When snow piles up, it creates hazards. Parking lots, sidewalks, and loading areas need fast attention to keep people safe. You also want to avoid injuries, property damage, and operational delays.
Commercial snow removal costs aren’t the same for every property. Prices change based on your site’s size, snowfall levels, service type, and how fast you need it cleared.
In this article, you’ll learn the main factors that raise or lower snow removal service costs.
You’ll also see common pricing models so you can make informed decisions before the next winter storm arrives.
What Do Commercial Snow Removal Services Include?
Commercial snow removal services keep large areas such as parking lots, office parks, and industrial sites safe and accessible. These jobs use snow plows, snow blowers, and skilled crews who can clear snow in many conditions.
Residential snow removal services usually cover smaller areas and don’t require the same scale of equipment or planning.
Depending on your property and the weather, you may need several types of winter services:
- Plowing: Moves snow from wide areas like parking lots and access roads.
- Snow blowing: Clears narrow spaces where plows can’t reach.
- Shoveling: Handles entrances, sidewalks, and steps that require more precise work.
- Roof snow removal: Prevents ice dams and helps protect the building’s structure.
- Ice management services: Uses salting or sanding to keep surfaces safer after snow removal, especially during freezing temperatures.
Combining these services helps maintain safe access during snow events and reduces disruptions for your property.
Key Factors That Affect Commercial Snow Removal Cost
When reviewing snow removal pricing, several factors shape the final number on your invoice. Each factor helps a service provider decide how to set the pricing structure for your property.
Property Size and Layout
A large parking lot or office park takes more time to clear. Snow removal companies may adjust prices based on the square foot measurement of the property.
Multiple entrances, tight corners, or landscaping features can require extra passes and different snow removal equipment.
Amount and Type of Snowfall
Light snowfall might only need one visit from snow removal contractors. Heavy snow or repeated snow events often increase snow removal rates.
Ice buildup can require ice management services, while melting ice followed by freezing temperatures can lead to additional service calls.
Geographic Location and Market Rates
Snow removal prices vary based on geographic location. Areas with heavy snowfall often use seasonal contracts. Regions with fewer snow events may use per-occurrence pricing or hourly rates.
Service scope also changes based on weather patterns and the business model of the snow removal business in that area.
Labor Costs
Labor costs make up a large portion of any snow removal service cost. Operators using snow plow attachments, skid steers, or solid trucks need fair compensation. Rates can rise during peak winter periods when fewer skilled crews are available.
Equipment and Maintenance
Snow removal equipment, such as snow plows, snow blowers, and skid steers, requires fuel and routine equipment maintenance. These operational costs are part of the pricing that snow removal services provide.
Service providers also factor in typical overhead costs like storage, repairs, and replacement parts.
Overhead and Administrative Expenses
A snow removal business carries overhead expenses beyond labor and equipment. Insurance, fuel, salt prices, and administrative work add to the snow removal service cost.
For commercial properties, overhead directly reduces profit for the contractor, which is why it’s included in snow removal pricing.
Typical Pricing Models for Commercial Snow Removal
There are quite a few factors that influence how a service provider structures pricing for snow removal services. The right pricing model for your commercial facility depends on property size, season length, and local weather conditions.
Below are the most common pricing models for snow removal services.
Hourly Rates
With this pricing model, you pay for the time crews spend removing snow from your property. Rates often range from $50 to $150 per hour. The price can be higher if specialized equipment like a skid steer or solid truck is needed.
Hourly pricing can work well for properties that only need service during occasional snow events.
Per-Inch Pricing
Per-inch pricing sets the cost based on snowfall depth. Rates usually range from $3 to $10 per inch. Light accumulation costs less, while heavy snowfall or severe snow and ice events can increase the bill.
This option ties cost directly to weather conditions and helps property owners prepare for varying snow levels.
Per-Event Pricing
A per-occurrence contract means you pay one set fee for each snow event. Rates often range from $30 to $95 per visit for commercial properties.
The amount of time spent removing snow doesn’t change the price. Many companies offer snow event pricing for an unpredictable season to make budgeting easier.
Seasonal Contracts
A seasonal contract or seasonal service agreement offers one fixed price for the entire winter.
Rates can vary widely but often fall between $2,000 and $10,000 for the season, depending on property size and service scope. It covers every snow event during that time.
Property owners in areas with steady winter weather often choose this model for consistent service without surprise charges.
Service-Specific Cost Examples
Each service type has its rates based on labor, equipment, and property size. Knowing these averages can help you compare service packages and reduce snow removal costs over the winter.
- Snow plowing: $50 to $150 per hour. Per-event pricing is often $30 to $95 for commercial lots and access roads.
- Snow shoveling: $25 to $75 per hour. Used for entrances, sidewalks, and steps where larger equipment can’t operate.
- Roof snow removal: $190 to $735 per visit for standard roofs. Large or steep roofs can cost up to $3,000.
- Ice management services: $20 to $50 per application. Useful when ice events occur after snowfall and freezing temperatures create hazards.
These figures give you a clear starting point when comparing pricing for snow removal services across different providers.
How to Choose the Right Commercial Snow Removal Contractor
Hiring the right contractor protects your property and helps manage winter costs. You need a team that can deliver the complete service package your site requires.
Look for contractors with experience handling commercial properties similar to yours. Those who have worked on large parking lots or office parks know how to handle tight spaces and keep access clear.
Make sure they have the proper licensing and insurance. This protects you if damage occurs while removing snow.
Ask about the services included in their package. Some offer plowing, shoveling, roof snow removal, and ice management under one agreement. This can reduce scheduling issues and simplify billing.
Review their response time after a snow event. Prompt arrival keeps sidewalks, entrances, and parking areas safe for use.
You should request a written quote that lists rates, the service scope, and any seasonal service agreement terms. Comparing several quotes will help you find fair pricing for snow removal services in your area.
Minimize Winter Disruptions With Trillium’s 24/7 Facility Management
Snow and ice can slow your operations and create safety hazards. Trillium gives you a faster, easier way to get service without high markups or unwanted contracts.
Trillium is facility maintenance software that lets you submit, track, and manage work orders for many services. These include snow and ice management, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, parking lot, and sidewalk services.
From one platform, you can:
- Create a work order in minutes with trade, priority, details, and photos
- Get real-time updates on every request
- Access 6,000+ vetted, licensed service providers nationwide
- Skip vendor screening with Trillium’s built-in background and insurance checks
Traditional facilities management often charges large markups and hidden fees. Many also require on-site personnel, but you may not need them.
Trillium has no fees, no long-term contracts, and no minimum order volumes. You request services only if and when you need them.
Service is monitored 24/7, so you can get help anytime a snow event or maintenance issue happens.
Manage every maintenance request from one platform with no lock-ins or hidden costs. Book a demo with Trillium now!
FAQs About Commercial Snow Removal Cost
How much do landscaping companies charge for snow removal?
Rates vary based on property size, service type, and location. Commercial snow removal can range from $50 to $150 per hour for plowing. Some providers also offer per-event pricing, which may be $30 to $95 for a standard parking lot.
Is professional snow removal worth it?
Yes, especially for commercial sites where safety and access matter. Professional crews have the equipment and experience to clear snow fast and handle ice hazards. This keeps your property safe for staff, customers, and deliveries during winter weather.
What is typically included in a commercial snow removal service?
Commercial snow removal services usually include plowing, salting, and de-icing for parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways. They often provide on-call response once snowfall reaches a set depth. Some providers also offer extra options like snow stacking or off-site hauling for an additional cost.
