Updated: February 15, 2025
Living in a cold climate means constantly clearing your driveway and sidewalk after each snowfall, and in some regions, that happens dozens of times through a single season. Wouldn’t it be a relief to have someone take care of it for you?
Fortunately, snow removal isn’t as expensive as you might think. The national average cost for snow removal typically falls within the range of $49 to $180, with the median price at $110. Various factors contribute to this cost range, including your location, the type of services you require, and the size of your property. In this article, we’ll dive into these factors and more, providing a comprehensive breakdown to help you better understand snow removal expenses.
Average Snow Removal Cost
The national average cost for hiring a Tasker to handle snow removal stands at $56.37 per hour. For salt application, the average hourly rate ranges from $43 to $51. And for residential snow plowing, the typical cost is around $59 per hour. Below is a breakdown of the average range for each service:
| Type of Service | Cost |
| Snow Removal | $30-$90 per hour |
| Salt Application | $25-$75 per hour |
| Snow Plowing | $40-$85 per hour |
Snow Removal Price Breakdown
Now that you’re familiar with the typical cost range, let’s explore the factors that influence the overall costs.
Types of Service
Per Event
The per-event range for snow removal varies from $32 to $88. This pricing model applies to each snowstorm and is typical in regions with light or infrequent snowfall.
Per Inch
Snow removal costs per inch range between $60 and $98. This method is commonly used in areas with heavy snowfall, typically covering the first six inches. Additional inches beyond six are charged at a lower rate.
Per Visit
The cost of snow removal per visit falls between $45 and $73. Each visit is defined as someone coming to your residence to remove snow, which means multiple visits may occur during the same snowstorm.
Per Hour
Snow removal costs per hour range from $33 to $83. This is the most common pricing model used by snow removal companies.
Property Size
The size of your property directly impacts the cost of snow removal due to the number of workers required, the equipment used, and hourly rates. Larger properties, especially those with long driveways, mean more time and resources, resulting in higher costs.
Location
The location of snow also plays a crucial role, affecting costs by influencing the number of workers needed and the method of removal. Below is a breakdown of cost ranges based on different locations:
Driveway
The average cost to clear snow from a driveway ranges from $30 to $60. Costs tend to be on the higher end for driveways that are steep, curved, longer than 60 feet, or made of gravel.
Roof
Due to the safety hazards involved, the average cost of removing snow from a roof varies from $217 to $500. If your roof is large or steep, expect the cost to lean towards the higher end. Additionally, roof snow removal is ideal for preventing ice dams.
Sidewalk
The average cost for snow removal from sidewalks ranges from $25 to $75 per hour. Depending on your location, you might be responsible for keeping city-owned sidewalks clear of snow.
Parking Lot
The average cost for snow removal from parking lots ranges from $50 to $200 per hour. Rates depend on the location and size of the parking lot. Placing snow markers to mark the lot’s boundaries helps to complete the job faster.
Method
Last but not least, the cost range for snow removal depends on the method used. Make sure to talk to your snow removal company about what method they plan on using. For instance, shoveling may have a lower per hour range than plowing, but may require twice the amount of time, resulting in a hire bill. See a breakdown of costs below.
Snow Shoveling
The cost for snow shoveling typically ranges from $33 to $83 per hour. This method is best for small areas such as sidewalks and stairs.
Snow Blowing
Snow blowing costs also range between $33 to $83 per hour. This option is more time-efficient than shoveling and is particularly effective for steep slopes or gravel driveways.
Snow Plowing
The cost for snow plowing ranges from $30 to $98 per visit. This method is ideal for large areas. Be sure to communicate your specific preferences with your snow removal team, such as where to pile snow. Keep in mind damage to landscaping or ice buildup during snow melt.
Residential Snow Removal vs. Commercial Snow Removal
Removing snow from a residential property costs about half that of removing snow from a commercial property. Commercial lots are typically larger and require more contractors, equipment, and salt. Additionally, contractors may have to visit the commercial property more than once during a storm to keep a business operating.
Common Add-Ons
In addition to basic snow removal, many companies offer additional services such as salt application to prevent future snow from accumulating on your sidewalk or driveway. Emergency snow removal is also an option for those facing unforeseen heavy snowfall, requiring immediate clearing of roofs. Finally, snow removal companies extend services to include heat mat installations, which melt snow from walkways or entire driveways.
DIY vs. Hiring a Tasker
While snow removal is a very doable task, it comes with its own risks. This is especially true for the pregnant, injured, or elderly. If you prefer the comfort of staying indoors with a freshly baked cookie instead of shoveling the driveway for the fifth time in a month, book a Tasker for your snow removal needs and enjoy peace of mind with a safer and less slippery driveway and sidewalk.
Tips to Reduce Costs for Snow Removal
There are a variety of ways you can save on your snow removal costs. Consider these tips from seasoned Taskers.
Shovel Yourself
A cost-effective strategy is to shovel your sidewalks on your own or enlist the help of your neighborhood teenager to assist
Bundle With Lawn Care
Many lawn care companies offer snow removal services as well. Ask about discounts when combining winter Yard Work services such as leaf collection and snow removal.
Trim Trees
Prepare for the season by removing any hazardous branches or trees prior to the first snowfall. Snow melting onto your roof or patio can cause additional snow removal, not to mention the damage caused if any were to fall.
Snow Removal Service FAQs
What Is the Cheapest Way to Remove Snow?
The most budget-friendly approach to snow removal is to do it yourself, requiring only the cost of a shovel. However, it’s essential to consider the trade-off between the savings and the significant time and energy involved by tackling snow removal on your own.
What is the Fastest Way to Remove Snow?
Using a snowplow is the quickest way to remove snow. However, the cost of a snowplow can reach up to $2,500. Instead, reach out for the help of a trusted Tasker for quick and seamless snowplow removal.
How Much Do Heated Driveways Cost?
Heated driveways cost between $12 to $21 per square foot. Heated driveways save on overall snow removal costs as snow will automatically melt off your driveway.
