How much to charge for lawn mowing

Updated November 1, 2026 · QuoteCubby

Published national rates per visit, per hour and per acre, and a step-by-step way to set a mowing price that still pays you after equipment and the drive.

Published lawn mowing rates (US national figures)

Source	What it measures	Rate
HomeGuide	Per visit, ⅛–¼ acre	$30–$85
HomeGuide	Per hour	$40–$80
HomeGuide	Per acre	$60–$150
LawnStarter (Oct 2026)	Per visit (average $57)	$44–$71
LawnStarter (Oct 2026)	Per hour	$32–$68
Angi (Mar 2026)	Per visit (average $123)	$49–$203
Angi (Mar 2026)	Lawn care labor per hour	$25–$60

The sources measure different things (different yard sizes, platform prices vs. contractor quotes), which is why their ranges differ. LawnStarter’s figures come from its own platform, where pros also pay a fee.

HomeGuide’s guide for lawn pros lists one-time cuts at $50–$100 compared with $30–$85 for recurring service, and profit margins of 5%–20% per job (HomeGuide).

How to set your own price per visit

Time a few yards. Note minutes per 1,000 sq ft for mowing, and separately for trimming, edging and blowing.
Add setup and unload time for every stop, plus extra time for trees, beds and slopes.
Price the time at your target hourly pay, then add equipment and fuel, the drive, and any disposal fee.
Set a minimum job price so small yards still cover the stop.
Check the real hourly pay: price minus costs, divided by all hours including the drive. If it’s below your minimum, raise the price or tighten your route.
Compare with your market. The ranges above are national; look at local competitors.

Worked example

With the calculator’s example numbers, an 8,000 sq ft lawn with mowing, trimming, edging and blowing comes to $60 per weekly visit (about $260 a month). It takes about 65 minutes on site, and after equipment, gas and a 15-minute drive it pays about $40.96 per hour, not $50. Every two weeks the same yard is $75; a one-time cut is $90.

Example only, using the calculator’s starter numbers: $50 per hour target, 4 mowing minutes and 2 trim/edge/blow minutes per 1,000 sq ft, 10 setup minutes, +15% for some trees and beds, $4 equipment cost per mowing hour, 8 round-trip miles at $0.35 per mile, 15 minutes of driving, $40 minimum, rounded up to $5. These are not market rates.

Check your own numbers

The free QuoteCubby lawn mowing calculator prices a yard from its square footage, condition, obstacles and how often you mow, adds your equipment and drive costs, and shows what you really earn per hour.

Open the free lawn mowing calculator

FAQ

How much should I charge to mow a lawn?

Published national figures for a typical small yard: HomeGuide lists $30–$85 per visit for ⅛ to ¼ acre, LawnStarter reports $44–$71 per visit (average $57, updated Oct 2026), and Angi reports $49–$203 (average $123). Your own price should come from your time, equipment and drive, then be checked against local competitors.

Should I charge by the hour or by the yard?

Most mowing is quoted as a flat price per visit, worked out from how long the yard takes you. HomeGuide lists $40–$80 per hour and LawnStarter $32–$68 per hour as the hourly rates behind those prices.

Do lawn care companies have a minimum charge?

Many do. LawnStarter says the average minimum is about $30 for lawns under 5,000 sq ft. A minimum protects you on tiny yards where setup and driving take longer than the mowing.

How often should I raise my lawn mowing prices?

HomeGuide’s pricing guide for lawn pros suggests reviewing your rates at least once a year.

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Related guides

Sources

Price ranges are national figures published by the sources below (accessed November 1, 2026). Local prices vary a lot. QuoteCubby examples are illustrations, not market data.

QuoteCubby is a calculator and a set of templates. It is not pricing, legal, tax or business advice. Starter numbers are examples only; use your own costs and local market.