How much does excavation cost?
Excavation in Australia typically costs $110–$190 per hour for an excavator with operator, with most residential jobs landing between $450 and $9,000 depending on scale and spoil removal.
Typical price band
$2,500typical
standard job $1.5k–$4k
$450 low$9,000 high
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Real-world examples
Trenching for services$450 – $1,000
Site prep for a slab or driveway$1,500 – $4,000
Pool dig$2,500 – $9,000
What affects the price
— Machine size. Mini excavators cost less per hour but take longer; bigger machines cost more but finish sooner.
— Spoil removal. Trucking soil away is charged per load and can exceed the digging cost on big cuts.
— Ground conditions. Rock, heavy clay and tree roots slow the machine and may need attachments like breakers.
— Access. Narrow side access forces a smaller machine and more hours for the same volume.
— Float and minimums. Expect a delivery (float) fee and a half-day minimum charge on most jobs.
Tips before you post
— Always arrange a Dial Before You Dig (BYDA) check before any excavation — it's free and avoids hitting services.
— Ask whether the quote includes spoil removal and how many truckloads are allowed for.
— Combining jobs (trenches, stump removal, levelling) into one machine visit saves float fees.
Beyond the price: Hiring an excavator: what an hourly dig quote really covers
Read the guide →Other costs in this category
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Indicative range only, not a quote. Get quotes from local tradies for an exact price. Last updated 13 July 2026.
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