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
$450 low$9,000 high
Get a personal estimate
Answer a few quick questions to narrow the range.
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.
Ready to get quotes?
Post your excavation job for free and hear from local tradies.
Indicative range only, not a quote. Get quotes from local tradies for an exact price. Last updated 13 July 2026.
Connecting homeowners with trusted local tradies. Made in Sydney.
Support
Tradies
List your business & get more jobsMobile app
© 2026 QuickQuote. All rights reserved.