How Much to Charge for Moving Labor (Per Hour)
Moving labor typically runs $40–$80 per mover per hour for labor-only help, with a two-hour minimum and often a flat truck or travel fee on top. The hourly rate scales with crew size and your market, and stairs, long carries, heavy specialty items, and packing are priced as separate factors rather than absorbed into the base hour.
Base pricing per mover-hour
$40–$80 per mover per hour for labor-only help, with a two-hour minimum and often a flat truck or travel fee. Crew size and market set where you land.
Always set a minimum
A short job still commits your crew and drive time. A two-hour minimum keeps a quick load from being quoted below what the block of time actually costs you.
Factors beyond the base hour
- Stairs / walk-ups — real added labor per flight.
- Long carries — distant parking to the door.
- Heavy specialty items — pianos, safes, gun cabinets.
- Packing — a separate service from loading and hauling.
Hourly vs. flat
Hourly protects you when the scope is unknown; a flat quote is cleaner on a known job. If you flat-quote, base it on realistic hours plus a buffer and spell out what’s included.
Frequently asked questions
Should I set a minimum?
Yes — a two-hour minimum is standard. It covers the reality that a short job still commits your crew and travel for the block of time, and it keeps tiny jobs from being unprofitable.
Do I charge for stairs and long carries?
For heavy or extensive cases, yes. A third-floor walk-up or a long carry from a distant parking spot is real added labor, so price it as a factor rather than pretending it's the same as a ground-floor load.
Hourly or flat quote?
Hourly protects you on unpredictable moves; a flat quote is cleaner for the customer on a known job. If you flat-quote, base it on honest hours plus a buffer, and be clear what's included.