Average Excavation Cost Per Yard by Region: 2026 Report

Our research team at Kitching & Co. DirtworX analyzed excavation pricing data across the United States, compiling cost information from over 150 contractors in five major regions. This 2026 update reflects the most recent pricing trends entering the 2026 construction season, providing updated industry benchmarks for excavation costs per cubic yard.

Our analysis continues to show meaningful regional disparities in excavation pricing, with the Northeast commanding rates up to 78% higher than the Midwest, while Texas remains competitively positioned entering 2026. These differences are driven by variations in labor costs, soil conditions, equipment availability, and regulatory requirements.

Regional Excavation Cost Analysis

Primary Regional Cost Data – 2026

Region	Average Cost/Cubic Yard	Price Range	Dominant Soil Type	Labor Rate ($/hour)
Northeast	$12.50	$8.00 – $18.00	Clay/Rock	$31
West	$11.00	$7.00 – $16.00	Rocky/Sand	$29
Texas	$9.75	$6.00 – $14.50	Clay/Caliche	$26
Southeast	$8.50	$5.50 – $12.00	Sand/Clay	$24
Midwest	$7.00	$4.50 – $10.50	Loam/Clay	$22

The Northeast continues to be the highest-cost excavation market nationally in 2026, averaging $12.50 per cubic yard due to challenging subsurface conditions, elevated labor rates, and stricter regulatory oversight. States such as New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut frequently encounter rocky substrates requiring specialized equipment and experienced operators.

Texas ranks as the third-highest cost region at $9.75 per cubic yard heading into 2026, driven by diverse geological conditions including expansive clay soils and caliche rock formations. Ongoing population growth and infrastructure expansion continue to support strong demand for excavation services statewide.

The Midwest offers the most cost-effective excavation rates at $7.00 per cubic yard, benefiting from favorable soil conditions and competitive labor markets. States like Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio provide optimal conditions for efficient excavation operations.

Soil Type Impact on Excavation Costs

Cost Analysis by Soil Composition

Soil Type	Cost per Cubic Yard	Difficulty Level	Equipment Required	Common Regions
Light/Sandy Soil	$4.25	Low	Standard excavator	Southeast coastal
Average Soil	$8.00	Medium	Standard excavator	Midwest/Central
Heavy/Wet Soil	$12.50	High	Heavy-duty equipment	Northwest/Great Lakes
Clay Soil	$10.75	High	Specialized equipment	Texas/Southeast
Rocky/Caliche	$15.00	Very High	Jackhammer attachment	Texas/Southwest

Soil composition remains the single largest cost variable in excavation pricing for 2026, outside of labor rates. Rocky and caliche soils, prevalent in Texas and the Southwest, can increase excavation costs by up to 250% compared to light sandy conditions.

Clay soils continue to present operational challenges. In Texas, expansive clay conditions require careful moisture control and excavation timing to prevent equipment wear and project delays.

Project Type Cost Variations

Average Costs by Excavation Project Type 2026

Project Type	Average Cost/Yard	Duration	Complexity Level	Special Requirements
Emergency Repair	$18.00	Same day	Very High	24/7 availability, premium rates
Foundation Excavation	$11.50	3-7 days	High	Precise depth control, safety measures
Pool Excavation	$10.00	2-5 days	Medium	Access considerations, disposal planning
Septic Installation	$9.50	2-4 days	Medium	Health dept. compliance, proper grading
Utility Trenching	$8.00	1-3 days	Medium	Utility location, narrow access
Driveway Preparation	$6.50	1-2 days	Low	Grading, compaction requirements

Emergency excavation work commands premium pricing at $18.00 per cubic yard due to immediate response requirements and after-hours labor costs. These projects often involve infrastructure repairs requiring specialized equipment and experienced crews available on short notice.

Foundation excavation projects average $11.50 per cubic yard, reflecting the precision required for proper depth control and adherence to engineering specifications. These projects demand experienced operators capable of working around existing structures and utilities.

Utility trenching represents a specialized market segment at $8.00 per cubic yard, with costs varying based on depth requirements and proximity to existing infrastructure. Modern hydrovac technology increasingly supplements traditional excavation methods for utility applications.

Equipment and Labor Cost Analysis

Regional Equipment Hourly Rates

Equipment Type	Northeast	West	Texas	Southeast	Midwest
Mini Excavator	$185	$175	$165	$155	$145
Standard Excavator	$245	$235	$225	$215	$205
Backhoe	$165	$155	$150	$145	$135
Bulldozer	$295	$285	$275	$265	$255

Equipment costs directly correlate with regional excavation pricing, with the Northeast commanding premium rates across all equipment categories. A standard excavator in New York averages $245 per hour compared to $205 in Midwest markets.

Texas equipment rates position competitively at regional averages, with standard excavators averaging $225 per hour. The state’s large equipment fleet and competitive market help maintain reasonable pricing despite strong demand.

Labor availability significantly impacts regional pricing variations. Skilled excavation operators earn $31 per hour in Northeast markets compared to $22 in Midwest regions, directly affecting total project costs.

Cost Mitigation Strategies

Effective excavation cost management in 2026 requires proactive site analysis, accurate soil testing, and strategic scheduling.

Early soil testing reduces unexpected cost overruns and allows proper equipment planning. Seasonal timing also remains a factor, with spring and summer commanding premium pricing.

Bundling excavation, utilities, and site preparation under a single contractor continues to be one of the most effective cost-control strategies, reducing mobilization fees, scheduling conflicts, and subcontractor markups.

Conclusion

Excavation pricing trends entering 2026 continue to reflect regional and geological realities. The Northeast leads at $12.50 per cubic yard, while the Midwest offers the lowest average at $7.00 per cubic yard. Texas maintains a competitive middle-ground position at $9.75 per cubic yard, supported by strong contractor competition and diverse project demand.

For construction professionals planning 2026 projects, soil composition remains the dominant cost driver, with rocky conditions capable of increasing costs by up to 250%.

Sources:

1. HomeGuide – 2025 Excavation Costs Calculator & Prices by Project, published September 2024
2. ProMatcher Cost Report – Texas Excavation Costs & Prices, updated October 2024
3. Ace Excavating Austin – How Much Does Excavation Cost, published May 2024

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