How to Price for Lawn Mowing Jobs in 2025: Contractor’s Pricing Guide

June 20, 2025 - 20 min read

TL;DR 

Pricing lawn mowing jobs correctly means covering labor ($16-$25/hour), overhead (15-30% of costs), and applying the right markup for healthy profits. Most lawn care providers charge $30-$80 per hour or $0.01-$0.06 per square foot. Use FieldCamp’s tools to calculate precise estimates and streamline your lawn care operations.

Pricing lawn care jobs isn’t just about matching the going rate—it’s about making sure every visit covers your costs and drives profit.

In 2025, lawn care services typically range from $30 to $80 per visit, with hourly rates between $30 and $65 (Angi, 2024)

But if you’re simply following averages without factoring in your own labor, fuel, equipment, and admin time, you could be undercharging without even realizing it. If you’re unsure where to begin, our business pricing guidelines is a great place to start—it walks you through all the key cost components and helps you build a pricing structure that works.

To stay competitive as your client base grows, you need systems that keep your pricing consistent and your operations organized. Once you’ve nailed your costs, plug them into our pricing tool to run the numbers and generate quotes that reflect the work involved.

This guide breaks down how to price lawn mowing jobs in 2025—from calculating overhead and labor to applying margins that protect your bottom line. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your crew, you’ll leave with a smarter approach to quoting that’s built for sustainability.

Average Lawn Mowing Rates in 2025

Understanding current market rates helps you position your lawn mowing services competitively while ensuring profitability. Also, explore the latest lawn care industry statistics and trends to stay informed and updated, and see how national trends affect lawn care service pricing in your region. 

lawn-mowing-rate-compraision

National Pricing Ranges

Pricing MethodRate RangeBest For
Hourly Rate$30–$80/hourUnpredictable terrain, new contractors
Per Visit$49–$204/visitStandard residential properties
Per Square Foot$0.01–$0.06/sq ftLarge commercial properties
Per Acre$60–$150/acreExpansive lawns, rural properties

📌 Note: The national average price for lawn mowing is $123 per visit, ranging between $49 and $204 (Angi, 2025). Your actual rates will depend on local market conditions and service complexity for lawn maintenance services.

Pricing by Lawn Size

pricing-by-lawn-size

Smart contractors adjust their pricing based on property size to maximize efficiency and profitability for their lawn service: 

Lawn SizeAverage CostTypical Time
Up to 5,000 sq ft$30–$7530–45 minutes
5,000–10,000 sq ft$50–$12545–75 minutes
10,000–20,000 sq ft$75–$1751–2 hours
1/2 acre (21,780 sq ft)$100–$2001.5–2.5 hours
1 acre (43,560 sq ft)$150–$3002–4 hours

Factors That Influence Pricing 

Several variables affect how much you should charge for each lawn mowing job within the lawn care industry. Understanding these factors helps you quote accurately and avoid underpricing. 

1. Property Characteristics

  • Lawn Size and Shape: Larger lawns naturally require more time and effort, with a 1-acre lawn averaging about 3x the price of a ¼ acre lawn (Angi, 2025). Irregularly shaped properties with tight corners and obstacles increase labor time significantly when mowing lawns.
  • Terrain Complexity: Slopes, ditches, flower beds, and playground equipment all slow down your crew and increase the risk of equipment damage. Charge 15-25% more for properties with significant obstacles or challenging terrain that requires specialized lawn mower handling.
  • Grass Type and Condition: Different grass varieties have distinct growth patterns and maintenance requirements. Cool-season grasses grow most during spring and fall, requiring more frequent lawn maintenance services during these seasons (Lawn Love, 2025). Overgrown lawns may require multiple passes and higher rates.

2. Frequency

  • Regular vs. One-Time Service: Recurring clients deserve loyalty pricing for their lawn care services. Many lawn care companies offer discounted rates for those who commit to a recurring schedule, whether weekly, monthly, or annual service (LawnStarter, 2025). Consider offering 10-20% discounts for weekly contracts.
  • Seasonal Demand: Spring and summer bring higher demand, allowing for potentially higher rates, while demand may wane in autumn and winter (Housecall Pro, 2025). Build seasonal fluctuations into your annual pricing strategy for landscaping services.

