How to Start a Grading & Landscaping Business
Complete guide: equipment, rates, licensing, and tax requirements by province
Grading and landscaping is the bread-and-butter work for most skid steer operators. Rates range from $85-$250/hr depending on market, with year-round demand in most regions. This service provides consistent base income that can be supplemented with seasonal specialties like snow removal or brush clearing.
$100-$145
National avg/hr
Apr-Nov
Peak season
$30K-$50K
Used machine
3-4 hr
Typical minimum
Current Grading Rates by Market
| Market | Hourly Range | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver/Lower Mainland | $125-$250/hr | High rates, competitive |
| Toronto/GTA | $95-$150/hr | Most competitive market |
| Calgary/Edmonton | $100-$145/hr | Strong new construction |
| Winnipeg | $90-$125/hr | Moderate competition |
| Halifax/Atlantic | $85-$130/hr | Less competition |
Common Grading & Landscaping Jobs
Lot Grading
New construction lot prep, drainage slope, final grade for sod.
$400-$1,500
Driveway Prep
Excavation, grading, base compaction for new driveways.
$250-$600
Topsoil Spreading
Spreading and grading delivered material. 10-15 yards/hr typical.
Standard hourly
Excavation & Backfill
Pool excavation, foundation work, utility trenching.
Standard hourly + mobilization
Province-by-Province Guides
Alberta
5% GST only | Strong new construction
British Columbia
Highest rates nationally
Saskatchewan
11% GST+PST | Charge PST on invoice
Manitoba
RST exempt services
Ontario
13% HST | WSIB mandatory | Most competitive
Quebec
14.975% | RBQ license required
Nova Scotia
14% HST
New Brunswick
15% HST | Lowest WCB rates
Newfoundland
15% HST | No business registration needed
PEI
15% HST
Equipment for Grading Work
A mid-size skid steer with a quality bucket handles most grading jobs. Tracks (CTL) are preferred for soft ground and finished lawns.
Bobcat S650
Versatile mid-size
$25K-$38K
Cat 262D3
Strong loader arm
$30K-$45K
John Deere 320G
Smooth controls
$28K-$42K
Kubota SVL75-2
Tight spaces CTL
$32K-$48K
Tax Quick Reference
Simplest (charge GST only):
- Alberta: 5%
- BC: 5% (PST exempt for services)
- Manitoba: 5% (RST exempt for services)
Most complex:
- Quebec: 14.975% + RBQ license
- Saskatchewan: 11% (must charge PST)
- Ontario: 13% + mandatory WSIB
Related Guides
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