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Unit pricing

Excavation and Grading cost per cubic yard in Philadelphia

Excavation and Grading cost per cubic yard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2026.

Low

$8,400

Average

$16,800

High

$25,200

Philadelphia crews quote about $56 – $170 per cubic yard.

Multiply local unit rates by your real measurements.

What drives excavation and grading prices in Philadelphia

Local labor, permitting and climate move Philadelphia prices away from the national average.

Labor market

Philadelphia labor prices above the national average with union influence.

Permits

L&I permits and licensed-contractor registration required.

Climate

Older row-home stock and freeze-thaw drive roofing and masonry work.

Philadelphia unit pricing by material

Simple grading$69 – $95
Standard excavation and haul$95 – $125
Rock or difficult soil$125 – $160
Excavation with retaining and drainage$160 – $225

Ways to lower your Philadelphia price

  • 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.

Philadelphia questions

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