Snow removal is a certainty each winter for people living in areas with heavy snowfall. Homeowners nationally pay between $50 and $140 for snow removal, with an average cost of $100. A small entryway could cost you as little as $25, but if you need a large space cleared, and the snow is deep, you can expect to pay up to $1,010.
If you want to estimate your expenses based on the amount of snow in your yard, most companies charge between $65 and $110 per 6 inches of snow.
In this article:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average snow removal costs in 2024
| National average cost | $100 |
| Typical price range | $50 – $140 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $25 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $1,010 |
Snow removal is not a one-size-fits-all service. Costs will depend on the time it takes to remove the snow and how much snow needs to be removed. Pros usually charge between $25 to $65 based on hourly rates. So, if you have a single small walkway and a driveway for one car, you can expect your expenses to be on the low end.
But suppose you own a large property with a parking lot or live in an area with heavy snow. In that case, it will take longer to remove the snow, so expect to pay more. The same goes if you need snow cleared from your roof or deck.
Snow removal cost estimator by inches of snow
Some companies charge by the amount of snow that needs to be removed, while others charge a flat rate regardless of the amount. If the landscaping company you’re hiring charges per inch of snow, the more snow you have, the higher your overall costs will be.
The price of removing 6 inches of snow ranges between $65 and $110, and most companies will charge a fee of $30 for every 6 inches of additional snowfall. So, for example, if you have 9 inches of snow, you can expect to pay between $95 and $140.
Those ranges include the cost of about 2 hours of labor, typically the minimum amount of time needed to clear away enough snow to get back to everyday use.
| Amount of snow | Typical price range |
| Up to 6 inches | $65 – $110 |
| From 6 inches to 12 inches | $95 – $140 |
| Over 12 inches | $125 – $170 |
Other factors that affect cost
Every snowfall is different, and so is the cost of removing it. In addition to the amount of snow in your driveway, other factors will go into the equation, affecting the total cost of snow removal.
Method of snow removal
The company or person you hire has three main snow removal methods to choose from: shoveling, blowing, and plowing:
- Snow shoveling is cheaper but may take longer to complete the job, which could result in higher labor costs.
- Snowblowers are suitable for small-to-medium jobs but are not as efficient as snowplows.
- Snowplows cost more to hire, but they can clear much more snow at once than other methods, so the service could end up being cheaper with this method because of labor costs.
| Method | Average range |
| Snow shoveling | $25 – $75 per hour |
| Snowblowing | $25 – $75 per hour |
| Snowplowing | $35 – $105 per visit |
Pricing method
| Pricing method | Average range |
| Per hour | $25 – $75 |
| Per 6 inches | $65 – $110 |
| Per event | $35 – $110 |
| Per visit | $30 – $90 |
| Per season | $290 – $450 |
Snow removal companies can charge per hour of work, per inch of snow, per snowstorm (snow event), per visit, or seasonally, with a maximum number of visits. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how companies charge, so you can better estimate your expenses or choose another company that best fits your needs.
If you live in a region with multiple snowstorms during the season, it might be better to hire a package that will cover the entire season. However, if snowstorms are rare, a company that charges per event may be more economical.
Location of the snow
The cost of snow removal will also depend on where the snow is located. For example, removing snow from a roof will be more expensive than removing it from a driveway, as it needs more workers and specialization. Costs for removing snow from a roof can range between $210 and $550.
Costs may also vary depending on the slope of your driveway or the number of obstacles in the area.
Salt application
The cost of salting will vary depending on the size of your driveway or the area you need to be cleared. It usually ranges between $25 and $50.
Salt is often used to melt ice and snow on driveways and walkways. It helps to clear a path for cars and people to pass through.
If winter is coming, there are many things you can do to make your life easier once it arrives and to reduce the amount of snow you’ll have to remove from your yard. There are also some potential winter hazards you must take care of before the snow falls.
Some additional snow season services you might want to look at are:
Heated driveway
If you want to get extra fancy, you can invest in a driveway heating system built directly into the concrete or asphalt. A heated driveway is just what it sounds like: a driveway that has been designed and installed with heating equipment to melt snow and ice.
It’s a luxury project since it can cost you $12 to $22 per square foot, not including removing and installing new concrete in case you are replacing an existing driveway. However, it can save you time and money in the long run by not having to remove snow and sprinkle salt every time it snows.
For a cheaper option, you can use a portable snow-melt mat that ranges between $75 and $1,815, depending on the area size.
Roof heating cable system
A roof heating system prevents ice dams from forming by melting ice and snow on your roof, reducing the need to hire pros to do that service. Roof heating systems can cost between $485 and $1,460, depending on the roof size.
A roof heating cable system is a great way to make your life easier during the cold winter. It’s basically a series of cables placed on the roof and then connected to an electrical source.
