How Much Does Snow Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
The average cost of snow removal is $123, but prices can fluctuate between $50 to $203. Price structures work differently when purchasing an annual snow removal contract vs. a one-time service.
On average, snow removal costs range from $50 to $203 per session. If you opt for an annual snow removal contract, expect to pay up to $500 per year. Let’s take a look at the cost of snow removal, including one-time services and annual contracts.
Snow Removal Cost Factors
The cost of professional snow removal depends on several factors, ranging from type of equipment to add-on services.
Frequency
One major factor that impacts snow removal costs is the frequency of service. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall for most of the winter season, you may be able to save money by signing a seasonal contract.
| Frequency of Snow Removal | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Per visit | $30–$70 |
| Per storm | $30–$100 |
| Monthly | $100–$300 |
| Seasonal contract | $200–$700 |
Types of Service
Take a look at the cost ranges of the following snow services:
| Type of Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Snow Plowing | $30–$95 per visit |
| Snow Shoveling | $25–$75 per hour |
| Snow Blowing | $25–$75 per hour |
| Salt Application | $20–$40 per visit |
| Sand Application | $20–$40 per visit |
Cost of Snow Removal by Location
Here’s what you can expect to pay for clearing snow from walkways, parking lots, and other areas.
| Location | Average Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway | $30–$75 per session | If you have salt or sand put down to prevent snow or ice from sticking, the cost will be closer to $200. |
| Roof | $200–$500 per visit | On average, you’ll pay $200 to $500 per cleaning for roof snow removal. Larger or steeper roofs can cost $1,000 to $2,000. We recommend that you remove snow from your roof once six inches accumulates. Doing so can prevent structural damage to your home. |
| Sidewalk | $25–$75 per hour | Expect to pay around $25 to $75 per hour to hire a professional to plow your sidewalk. You may also want to check with your local utilities department to see what fees are handed out for noncompliance. |
| Parking Lot | $50–$200 per hour | Depending on their size, commercial parking lots charge between $50 and $200 per hour for snow removal. This service includes de-icing, sanding, and salting. |
Driveway Size
Expect to pay more if you have an especially long, winding driveway. Professionals may also charge more for dirt or gravel driveways, as they take longer to clear and de-ice than concrete. If your drive slopes sharply down or is very curvy, you may have to pay for the extra time spent clearing the path.
| Driveway Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Short and narrow | $30–$70 |
| Long and winding | $100–$200 |
| Per additional 100’ | $40–$80 |
Commercial vs. Residential
On average, snow removal in a residential area costs between $25 and $100, while in a commercial area, it can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. Snow removal in a commercial area will cost more than in a residential area. This is because commercial snow removal is often for larger areas, including shopping center parking lots.
If you need to remove snow from a commercial area, contact a commercial snow removal company near you for a personalized quote.
Equipment
The type of equipment your snow removal professional uses affects the price. Ensure your contractor understands the specifics of your situation and knows what equipment to bring, whether you have a long drive that needs plowing or walkways that need snow blowing or snow throwing.
Labor
Labor is the other main factor that affects the cost of snow removal. Depending on your company, different contractors may offer different service levels. While professional snow removal companies don't need a license in most states, finding a reliable snow removal contractor you trust is important.
Emergencies
The time it takes a company to respond also affects the price of snow removal. You may pay more for a company with a fast response time and less for a company with a longer wait time.
DIY Snow Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
If you own the right snow removal equipment, it’s a project you can tackle yourself. You can expect to pay about $20 for a shovel. Homeowners with larger properties may consider purchasing or renting a snowblower for $75 daily. Snowblowers take less time than shoveling but don’t work well in tight areas.
You can also rent a snow plow that attaches to a truck for an average of $100 per day. Renting a utility vehicle plow for your ATV or UTV costs about $20 per day.
However, if you’d rather stay inside next to your fireplace while your local snow removal pros remove snow, they complete the job faster and ensure your walkways are prepped for future freezing. Plus, they have the tools and equipment necessary to tackle your snow needs.
Tips to Reduce Snow Removal Costs
The tips below can help reduce the costs of services throughout the winter season.
Plan ahead: Check with your neighbors for referrals on reputable companies or look at online reviews to find a snow removal professional. You’ll likely score a better deal during a snow company’s off-season than if you reach out when they’re in high demand.
Get several quotes: Once you have a list of companies you’re considering hiring, contact them for quotes on basic snow removal services and add-ons to compare notes.
Consider a contract: A snow removal contract may cost more upfront but less overall when considering how much you’d pay for one-time removal several times a year. You may even be offered a discount for signing up for a year-round contract that includes lawn maintenance and care.
When to Purchase an Annual Snow Removal Contract
You may want to consider purchasing an annual snow removal contract to:
Protect your health: While shoveling snow is good exercise, it also comes with some health risks, especially for older adults and people with mobility concerns.
Clear large property: If you have a large, winding drive or an extensive area that needs shoveling or plowing, it makes sense to hire a professional.
Save time: Consider hiring someone to remove snow for you. The DIY approach to snow removal takes significant time and effort.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
DIY snow removal is entirely free, except for the cost of a shovel. However, it may not always be the best option for large driveways and areas with heavy snowfall; it’s strenuous work and can take a long time. Other wallet-friendly ways to remove snow include rock salt, hot water, a de-icing agent, or a leaf blower.
Heated driveways cost an average of $12 to $25 per square foot. Depending on the size of your driveway, you may pay between $3,500 to $25,000 in total. Several factors can affect your bottom line, including material, labor, and system types. Investing in a heated driveway can save on snow removal costs because it will automatically melt the snow that falls on your driveway.
Whether or not an annual snow removal contract is worth it depends mainly on location. If you live in an area with frequent heavy snowfall, a yearly contract could be better than paying per clearing. If you live in an area where it only snows a few times a year, paying per snowstorm may be a better option.
