Basic
$78 – $196 per project
Single pass with a core aerator across open lawn, plugs left to break down, sprinkler heads avoided

Photo: Tdorante10 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
One core-aeration visit for a typical suburban lawn (about 5,000 sq ft to 1/4 acre); overseeding and fertilizer extra.
Lawn Aeration in Chicago, Illinois typically costs $92 to $230 per project as of 2026. Prices reflect local labor and material rates. Use our calculator below for a detailed, ZIP-code-adjusted estimate.
Prices in Chicago are 19.0% higher than the national average for lawn aeration.
National average: $80 – $200 per project
$78 – $196 per project
Single pass with a core aerator across open lawn, plugs left to break down, sprinkler heads avoided
$92 – $230 per project
Core aeration in a full pass plus extra passes on compacted spots, sprinkler heads flagged, plugs left
$115 – $288 per project
Double-pass core aeration in crossing directions, sprinkler heads flagged, walks blown clean, plugs left to break down
| Component | Category | Price Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | material | $39 – $96 | job |
| Labor | labor | $36 – $91 | job |
| Supplies & Other | supplies | $10 – $26 | job |
| Equipment & Disposal | equipment | $6.85 – $17 | job |
Soil core plug pulled by a lawn aerator lying in grass beside its hole
Photo: Guipozjim · CC BY 3.0 · Source
Find a pro to do thisLawn surface covered in rows of aeration holes and soil plugs
Photo: Tdorante10 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
Find a pro to do thisGas-powered walk-behind core aerator on a lawn
Photo: Guipozjim · CC BY 3.0 · Source
Find a pro to do thisGrass with fresh aeration holes and extracted soil cores
Photo: Guipozjim · CC BY 3.0 · Source
Find a pro to do thisLabor costs in Chicago run proportionally higher than materials, which may favor material-heavy solutions.
Connect with local lawn aeration contractors in Chicago for personalized quotes based on your specific project.