How much does excavation and grading cost in Portland, OR?

Most Portland homeowners spend between $8,850 – $26,600 on excavation and grading, with an average around $17,700. Local labor prices 18% above the national average, so Portland quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

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

Portland labor prices well above the national average with tight scheduling in summer. Long wet season limits the exterior build window and demands rot-resistant materials.

Do I need a permit for excavation and grading in Portland, Oregon?

City permits and design review can add weeks to exterior projects. 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 Portland?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Oregon contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Portland 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/Portland, OR

Portland · Oregon

Excavation and Grading cost in Portland, OR

Portland homeowners typically pay $8,850 – $26,600 for excavation and grading. Local labor and materials price 18% above the national average.

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Portland average

$17,700

Typical low

$8,850

Typical high

$26,600

Per cubic yard

$59 – $175

Sample ZIP

97201

What drives Portland pricing

Local labor

Portland labor prices well above the national average with tight scheduling in summer.

Permits & code

City permits and design review can add weeks to exterior projects.

Climate & conditions

Long wet season limits the exterior build window and demands rot-resistant materials.

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

$10,403 – $14,250

Most homeowners pay around $12,326

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in Portland

Installed Portland pricing per cubic yard.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Simple grading	$73 – $100	—	—
Standard excavation and haul	$100 – $130	—	—
Rock or difficult soil	$130 – $170	—	—
Excavation with retaining and drainage	$170 – $235	—	—

Where the money goes in Portland

A typical $17,700 Portland project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $80
Materials0.38% · $67
Permits & inspections0.05% · $9
Overhead & profit0.12% · $21

Common add-ons

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

Soil haul-off

$24 – $71

Rock breaking

$120 – $355

Erosion control

$590 – $3,550

Compaction testing

$470 – $1,750

Ways to save in Portland

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.

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More Portland research

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Excavation and Grading cost near Portland

Excavation and Grading cost in Vancouver, WA

$8,400 – $25,247

Excavation and Grading cost in Beaverton, OR

$8,625 – $25,924

Excavation and Grading cost in Hillsboro, OR

$8,550 – $25,698

Excavation and Grading cost in Gresham, OR

$8,250 – $24,797

More Oregon cities

Salem Eugene Bend Medford Corvallis Springfield

Other project costs in Portland

Fence Installation in Portland

$1,770 – $4,720

Roof Replacement in Portland

$10,030 – $40,120

Kitchen Remodel in Portland

$21,240 – $112,100

HVAC Replacement in Portland

$6,490 – $21,240

Deck Building in Portland

$5,192 – $14,160

Window Replacement in Portland

$531 – $1,770

See every Portland cost guide