Mike Andes breaks down lawn-mowing economics: a $130 job takes 1 hour 7 minutes, the crew gets 40% ($52), which works out to $30+ per hour. He pays competitive wages and benefits, especially during spring rush.
$130
One hour and seven minutes
40%
$52
About $30+ per hour
We charge $130. Took me exactly one hour and seven minutes to mow the lawn. That's pretty good. And this is the growing season for us on Pay for Performance. We give our crew a little bit more during spring rush because the grass grows so fast. So on that job we give them 40% and they would have made $52. Not bad for a little over an hour's worth of work. Let's call it an hour and a half. Even with drive time, load time, etc. You're looking at a solid 30 plus dollars an hour to mow grass. It's definitely possible. Yeah, it's hard work. I was push mow boy would have been faster with a zero turn. Maybe. But if I'm paying as an owner for a massive trailer behind me and a massive mower, I probably can't afford 30 plus dollars an hour to pay my employees plus medical benefits and paid time off and other stuff we can afford now.