3. Geographic Location

  • Regional Cost Variations: Labor costs are generally higher in urban or suburban areas than in rural locations. Lawns in wet, warm Southern regions require more care than Northern regions with shorter growing seasons (LawnStarter, 2025).
  • Travel Distance: Properties outside your normal service area should include travel time and fuel costs. Consider adding $10-$25 for jobs more than 10 miles from your base, and look into AI route optimization to minimize these costs.
travel-distance

Common Pricing Models Explained 

Choosing the right pricing model depends on your target market, experience level, and the complexity of jobs you handle.

1. Hourly Pricing

How it works: Charge based on actual time spent on the property.
Formula: Total Cost = (Hours Worked × Hourly Rate × Number of Crew Members)Example:
2 crew members × 1.5 hours × $40/hour = $120 total

PROS

CONS

Transparent and easy to justify

Accounts for unexpected complications

Great for variable terrain or first-time jobs

Clients may question efficiency

Doesn’t reward speed improvements

Can discourage investment in better equipment

Best for: New contractors, unpredictable properties, or complex terrain.

2. Per Square Foot Pricing

How it works: Set a rate per square foot of mowable area.

Formula: Total Cost = Square Footage × Rate per Sq FtExample:
8,000 sq ft × $0.03/sq ft = $240 total

PROS

CONS

Easy for clients to understand

Scalable for large properties

Predictable pricing for both parties

Doesn’t account for obstacles or terrain

Requires accurate measurements

May undervalue complex jobs

Best for: Commercial properties, large open lawns, or standardized residential developments.

3. Flat Rate Pricing

How it works: One price for the complete service, regardless of time spent.

Formula: Total Cost = (Labor + Materials + Overhead) × (1 + Profit Margin)

Example: Standard 1/4 acre lawn: $85 flat rate (regardless of actual time)

PROS

CONS

Clients love price certainty

Rewards efficiency improvements

Simplifies billing and contracts

Risk of losing money on complex jobs

Requires accurate time estimates

Harder to adjust for scope changes

Best for: Recurring clients, standardized properties, or experienced contractors with accurate time estimates.

4. Package Pricing

How it works: Bundle mowing with additional services at a discounted rate.

Example Packages:

Basic Package ($60/visit)

  • Standard mowing
  • Grass clipping removal
  • Basic edging

Premium Package ($95/visit)

  • All basic services
  • Detailed edging and trimming
  • Blowing walkways and driveways
  • Monthly equipment maintenance check

How to Calculate Your Costs?

Accurate cost calculation is the foundation of profitable pricing. Here’s how to break down every expense that goes into a lawn mowing job.

know-your-true-costs

#Step 1: Calculate Labor Costs

Labor typically represents 40-60% of your total job cost.

Formula: Labor Cost = (Hourly Wage + Labor Burden) × Hours × Number of Workers

Labor burden includes:

  • Payroll taxes (7.65% Social Security/Medicare)
  • Worker’s compensation insurance (varies by state)
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Benefits (if provided)

Example:

  • Base wage: $18/hour
  • Labor burden: 25% ($4.50/hour)
  • Total labor cost: $22.50/hour per worker
  • 2 workers × 1.5 hours = $67.50 total labor cost

Free Tool:

Need help calculating precise labor costs? Use our free labor cost calculator to factor in all expenses, including payroll taxes and benefits.

#Step 2: Factor in Equipment Costs

Don’t forget the hidden costs of equipment ownership and operation.

Direct Equipment Costs per Job:

  • Fuel: $3-$8 per hour of operation
  • Oil and maintenance: $1-$3 per hour
  • Blade sharpening/replacement: $0.50-$1.50 per hour
  • Equipment depreciation: $2-$5 per hour

Example:
1.5-hour job × $7/hour equipment cost = $10.50

#Step 3: Calculate Overhead Costs

Overhead costs are everything that keeps your lawn care company operating, including office space, insurance, fuel costs, and advertising (Jobber, 2025).

calculate-overhead-costs

Monthly Overhead Examples:

  • Vehicle insurance and maintenance: $800
  • General liability insurance: $200
  • Business license and permits: $50
  • Marketing and advertising: $300
  • Office/storage rent: $400
  • Phone and internet: $150
  • Total monthly overhead: $1,900

Per-Job Overhead Calculation:
$1,900 ÷ 80 jobs per month = $23.75 overhead per job

#Step 4: Add Material Costs

For basic mowing, material costs are minimal but should still be tracked:

  • Replacement parts and consumables: $2-$5 per job
  • Cleaning supplies and maintenance: $1-$3 per job

Total Job Cost Example

For a 1.5-hour, two-person crew job:

  • Labor: $67.50
  • Equipment: $10.50
  • Overhead: $23.75
  • Materials: $3.00
  • Total Cost: $104.75

To achieve a 20% profit margin:

  • Markup needed: 25% of costs

Customer price: $104.75 × 1.25 = $130.94

Free Resource:

Once you finalize your pricing, it’s crucial to invoice clearly and professionally. Use FieldCamp’s free lawn care invoice template to send accurate, branded invoices for every job.

