Startup cost
$3k–$10k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Snow Plow Business
Decision Snapshot
Snow Plow
Idea Score
69
Profit margin
27%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Medium
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Snow Plow business - Background
While many cities and states have their own snow plows, most individuals and businesses don’t have specialized, heavy-duty snow removal equipment. While snow can be cleared from driveways, walkways and (small) parking lots with shovels or snow blowers, many people would rather have someone else do it. They either don’t want to, aren’t physically able to or don’t have time to clear snow themselves.
Snow plow businesses specialize in removing snow from personal residences and commercial properties. From 2011 through 2016, IBISWorld reports, the snow plowing grew at a rate of 2 percent annually. It’s currently a $14 billion industry.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Snow Plow business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a snow plow business?
The startup costs for a snow plow business are substantial. The largest expense is the cost of a reliable truck, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The Democrat & Chronicle reports that Michael McClusky, a snow plow business owner, paid $35,000 when he purchased a new truck for his business, and there are trucks that cost much more than that.
A business will also need a plow, snow blower, salt sprayer and salt, which together may cost between $3,000 and $10,000. Other startup expenses include insurance, fuel and advertising costs.
Business owners that are looking to keep their startup expenses low may want to use a truck they already have or purchase a used truck that’s less expensive. It’s important that a truck is reliable, though. Customers will become upset if a business owner isn’t able to plow because their truck broke down during a storm.
Leasing a truck can greatly reduce the startup expenses for a snow plow business, but lease payments significantly increase operating expenses. A loan may be a better option than a lease, because the business will own the truck once the loan’s paid off.
What are the ongoing expenses for a snow plow business?
The ongoing expenses for a snow plow business include maintenance for a your truck and plow, fuel and insurance premiums. Keep in mind that your vehicle(s) will need to be replaced every 10-15 years, depending on frequency of use.
Who is the target market?
A snow plow business’ ideal customer is an individual or business that’s located in a metropolitan area. Because people and businesses in cities are close together, business owners can spend more time plowing clients’ properties and less time driving between clients.
How does a snow plow business make money?
A snow plow business makes money by charging clients for snow removal services. Clients may either pay on a per-plowing basis or enter into a season-long contract.
How much can you charge customers?
According to CostHelper, most snow plow businesses charge between $30 and $45 to plow a typical driveway one time. Businesses may charge more for long driveways, steep driveways, quick response times and properties in rural areas.
Angi members reportedly paid between $341 and $415 for season-long contracts in 2013. Some businesses’ contracts include unlimited plowing for a season, while others charge an additional fee after a certain number of plowings.
How much profit can a snow plow business make?
In the right areas, snow plow businesses can be extremely profitable. One business owner in Boston has a gross revenue of $150,000 in an average year — but once brought in nearly $400,000 during a single month. The profit from these numbers would depend on a business’ operating expenses.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Many snow plow businesses provide lawn care services during the warmer months. This helps cover loan payments and equipment depreciation when there’s no snow.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a snow plow business?
A snow plow business owner will spend most of their time driving to client’s locations, where they plow driveways and parking lots. They might also shovel and salt walkways. When not plowing, business owners may work on growing their business, collecting payments from clients and getting their truck maintained.
Work for snowplow drivers often comes in bursts. A driver may pull long hours during a storm, and then not have much to do until the next snowfall.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful snow plow business?
A snow plow business owner must first have a driver’s license. Business owners who don’t have a license may need to take a driver’s education course before obtaining a license in their state. DriversEd.com has a directory of courses offered throughout the country.
Business owners may also want to take courses specific to snow plowing. The Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) offers several training programs, including “certified snow professional” and “advanced snow management” programs. The Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) also has a certification that business owners can earn.
What is the growth potential for a snow plow business?
Most snow plow businesses serve one specific area. A business might bring on additional drivers so it can serve more clients, but hiring employees significantly increases a business’ operating expenses.
How and when to build a team
Many snow plow businesses are one-person operations, largely to keep their ongoing costs minimal. Businesses that hire employees not only have to pay those employees’ salaries, but they also must pay higher insurance premiums.
Despite these expenses, a few snow plow businesses do hire employees. A business might be ready to hire employees when it secures a contract for a large parking lot, which may require plowing and shoveling, or has more clients than one driver can get to in a reasonable amount of time.
Part 2 - Is a Snow Plow business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Snow Plow business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Snow Plow Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Snow Plow business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
-
Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
-
Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
-
Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
-
Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
-
Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
-
Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
-
Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
-
Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
-
Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.