Cost of heat mat installation
If you want a heated driveway or sidewalk, expect to pay $9 to $28 per square foot to install a built-in heat mat. Most homeowners spend $550 to $3,500 per project, but large, sloped driveways may cost $5,700 or more.
Cost of heating cable installation
Heating cables melt ice on the roof. They typically cost $500 to $1,500 installed.
Cost of speedy service
If you need emergency snow removal service expect to pay a premium.
DIY Cost vs. Hiring a Professional
As long as you don’t injure yourself, you may be able to save money by removing your own snow. However, it often takes two snowy seasons to yield any savings.
Most pro snow removal contracts cost $300 to $1,000 per season, and most homeowners pay $305 to $1,800 for a snowblower. If you get a gas-powered model, prepare to pay for gasoline, oil, and annual maintenance. If you get a battery-powered snowblower, prepare for the cost of lithium-ion batteries.
In addition to a snowblower, you likely need other equipment and supplies, such as a snow shovel and roof rake.
DIY cost of equipment and supplies
| Supplies | Typical cost |
| Snow shovel | $20 – $115 |
| Snowblower | $305 – $1,800 |
| Snowplow attachment | $300 – $3,000 |
| Heat mat | $50 – $500 |
| Aluminum roof rake | $30 – $120 |
| Salt spreader | $140 – $500 |
| Salt | $10 – $30 / bag |
If you want to remove snow yourself, you’ll likely encounter these costs:
- Show shovel: Most snow shovels cost $20 to $115. They’re a must for digging out your car on snow-capped mornings.
- Snowblowers: Most snowblowers cost $305 to $1,800. Single-stage models are the most affordable, typically costing $280 – $770. Heavy-duty 2-stage and 3-stage models cost an average of $1,400 and $2,720 respectively.
- Snowplow attachment: If you want to buy a snowplow attachment for your riding mower or ATV, expect to pay $300 to $3,000.
- Heat mat: For a heated driveway or sidewalk, expect to pay $50 to $500 for the heat mat.
- Roof rakes: These long rakes allow you to remove snow from the roof with your feet on the ground. They typically cost $30 to $120.
- Salt spreader: If you want to spread salt yourself, prepare to pay $140 – $500 for a salt spreader. Additionally, most bags of salt cost $10 to $30.
Is a snow shovel sufficient? If you get less than 20 inches of annual snow and less than 2 inches per snowfall, one of the best snow shovels may be all you need for clearing small spaces. You’ll need a snowblower or snowplow attachment for medium to large spaces with at least 20 inches of annual snowfall.
DIY cost of labor
Consider your comfort and safety before choosing DIY snow removal. There are approximately 11,500 snow shoveling injuries and 5,000 snowblowing injuries yearly. Most injuries occur from falls, cardiac stress, or clearing clogged equipment.
Hospital visits are costly, and most health insurance deductibles are between $200 and $2,000. Furthermore, your health is invaluable.
FAQ about snow removal
What are the best snowblowers?
The best snowblowers are the Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE and Troy-Bilt Storm. The best battery blower is the Ego Power+ SNT2112.
How do you remove snow safely?
The safest way to remove snow is to hire an insured snow removal professional.
What is the profit margin for snow removal?
The profit margin on snow removal is about 50%.
Wipeout winter woes
Hire a snow removal pro to ensure safety and security. Frozen driveways and walkways are hazardous, often causing slips and falls. Unchecked snow accumulation can cause roof damage, leading to costly repairs. Since snow removal is among the most dangerous DIY yard tasks, we recommend hiring a professional.
Main Image by: Avinash Bhat | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
