What Is An Appropriate Amount To Pay Someone To Shovel Your Driveway In 2026?

If you live in an area that sees occasional snowfall, you are likely familiar with the tedious task of having to remove the mess from your driveway and walkways. While some homeowners opt to do it themselves to save money, and there are certainly ways to make shoveling or removing snow easier, others cannot physically undertake this activity. In certain cases, it's easier (and safer) to hire a professional to get the job done. However, you want to pay a fair price, especially if you are on a budget. With prices increasing on many goods and services, paying someone to shovel snow might now be more expensive than in previous years. The exact cost will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size of the driveway, your location, and the company.

Obviously, hiring someone to remove snow from your driveway costs more than doing it yourself, but this doesn't mean you need to accept the first quote. According to Lawn Love, the cost per visit ranges from $45 to $160. But before you hire someone, it's important to understand what goes into the price. Labor is the primary factor, but the cost may also vary based on how far they have to travel and the equipment used. You will likely pay more for the service if you live in a metropolitan area that sees a lot of snowfall versus a less populated city that gets minimal snow. Also be aware that the larger the driveway, the more the company or individual will charge for the job.

When searching for someone to remove snow from your property, consider how they charge for the service. For example, some companies might charge between $25 and $75 per hour, while others might offer a flat fee per project based on square footage. Another factor is the amount of snow that requires removal. A light dusting is considered a relatively easy job, compared to several inches of wet, heavy snow on your driveway. It's always worthwhile to read through a prospective snow removal company's customer reviews before hiring one. Look for factors such as timeliness, professionalism, as well as possible damage that a company might have caused from equipment they used.

You might also get a knock at your door from a neighborhood teenager or someone offering to shovel the snow. This option could save you money and cut out the middleman, so to speak. Just keep in mind that you won't be working with someone who has liability insurance. Always you use your best judgment when hiring someone without licensing or professional experience, as repairing snow shoveling damage to your property could cost you more money in the long-run. No matter which option you choose, always obtain a quote in writing.