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Skid Steer Rate Calculator
Estimate a skid steer hourly rate or job quote after fuel, attachment wear, mobilization, labor, materials, and target margin. Results update automatically as inputs change.
Inputs
How this calculator works
Job quote = machine hours x loaded hourly cost + mobilization + attachment cost + materials, then divide by (1 - target margin). Apply the minimum charge if it is higher.
Price the whole skid steer job
Start with machine-and-operator cost, then add the attachment allowance, mobilization, and materials or disposal for this job. The quote applies your target margin and uses the minimum charge when that produces the higher price.
Worked example
The illustrative five-hour job uses $105/hour internal machine-and-operator cost: 5 × $105 = $525. Add $95 mobilization, $60 attachment wear, and $125 materials for $805 direct cost. At 25% margin, $805 ÷ 0.75 = $1,073.33, above the $450 minimum. Profit above the entered costs is $268.33.
For a one-hour job with the same $105/hour cost and $95 mobilization, but no materials or attachment allowance, direct cost is $200. The margin-based price is $266.67, so the $450 minimum applies. That leaves $250 above entered costs; the displayed effective $/hour also includes the fixed job charges.
Build the internal cost input with the Skid Steer Cost Per Hour Calculator. Use its Total Cost / Hr output here; its Recommended Rate / Hr already includes margin. The hourly-rate guide helps define attachment, transport, minimum, and scope terms.
Check attachment, travel, and minimum charges
- Confirm whether cleanup, spreading, grading, or disposal is included.
- Treat attachment wear as a real cost, especially for brush cutters, trenchers, and grapples.
- Use the minimum charge when a job blocks the schedule even if seat time is short.
- Add mobilization separately when the job is outside your normal local radius.
Optional project software
Turn your skid steer quote into a job record
A supported rate is the starting point. Keep the agreed scope, machine and labor allowance, change orders, and final invoice together so extra work does not disappear between the quote and the job.
If you are managing several jobs, Contractor Foreman is one option to compare for estimates, daily logs, expenses, and invoicing. Use a demo or trial to check whether its workflow fits the way you quote and record skid steer work.
Equipment Rate Calc is a Contractor Foreman affiliate. We may earn a commission if you purchase through this link.
Explore Contractor Foreman (opens in a new tab)See current plans, included features, and trial options on their site.
Common questions
Should Base Machine + Operator Cost include profit?
Enter your internal cost before profit. This calculator applies margin to the combined job cost. Entering an already marked-up selling rate and then adding margin again would raise the price twice for the same profit allowance.
Is Attachment Cost or Wear an hourly input?
No. Enter the total attachment cost or wear allowance for this job. If your records show wear per hour, multiply that by the attachment hours first. Exclude any wear already covered by the base machine cost.
Why can the final profit margin exceed my target?
The calculator uses the higher of the margin-based quote and your minimum charge. If the minimum wins, the resulting profit margin can be higher than the target. The effective hourly result divides the complete quote by machine hours; it is not a machine-only rental rate.
Important disclaimerPlanning estimate only. Verify current costs, measurements, production, scope, access, customer requirements, contracts, permits, insurance, taxes, and local rules before quoting or committing money.