How Much Are Excavator Rental Prices? [2026 Data]

In 2026, excavator rental prices nationwide typically range from $600 to $8,000 per week, depending on the machine type, rental duration, and project complexity. You can pay up to $27,000 per day, with excavation costs ranging from roughly $3 to $20 per cubic yard.

Excavator Rental Price Factors: What Affects the Price?

Excavator rental costs depend on several variables, including the type of machine, project size, rental duration, and equipment delivery. Choosing the right combination of these factors for your specific job is the most effective way to control your total spend.

Types

Excavator rental rates range from $30 to $220 per hour depending on the type of machine you choose. Mini and skid steer excavators suit smaller jobs like landscaping prep, while larger models such as crawlers are better suited for demolition projects. 

The table below shows the average prices depending on the type of machine:

Size of Excavation Area

Some excavator rentals are priced by the size of the excavation area, running $3 to $20 per cubic yard, rather than by equipment type or time. If your project has a well-defined scope, this pricing model can make it easier to estimate your total cost upfront.

Rental Time

Rental duration is a key cost driver, with costs ranging from $30 to $27,000 for options from per hour to per month.  Most rental companies require a minimum commitment of four to six hours, even when pricing by the hour, so factor that into your planning. 

The following table outlines costs by the length of the rental:

Prep

Before excavation begins, you'll need to complete several prep tasks that cost $50 to $2,200 to ensure the site is safe for heavy machinery. 

Here's how much different jobs cost: 

• Leveling: $1–$12 per cubic yard

• Land survey: $400–$550

• Soil testing: $700–$2,200

• Boulder removal: $50–$250

• Tree removal: $200–$2,000

Excavator Delivery and Pickup

Many rental companies will deliver and pick up the excavator directly to your property, with fees ranging from $60 to $100 total for locations within 10 miles of the store, plus $3 to $4 for each additional mile beyond that. Some companies fold these fees into the base rental rate, so confirm the pricing structure before signing any agreement.

Permits

Building permits cost $200 to $2,000 for demolition and outdoor projects, and any job involving heavy machinery or demolition work on your property will require one. Larger-scale projects, such as digging out a basement or laying a new foundation, will always need prior approval before work can begin.

Dirt Removal

Hauling away excavated dirt costs $150 to $250 per cubic yard, and that rate climbs for rocky or wet soil that is heavier and more difficult to transport.

DIY Excavation vs. Hiring a Pro

Whether you DIY or hire a pro, excavation costs can add up to thousands of dollars to rent equipment, complete land surveys, secure permits, and haul away the dirt. You may save about $50 to $150 per hour by excavating yourself, but you also risk damaging your yard or even your home's foundation if you don't have the proper training to use an excavator. Operating heavy machinery without experience is also a safety risk.

For most excavation projects, it's important to leave the work to a local excavation company. These pros can help you with all of the prep work and hauling while also completing the excavation as quickly and safely as possible.

Cost of Common Excavation Add-Ons

There are many different projects you may want to tackle before, during, or after an excavation. Maybe you want to test the soil to make sure it's safe to excavate, or perhaps you're excavating to help level out an uneven yard for some landscaping. Here are common projects to consider tackling when planning an excavation and making your budget:

• Soil testing cost: $680 to $2,160

• Foundation installation cost: $4,000 to $14,750

• Yard leveling cost: $1,000 to $3,300

• Swimming pool installation cost: $25,200 to $58,700

• Landscaping cost: $1,250 to $6,100

• Patio installation cost: $2,000 to $6,000

Tips to Reduce Excavator Rental Prices

Renting an excavator, and excavating in general, is costly. But if you're dreaming of installing a new pool by summer or leveling the yard for a new patio or deck, you'll need to budget for an excavation first. Here are some ways to save money on excavator rental prices.

• Consider off-season excavations: If you're experiencing a mild winter, you may find off-season deals during a slow period for excavation companies. (Just keep in mind that if you have a lot of snow and ice, winter excavations will cost more.)

• Choose the right machine for the job: There's no need to rent a heavy-duty crawler when a mini excavator will do. Save money by choosing the excavator best suited to your project.

• Bundle with professional labor: Many times, homeowners can find a better deal by hiring an excavation company to provide the equipment and do the excavation work.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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