Regional Pricing Differences 

Geographic location significantly impacts mowing costs due to varying costs of living, labor rates, and demand for services. Urban areas typically see elevated charges compared to suburban or rural locations (Angi, 2025; Lawn Love, 2025).

Regional Rate Variations

Region TypeHourly Rate RangePer Visit Range
Major Metropolitan$50–$80/hour$75–$250/visit
Suburban$35–$60/hour$50–$175/visit
Rural$25–$45/hour$35–$125/visit

High-Cost Markets

Markets like San Francisco, New York, and Boston command premium rates due to:

  • Higher labor costs and living expenses
  • Limited competition in some areas
  • Greater demand for professional services
  • Stricter insurance and licensing requirements

Adjusting for Your Market

  • Research local competitors: Call 3-5 competitors for quotes on similar properties to understand market rates.
  • Consider cost of living: Use online cost-of-living calculators to adjust national averages for your area.
  • Factor in seasonality: Northern markets have shorter seasons but may command higher rates during peak months.

Seasonal Adjustments

Many overhead costs related to maintaining vehicles, equipment, and insurance apply year-round, so you may need to build slow-season costs into peak-season rates (Angi, 2024).

seasonal-adjustments

1. Peak Season Pricing (Spring/Summer)

During high-demand months, consider:

  • 10-20% premium for peak season work
  • Higher rates for emergency or rush jobs
  • Premium pricing for first cuts of the season

2. Off-Season Revenue Strategies

Maintain cash flow during slower months by offering:

  • Snow removal services
  • Leaf cleanup and debris removal
  • Holiday lighting installation
  • Equipment maintenance and storage
  • Tree and shrub trimming

For pricing guidance on complementary services like gutter cleaning pricing, check our detailed guides to maximize your off-season revenue.

3. Annual Contract Benefits

Encourage year-round contracts by offering:

  • 15-25% discount for annual prepayment
  • Price protection against rate increases
  • Priority scheduling during peak season
  • Bundled services at reduced rates

Profit Margin Strategies 

An operating profit margin of 15-20% is a great goal for a small lawn care business (Jobber, 2025). Here’s how to achieve and maintain healthy margins.

Understanding Markup vs. Margin

Profit Margin = (Revenue – Costs) ÷ Revenue × 100
Markup = Profit ÷ Costs × 100

Desired Profit MarginRequired Markup
15%17.6%
20%25.0%
25%33.3%
30%42.9%

Strategies to Improve Margins

1. Increase Efficiency:

  • Invest in commercial-grade equipment
  • Optimize routing to reduce travel time
  • Train crew for consistent, quality work
  • Use technology to streamline operations

2. Add High-Value Services:

  • Fertilization and weed control
  • Seasonal cleanups
  • Landscape maintenance
  • Irrigation system checks

3. Optimize Pricing:

  • Review and adjust rates annually
  • Implement fuel surcharges when needed
  • Charge appropriately for difficult terrain
  • Offer package deals that increase average ticket size

Free Tool:

Converting between profit margins and markup percentages can be confusing and time-consuming.

Our free profit margin calculator eliminates the guesswork by instantly showing you both metrics, plus the exact client price you need to charge. No more pricing mistakes that eat into your profits.

Smart Pricing for Different Job Types

1. Residential Pricing

Standard Subdivisions: $0.02-$0.04 per square foot for regular maintenance contracts

Upscale Neighborhoods: $0.04-$0.06 per square foot with attention to detail and additional services

Rural Properties: $0.01-$0.03 per square foot, but factor in longer travel times

2. Commercial Pricing

Commercial mowing rates are $25 to $150 per acre or $50 to $80 per hour per worker (HomeGuide, 2023). Large properties often accept lower per-acre rates in exchange for:

  • Consistent, long-term contracts
  • Bulk pricing on multiple properties
  • Simplified billing and administration

3. Specialty Situations

First Cut of Season: Charge 50-100% more for overgrown lawns requiring multiple passes

One-Time Cleanups: One-time services cost 50% to 100% more than regular service rates (HoeGuide, 2023)

Emergency Services: Add 25-50% surcharge for same-day or urgent requests

4. Complementary Services Many lawn care businesses expand their service offerings to increase revenue. Services like pressure washing can command $50-160 per hour and naturally complement lawn maintenance work.

