How It Works
Three simple steps to get accurate calculations
1
Enter Client Base
Input residential driveways and commercial accounts with their prices.
2
Set Season Expectations
Define expected snow events based on your area's average.
3
Add Equipment & Costs
Include equipment, salt, fuel, insurance, and labor costs.
4
Review Seasonal Profit
See total profit, per-event earnings, and minimum pricing.
Loading Snow Removal Route Profit Planner...
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge per driveway for snow removal?
Residential driveways: $35-$75 per push depending on size and complexity. Average: $45-$55. 2-car drives: $35-$50. 3+ car or long drives: $50-$75. Seasonal contracts: 15-20x per-push rate. Commercial: $100-$500+ per push based on lot size.
How many driveways can I plow per hour?
With a truck-mounted plow: 4-8 residential driveways per hour depending on route density and snowfall depth. Light snow (2-4"): 6-8/hour. Heavy snow (6"+): 3-5/hour. Tight routes are key - 5 min between stops is ideal.
Is snow removal a profitable business?
Yes, margins of 40-60% are achievable with good routing. A 25-driveway route at $45/push with 15 events = $16,875 revenue. After costs (~$8K), profit ~$8,500 for ~90 hours work = $95/hour effective. Commercial accounts boost profitability significantly.
How do I price for unpredictable snow seasons?
Options: Per-push pricing (you win in heavy years, lose in light), seasonal contracts (predictable income), or hybrid (base rate + per-push over threshold). Many contractors prefer 60% seasonal + 40% per-push clients for balance.
What equipment do I need for snow removal?
Minimum: Truck plow ($4,000-$8,000), salt spreader ($500-$2,000), shovels, ice melt. For efficiency: Quality commercial plow ($6,000+), V-plow ($8,000+) for commercial. Budget $8,000-$15,000 total for a solid setup.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Consult professionals for important decisions.