Photo: BarelyFitz · CC BY 2.0 · Source
Machine or hand-dig one standard fence/deck post hole (approx. 8 in diameter, 3 ft deep), labor and equipment, per hole; setting the post and concrete extra.
Dig Post Hole typically costs $30 to $100 each (national average as of 2026). Most straightforward jobs start near $30 each. Final pricing depends on material quality, project scope, local labor rates, and site conditions. Use our free calculator below for a personalized estimate.
Quality Level
Estimated Total Cost
1 unit(s) • Standard Quality
National average — enter your ZIP for local prices.
Estimates are approximate and vary by location, project scope, and current market conditions. Contact a local contractor for an accurate quote.
$25 – $85 each
One 8 in. hole augered with a power auger to about 3 ft, loose spoil left beside the hole
$30 – $100 each
8 in. hole augered to about 3 ft, sides cleaned, bottom tamped, spoil spread nearby
$38 – $125 each
8 in. hole augered to about 3 ft, rocks and roots cleared by hand, bottom flattened and tamped, spoil hauled away
| Component | Category | Low | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | material | $14 | $45 | each |
| Labor | labor | $10 | $35 | each |
| Supplies & Other | supplies | $3.60 | $12 | each |
| Equipment & Disposal | equipment | $2.40 | $8 | each |
Machine or hand-dig one standard fence/deck post hole (approx. 8 in diameter, 3 ft deep), labor and equipment, per hole; setting the post and concrete extra.
Typical dig post hole pricing range each.
Starting price $30 each. National average as of 2026. This is a directional range. Final pricing depends on scope, materials, access, and local labor rates.
Estimates are approximate and vary by location, project scope, and current market conditions. Contact a local contractor for an accurate quote.
Hand earth auger standing in a lawn
Photo: Vermip · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
Find a pro to do thisDig Post Hole usually lands between $30 to $100 each. That range reflects current national calculator data after materials, labor, supplies, equipment, and disposal are rolled together. Your real quote will move based on quantity, site conditions, finish level, and contractor availability in your ZIP code.
Machine or hand-dig one standard fence/deck post hole (approx. 8 in diameter, 3 ft deep), labor and equipment, per hole; setting the post and concrete extra.
Material selections can move the budget faster than anything else, with current material allowances landing around $14 to $45 each.
Labor complexity is the next major swing factor, with installation or trade time currently averaging $10 to $35 each.
Smaller consumables still matter, because supplies are contributing about $3.60 to $12 each.
Specialty tools, access equipment, cleanup, and disposal can add another $2.40 to $8 each.
Scope changes, premium finishes, difficult access, demolition, and permit requirements can push the total toward the high end of the range. Cleaner access, standard finishes, and bundled work often keep the job closer to the low end.
Get multiple itemized bids, ask contractors to separate materials from labor, and confirm what is included before you compare totals. Scheduling during a slower season and bundling adjacent work can also reduce mobilization costs.
Keep specifications tight before work starts. Change orders are one of the fastest ways to blow past the original budget, especially when material lead times or specialty trades are involved.
DIY can make sense when you already own the tools, understand the prep requirements, and can tolerate schedule risk. Hiring a pro is usually the better move when mistakes would affect finish quality, code compliance, waterproofing, structural performance, or warranty coverage.
View local pricing for dig post hole across 51 states.
Find contractors who list this service and ask for a written quote.
Cost guides for property owners. Contractor ID for the shops who do the work.
Use the calculator range of $30 to $100 each as your baseline, then compare that against the time, tool rentals, material waste, and rework risk you would take on by doing the project yourself.
Most dig post hole jobs start with site review, measurements, and material confirmation. From there the crew usually handles preparation, core installation or repair work, cleanup, and a final walkthrough to confirm the finished scope matches the quote.
Ask each contractor how they handle protection of adjacent finishes, debris removal, and change approvals. Those three points tend to separate a clean project from an expensive headache.