Track Your Progress with FieldCamp

Run a smarter, more profitable lawn care business—without the manual headaches.

With FieldCamp, you get an all-in-one toolkit designed specifically for service pros like you. Whether you’re pricing your first job or scaling up to manage multiple crews, FieldCamp keeps your operations sharp and streamlined.

  • Accurate Job Costing

Track every detail—from technician hours and fuel usage to equipment wear and materials. FieldCamp helps you calculate job profitability in real-time, so you can quote better and grow faster.

  • Professional Estimates & Invoices

Create itemized estimates and branded invoices in minutes. Clearly show labor, materials, and service details to boost trust and reduce payment delays. Use our free lawn care invoice template or let FieldCamp automate the process.

  • AI-Powered Route Optimization

Assign jobs based on the fastest routes and technician availability. Cut fuel costs, reduce idle time, and fit more jobs into your day.

  • Seamless Client Experience

Give your customers a portal where they can view estimates, pay invoices, approve jobs, and track progress—all from one place.

What are you getting benefitted with?

  • Real-Time Insights & Automation
  • Live job costing and time tracking
  • Automated invoicing and payments
  • CRM-backed communication

Detailed performance reports & dashboards via the AI Command Center

Pricing Calculator Guide 

Use this step-by-step process to calculate competitive pricing for any lawn mowing job:

Quick Lawn Mowing Pricing Formula

  1. Estimate Time: How long will this job take your crew?
  2. Calculate Labor: Time × Crew Size × Hourly Labor Cost
  3. Add Equipment Costs: Time × Equipment Cost per Hour
  4. Include Overhead: Use your calculated overhead per job
  5. Apply Markup: Add 20-30% for profit margin

Example Calculation

Job Details: 12,000 sq ft suburban lawn, weekly service

Step 1: Estimated time = 1.25 hours (2-person crew)
Step 2: Labor = 1.25 × 2 × $22.50 = $56.25
Step 3: Equipment = 1.25 × $7.00 = $8.75
Step 4: Overhead = $23.75 (from monthly calculation)
Step 5: Subtotal = $88.75
Step 6: Add 25% markup = $110.94

Final Price: $111 per visit

Price with Confidence, Grow Profitably

Smart lawn care contractors don’t compete on price—they compete on value, reliability, and professional service. When your pricing accurately reflects your true costs and desired margins, you’re not just covering expenses; you’re building a sustainable business that can invest in better equipment, hire skilled workers, and provide the level of service that commands premium rates.

The key is understanding your numbers, knowing your market, and communicating your value clearly to potential clients. With the right pricing strategy and tools like FieldCamp to streamline your operations, you can build a profitable lawn care business that thrives in any market condition.

Ready to optimize your lawn care pricing? Try FieldCamp’s complete field service management platform and see how the right tools can boost your efficiency, improve your margins, and help you grow your business with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I price my first lawn mowing jobs?

Start with hourly pricing to understand how long different job types take you. Charging by the hour can be a smart move for new lawn professionals because it’s hard to estimate job completion time at first (Angi, 2024). Track your time religiously for the first 20-30 jobs, then transition to more profitable pricing models.

What’s the difference between charging hourly vs. per square foot?

Hourly pricing protects you from unexpected complications but may concern efficiency-focused clients. Per square foot pricing offers predictability but doesn’t account for terrain challenges. Most successful contractors use hourly rates for new clients and complex properties, then switch to flat rates for regular accounts.

Should I charge more for overgrown lawns?

Absolutely. Some lawn care businesses charge extra fees for lawns that are 12 inches and higher, with prices increasing significantly over certain height thresholds (LawnStarter, 2025). Charge 50-100% more for first cuts or severely overgrown properties.

How often should I adjust my pricing?

Review rates annually, typically before peak season starts. Factor in inflation, equipment costs, insurance changes, and local market conditions. Existing contracts should include clauses allowing annual rate adjustments.

What if a client thinks my prices are too high?

Focus on value, not price. Explain what’s included in your service, highlight your insurance and reliability, and show how professional maintenance protects their property investment. If they’re purely price-shopping, they’re probably not your ideal client.

How do I handle fuel price fluctuations?

Build fuel costs into your base rates or implement a fuel surcharge when gas prices exceed a certain threshold (e.g., $4.00/gallon). Communicate fuel policies clearly in your contracts and adjust quarterly if needed.