How to price snow removal: per push, per inch, hourly or seasonal
5 min read · updated October 2026
The short answer
Most residential snow removal is priced per push with depth ranges (for example up to 4 inches, 4 to 8, 8 to 12, deeper), or as a seasonal contract. Set the first range from your time per driveway at your crew-hour cost, raise each range for the extra time, and bill from the snowfall measured near the property.
The four pricing methods
| Method | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Per push by depth | Most driveways | Agreeing on how much snow fell |
| Flat per push | Small, quick stops | Big storms that take twice as long |
| Hourly | Commercial lots, unusual sites | Customers who dislike open-ended bills |
| Seasonal contract | Steady cash flow | Snowy winters (use a push cap) |
Setting depth ranges
Price the first range (for example up to 4 inches) from the time per driveway at your truck-hour cost plus margin. Deeper snow takes longer: a common pattern is roughly ×1.4 for 4 to 8 inches, ×1.85 for 8 to 12 and ×2.3 for deeper, rounded to the nearest $5.
| Snowfall | Price per push |
|---|---|
| Up to 4" | $45 |
| 4" to 8" | $65 |
| 8" to 12" | $85 |
| Over 12" | $105 |
Seasonal contracts
Divide your expected pushes in an average winter into a season price, billed up front or monthly, and cap the pushes it covers (for example 15) with a per-push price beyond that.
Bill from measured snow, not the forecast
Disputes are about how much snow fell. Using the snowfall measured at the nearest weather station for each property gives both sides the same number.
Let GroundsQuote do the pricing
Set your rates once. Every request arrives with the lawn measured and a suggested price, and customers can see an instant estimate.
Start freeQuestions
What is a trigger depth?
The snowfall at which you come out, commonly 1 to 2 inches for driveways. Below it, the visit is not needed and not billed.