How much does excavation and grading cost in Evansville, IN?

Most Evansville homeowners spend between $6,600 – $19,800 on excavation and grading, with an average around $13,200. Local labor prices 12% below the national average, so Evansville quotes tend to land at the lower end of national ranges.

Why is excavation and grading more or less expensive in Evansville than elsewhere?

Licensed trade labor in Evansville runs about 88% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer. Indiana weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in Evansville and why.

Do I need a permit for excavation and grading in Evansville, Indiana?

Most Evansville, IN projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Evansville?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Indiana contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Evansville metro market.

How much does excavation and grading cost in 2026?

Most homeowners pay between $7,500 and $22,500, with a national average near $15,000. Small, simple jobs land at the low end; large or premium-material jobs run well above the high end.

What is the cost per cubic yard?

Installed pricing usually runs $50.00 to $150.00 per cubic yard, including labor and materials. Expensive metros can run 15–45% higher than that range.

What drives the price up the most?

Scope and access. Larger quantities lower your per-cubic yard price, but difficult access, demolition of existing work, structural repairs found mid-job, premium materials and rush scheduling each add 8–30%.

Permits are typically required when the work changes structure or ties into electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical systems. Budget $75–$600 in most cities and confirm whether your contractor pulls it — unpermitted work can block a future home sale.

How long does the job take?

Most residential projects of this type finish in one to five working days once materials are on site. Custom orders, inspections and weather are the usual causes of delay.

How many quotes should I get?

Three. Bids on the same scope commonly vary 20–40%, and the middle bid with the strongest warranty and references is usually the best value — the cheapest bid often excludes prep, disposal or permits.

Home/Cost guides/Excavation and Grading/Evansville, IN

Evansville metro · Indiana

Excavation and Grading cost in Evansville, IN

Evansville homeowners typically pay $6,600 – $19,800 for excavation and grading. Local labor and materials price 12% below the national average.

Get my Evansville estimate Use the Evansville calculator

Evansville average

$13,200

Typical low

$6,600

Typical high

$19,800

Per cubic yard

$44 – $130

Sample ZIP

What drives Evansville pricing

Local labor

Licensed trade labor in Evansville runs about 88% of the national average, and the best crews book out fastest in spring and early summer.

Permits & code

Most Evansville, IN projects that change structure, electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems need a permit from the local building department; cosmetic work usually does not.

Climate & conditions

Indiana weather drives material choices here, so ask contractors what they install most often in Evansville and why.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Material to move (cubic yards)150 cubic yards

Quality / material level

Site access

Removal / prep work

Timing

Estimated project cost

$7,838 – $10,688

Most homeowners pay around $9,263

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in Evansville

Installed Evansville pricing per cubic yard.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Simple grading	$55 – $75	—	—
Standard excavation and haul	$75 – $99	—	—
Rock or difficult soil	$99 – $130	—	—
Excavation with retaining and drainage	$130 – $175	—	—

Where the money goes in Evansville

A typical $13,200 Evansville project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $59
Materials0.38% · $50
Permits & inspections0.05% · $7
Overhead & profit0.12% · $16

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Evansville quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Soil haul-off

$18 – $53

Rock breaking

$88 – $265

Erosion control

$440 – $2,650

Compaction testing

$350 – $1,300

Ways to save in Evansville

Keep excavated soil on site for backfill and berms to avoid haul-off.
Schedule when the ground is dry — wet soil doubles handling time.
Collect three written bids on an identical scope — spreads of 20–40% are normal.
Book in the off-season and stay flexible on the start date to save 5–15%.
Bundle nearby work into one mobilization so you only pay setup and travel once.
Ask what the contractor would change to cut 10% without hurting durability.

Evansville FAQs

Get a Evansville price you can budget against

Answer a few questions about your project and we'll model a low, average and premium price for your IN ZIP code — then connect you with vetted local pros.

Get free quotes from certified pros

More Evansville research

Best excavation and grading companies in Evansville Excavation and Grading permits in Indiana Excavation and Grading near me All Indiana prices

More Indiana cities

Indianapolis Fort Wayne South Bend Carmel Bloomington

Other project costs in Evansville

Fence Installation in Evansville

$1,320 – $3,520

Roof Replacement in Evansville

$7,480 – $29,920

Kitchen Remodel in Evansville

$15,840 – $83,600

HVAC Replacement in Evansville

$4,840 – $15,840

Deck Building in Evansville

$3,872 – $10,560

Window Replacement in Evansville

$396 – $1,320

See every Evansville cost guide