Commercial Landscaping & Hardscape Subcontractor Bid & Labor Burden Calculator
Price landscaping & hardscape jobs accurately by factoring true payroll burden, field overhead, and target gross profit margin.
Pre-loaded with Landscaping & Hardscape benchmarks (Workers' Comp: 7.0% – 11.5%)
FICA, SUTA + Workers' Comp (7.0% – 11.5%)
Landscaping & Hardscape Subcontract Proposal
Date: 11/12/2026
Landscaping & Hardscape Bid Summary
Raw Field Wages (80 hrs):$2,240.00
Burdened Labor (+29%):$2,889.60
Materials & Equipment:$5,350.00
Overhead Allocated (17%):$1,400.73
Break-Even Cost:$9,640.33
Projected Gross Profit (24%):+$3,044.32
Recommended Total Bid Price
$12,684.65
Estimated via SubShieldHQ.com • Valid for 30 days from proposal date.
Landscaping & Hardscape Labor Burden & Insurance Benchmarks
Commercial landscape and retaining-wall subs face seasonal crew turnover, nursery plant warranty replacements, and truck/trailer fleet overhead.
Typical Workers' Comp Range: 7.0% – 11.5%
How should commercial landscapers price plant warranty risk?
Include a 5%–10% plant material contingency or target a 24%–28% gross margin to absorb one-year establishment warranty replacements without eroding profit.
Common Landscaping & Hardscape Takeoff Materials
Segmental retaining wall block, pavers, topsoil, mulch, sod, trees/shrubs, irrigation PVC/valves
Common Landscaping & Hardscape Equipment & Rentals
Compact track loaders, trenchers, plate compactors, sod cutters, dump trucks