How much does excavation and grading cost in Seattle, WA?

Most Seattle homeowners spend between $9,600 – $28,800 on excavation and grading, with an average around $19,200. Local labor prices 28% above the national average, so Seattle quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

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

Seattle trade labor is among the most expensive in the country and books months ahead. Persistent rain demands drainage detailing, flashing and rot-resistant materials.

Do I need a permit for excavation and grading in Seattle, Washington?

SDCI permits and inspections are required for most exterior and structural work. 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 Seattle?

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

Seattle · Washington

Excavation and Grading cost in Seattle, WA

Seattle homeowners typically pay $9,600 – $28,800 for excavation and grading. Local labor and materials price 28% above the national average.

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Seattle average

$19,200

Typical low

$9,600

Typical high

$28,800

Per cubic yard

$64 – $190

Sample ZIP

98101

What drives Seattle pricing

Local labor

Seattle trade labor is among the most expensive in the country and books months ahead.

Permits & code

SDCI permits and inspections are required for most exterior and structural work.

Climate & conditions

Persistent rain demands drainage detailing, flashing and 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

$11,258 – $15,675

Most homeowners pay around $13,466

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in Seattle

Installed Seattle pricing per cubic yard.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Simple grading	$79 – $110	—	—
Standard excavation and haul	$110 – $145	—	—
Rock or difficult soil	$145 – $185	—	—
Excavation with retaining and drainage	$185 – $255	—	—

Where the money goes in Seattle

A typical $19,200 Seattle project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $86
Materials0.38% · $73
Permits & inspections0.05% · $10
Overhead & profit0.12% · $23

Common add-ons

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

Soil haul-off

$26 – $77

Rock breaking

$130 – $385

Erosion control

$640 – $3,850

Compaction testing

$510 – $1,900

Ways to save in Seattle

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.

Seattle FAQs

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More Seattle research

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Excavation and Grading cost near Seattle

Excavation and Grading cost in Bellevue, WA

$9,900 – $29,700

Excavation and Grading cost in Tacoma, WA

$8,625 – $25,875

Excavation and Grading cost in Everett, WA

$8,850 – $26,550

Excavation and Grading cost in Kent, WA

$8,925 – $26,775

Excavation and Grading cost in Renton, WA

$9,000 – $27,000

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$1,920 – $5,120

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$10,880 – $43,520

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$23,040 – $121,600

HVAC Replacement in Seattle

$7,040 – $23,040

Deck Building in Seattle

$5,632 – $15,360

Window Replacement in Seattle

$576 – $1,920

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