HomeGuide's national figures for 2026 run from $2.50 to $15.00 per cubic yard, with most projects costing $1,100 to $5,600. On a Pittsburgh hillside, the price is driven by shale and sandstone under the clay, the slope and how far a truck can get up the street.
Prices on this page are national ranges from HomeGuide, not quotes from us. On Pittsburgh lots, the slope, the rock, the access up the street and the distance to the dump change the real number. Figures checked October 2026.
What is the typical excavation cost in Pittsburgh?
The typical excavation cost is $1,100 to $5,600 for a project by HomeGuide's national figures, and the national average is $3,500. Small digs start near $500; large ones reach $20,000. No source we trust publishes a Pittsburgh average. Your lot's slope, rock, access and spoil decide where it lands.
| Job | HomeGuide national range |
|---|---|
| Excavating a foundation pad for a new home | $1,500 to $10,000 |
| Excavating around an existing house | $5,000 to $15,000 |
| Cutting a hillside or flattening a slope | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Rock or ledge removal | $1,000 to $20,000+ |
| Patio, deck or driveway pad | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Trench for sewer or drainage | $500 to $1,200 |
What does excavation cost per cubic yard on Pittsburgh lots?
HomeGuide prices excavation per cubic yard at $2.50 to $6.00 for light soil, $6.00 to $10.00 for average soil and $10.00 to $15.00 for heavy or wet soil and loose rock. Solid rock that has to be broken runs $50 to $200 or more. Weathered Pittsburgh shale often digs like loose rock; hard sandstone ledges cost more.
Is excavation ever priced per square foot or per acre in Pittsburgh?
Yes, for shallow, open work. HomeGuide lists $1 to $5 per square foot and $1,000 to $3,000 per acre. Hillside digs are rarely priced that way, because the depth changes from one end of the cut to the other.
How much do excavating contractors charge per hour?
An operator with a machine charges $100 to $300 per hour by HomeGuide's national figures, and an operator alone $50 to $150 per hour. A one-day or eight-hour minimum is common, because hauling a machine up a steep street takes time whatever the job size.
What does an excavator with an operator cost per day?
An excavator and operator cost roughly $800 to $2,400 per day, eight hours at $100 to $300. HomeGuide puts mini excavator rental alone at $200 to $700 per day. On a steep lot with walls and old lines, renting and running it yourself carries real risk.
What does a mini excavator job cost in Pittsburgh?
A mini excavator job runs the same $100 to $300 per hour with operator, plus any minimum. Mini machines are often the only option on Pittsburgh lots with stairs instead of a driveway or a narrow gap between houses, so they do more of the work here than in flatter cities.
Is there a minimum fee for small digging jobs?
Yes, there is usually a minimum fee. HomeGuide says $500 to $800 is a typical minimum project fee. The trailer trip and setup cost the same whether the machine works for an hour or a day.
What does a small backyard excavation cost in Pittsburgh?
A small backyard landscaping dig is $500 to $1,000 by HomeGuide's figures, and larger yard work for drainage, pipe or erosion can reach $5,000. On a terraced Pittsburgh yard, getting a machine down to the lower level is often the biggest part of a small job.
What does hauling dirt away cost in Pittsburgh?
To haul dirt away, HomeGuide's dirt removal page lists $140 to $230 per cubic yard or $1,400 to $2,300 per dump truck load. Rocky dirt is $175 to $265 per cubic yard and wet dirt $210 to $300. Each mile beyond the hauler's delivery area adds $3 to $10.
Does the price include hauling off the dirt?
Only if the quote says so. Some bids include hauling, others spread spoil on the lot, and others bill each load. On a hillside lot there is rarely a flat place to leave spoil, so plan on most of it leaving by truck.
What does fill dirt cost delivered in Pittsburgh?
Fill dirt is $5 to $25 per cubic yard and topsoil $10 to $50 by HomeGuide's figures, with delivery at $50 to $150 per trip and spreading $200 to $400. Fill for a basement void or a low spot should meet Pennsylvania's clean fill rules.
Why are excavation quotes for my job so far apart?
Quotes are far apart when contractors priced different assumptions. Look at whether each one includes rock, hauling, wall work, erosion control, permits and restoring the lawn, and whether it plans a mini machine or a larger one. Ask each to break out those lines, then compare.
Should I pay hourly or ask for a fixed price?
Ask for a fixed price when the scope is defined, such as a footing dig from plans. Hourly fits uncertain work, like chasing a broken lateral under a wall. On slopes where rock is likely, a fixed price with a stated rate for rock is the fairest deal for both sides.
For a price on your own property, call or text (412) 501-2259. We see the site, then give you the scope and price in writing.