Tree removal
If there are any risky trees in your yard, you should consider removing them before winter. If they fall or lose branches in a snowstorm, they could damage your house or car. That can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Tree removal costs between $385 and $1,070, with an average cost of $850.
Tree trimming
Tree trimming services cost between $255 and $655, with an average cost of $420.
Suppose some weak branches are hanging over your roof or patio area. They could fall during a storm and damage the structure. In addition, branches hanging over power lines could cause power outages during storms. It’s safer to have those branches trimmed back before winter.
Mulching
Mulch can act as an insulating protective cover that keeps the soil temperature warm during cold weather to protect the roots of your plants.
Mulching costs $200 on average if you have it done by a professional landscaper, with possible costs ranging from $130 to $330, including material and installation.
Fire pit
A fire pit won’t solve your snow problems, but it can make your patio feel cozier during winter. There are several types of fire pits, including in-ground or above-ground. They can be made of concrete, stainless steel, brick, or stone. The average cost range for fire pits is between $250 and $2,200.
Fire pits can also have different fuel types: charcoal, propane, electric, wood, or natural gas. A 36-inch propane burner will cost an average of $830.
Cost of snow removal DIY
Removing snow yourself may seem easy and cost-effective at first glance. Still, once you start moving around in slippery conditions, it can get dangerous quickly. The most obvious danger is falling and injuring yourself while trying to clear off your driveway or sidewalk with an ice scraper or shovel.
Shovels cost an average of $25. However, if you’re not in great shape or don’t want the hassle of doing this labor-intensive and risky task yourself, hire a snow removal contractor instead.
DIY cost breakdown
If your property is small, a shovel is probably your best bet. It’s affordable, easy to use, and can remove snow from most areas. However, if you have a big area to remove snow from, you should consider renting a snowplow.
Here are the costs for buying equipment:
| Equipment | Average cost to purchase |
| Shovel | $15 – $50 |
| Snowblower | $175 – $1,500 |
| ATV/UTV plow attachment | $330 – $800 |
| Truck plow attachment | $1,150 – $3,625 |
Here are the costs for renting equipment:
| Equipment | Average cost to rent |
| Snowblower | $75 per day |
| ATV/UTV plow attachment | $20 per day / $63 per week / $140 per month |
| Truck plow attachment | $100 per day / $300 per week / $650 per month |
How to remove snow DIY in 7 steps
Here are the basic steps to remove snow from your driveway or entryway:
- Dress accordingly. Wear warm clothes, including a winter coat, gloves, and don’t forget waterproof shoes with a good grip.
- Choose the right equipment for you. If you’re not in good physical condition, avoid shoveling.
- Warm up your body before starting if you’re shoveling. It’s best to do some stretching or light exercises before starting the job. Remember to maintain a good posture.
- When removing snow from the driveway, start from the middle and work your way to the sides so you don’t pile snow in areas you have already cleared out.
- If you’re using a snowblower, start from the upwind section.
- When there’s a lot of snow, you should raise the blower from the ground to remove the top layer. After that, drop the blower and take it on the lower layer. If you’re using a shovel, you shouldn’t try to remove a lot of snow at once. Remove one or two inches at a time.
- Clean your snowblower after removing snow to avoid freezing the equipment.
DIY cost vs. professional cost
DIY snow removal is an economical way to clear snow from your driveway and walkways, as it can cost you as little as $15 to buy a shovel that will last years. It can be a great option if your region doesn’t have many snowfalls.
However, if your home gets a lot of snow, it can be tiring and time-consuming to remove it yourself all the time, and it might be better to get a seasonal contract. Hiring a professional snow removal company to deal with your snow will cost you an average of $100.
You can also invest in a snowblower, which ranges between $175 and $1,500, but don’t forget to consider the repair costs that will inevitably come up over time. Electric snowblowers are usually cheaper than gas blowers.
You might save on expenses if you use the same equipment year after year, but it will take you more time and energy than hiring a professional service.
Cost of snow removal by location
Snow removal prices vary depending on where you live and how much snow falls each year. The national average for snow removal is $100. In areas with high demand for snow removal services, such as the Northern states, you might have to pay more than in an area that rarely gets any snow.
For example, suppose you live in Colorado, and your home gets about 65 inches of snow yearly. In that case, you can expect to pay more than someone in Oregon, who only gets about 10 inches per year.
FAQ
It depends. Snowplows are best for large quantities of snow because they are more durable and faster. On the other hand, snowblowers are cheaper, easier to control, and great for detailed work.
Snowplows can get rid of large amounts of snow faster than snowblowers and much more effectively than a shovel.
You should apply salt 3 hours before an expected storm. The salt will prevent ice from forming because salt has a lower freezing point than water.
Final thoughts
There is no exact formula for calculating the cost of snow removal. Still, you can use the information discussed in this article to understand better how much you’ll spend. Find a snow removal pro near you to ensure you stay safe while your driveway and entryways stay snow-free.
Main Image by: Grand Canyon National Park | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
