How to Price Snow Removal Jobs: The Complete Guide for 2026

Snow removal pricing confuses many contractors. Charge too little and you're losing money on every push. Charge too much and customers find someone else. The sweet spot exists, and finding it requires understanding your costs, your market, and the three main pricing models.

Know Your Costs First

Before setting any price, calculate what each job actually costs you. Most contractors underestimate this, which is why so many struggle with profitability.

Add these up for your operation. A typical one-truck operation runs $50-80 per hour in total costs. Your prices need to exceed this to make a profit.

Three Pricing Models That Work

1. Per-Push Pricing

Charge a flat rate each time you plow. Simple for customers to understand and protects you during heavy snow years.

2. Seasonal Contracts

One price covers the entire winter, regardless of snowfall. Customers love the predictability. You benefit from guaranteed income and easier scheduling.

To calculate seasonal pricing: Take your per-push rate, multiply by average annual snow events (check local weather data), then add 10-20% for the convenience factor.

3. Per-Inch Pricing

Rates increase with snowfall depth. Fair for both parties since heavier snows require more work.

Commercial vs. Residential Pricing

Commercial properties typically pay 20-40% more per square foot than residential. Why? They need guaranteed service times, liability coverage documentation, and often require salting or sanding.

For commercial bids, calculate your price per 1,000 square feet. Most contractors charge $50-100 per 1,000 sq ft for plowing, plus $30-50 for salt application.

Trigger Depths and Service Windows

Define when you'll plow. Most contractors use a 2-inch trigger for residential and 1-inch for commercial. Specify this in your contracts to avoid disputes.

Service windows matter for commercial accounts. A restaurant needs clearing before 6 AM. An office building before 8 AM. Price premium service windows 15-25% higher.

Setting Your Profit Margin

Target 30-50% profit margin on snow removal. Lower margins (20-30%) work for high-volume residential routes. Higher margins (40-50%+) for commercial accounts with specific requirements.

Pricing Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting drive time: Include travel between jobs in your hourly rate calculations.
• Underestimating salt costs: Salt prices fluctuate. Build in a buffer or add a fuel/materials surcharge clause.
• No contract: Verbal agreements lead to disputes. Written contracts protect both parties.
• Matching the lowest competitor: Compete on reliability and quality, not just price.

Put This Into Practice

Start with your costs. Pick a pricing model that fits your market. Set margins that keep your business healthy. Then track every job to refine your numbers over time.

The contractors who profit from snow removal aren't the ones with the lowest prices. They're the ones who know their numbers, deliver reliable service, and price accordingly.