Septic · SOC 47-4071

Septic Tank Pumping cost

Septic pumping — that’s the everyday name. On Fairange it’s a published hours band (1.5/2.5/4.0) plus a materials band, run through BLS OEWS May 2025 wages for Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners (SOC 47-4071).

Looking up septic tank pumping cost? Start here: national mid planning estimate $295 before you type a ZIP, built from OEWS 47-4071 wages and the assumptions below — not lead-gen marketplace price tables.

Last updated from data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · PPI construction materials 2026-09

What this estimate can’t tell you. Roof pitch, an old house or code upgrades, tough access, permits, emergency or after-hours calls, and brand tier can push a real quote outside this range.
Hours (low / mid / high)
1.5 / 2.5 / 4.0
Materials band
$80 – $250
U.S. mid (before ZIP)
$295

typical residential tank pump-out (≈1000–1500 gal); inspection camera not included. National OEWS mean wage used on this page: $25.72/hr (SOC 47-4071).

How the national mid is built

Before you enter a ZIP we use the U.S. OEWS mean wage for Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners (SOC 47-4071): $25.72/hr (BLS OEWS May 2025). Mid estimate ≈ 2.5 hours × $25.72 × 2.25× markup + materials mid $150 (with a small regional materials factor). Low uses p10 wages × 2.0×; high uses p90 × 2.5×. National planning band: $133 – $295 – $603.

Full algebra: methodology. Markup schedule is Fairange’s published assumption, not a BLS figure.

Materials band

Published materials low / mid / high: $80 / $150 / $250 (typical residential tank pump-out (≈1000–1500 gal); inspection camera not included). Baselines are Fairange editorial figures tied to public retail when we have a SKU basket; full source notes live in DATA_SOURCES and the methodology page. We dampen materials with a regional factor (about 0.88–1.18) so wages — not a fake local parts market — do most of the geography.

What usually moves the number

What’s in the planning band

Labor in the published hours band plus the materials band above.

Ask about before you sign

Run this job on your ZIP Septic trade hub

Also: calculator · methodology · city guides · all job guides · DATA_SOURCES.

Septic Tank Pumping FAQ

How much does septic tank pumping cost?

National mid planning estimate is about $295 before you enter a ZIP — labor from BLS OEWS May 2025 Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners (SOC 47-4071, national mean $25.72/hr) × published hours, plus materials. Local OEWS wages move the band once you type a ZIP.

What hours, materials, and markup do you assume?

Hours 1.5 / 2.5 / 4.0. Materials band $80 / $150 / $250 (typical residential tank pump-out (≈1000–1500 gal); inspection camera not included), documented in DATA_SOURCES / methodology — not lead-gen marketplace price tables. Labor markup 2.0× / 2.25× / 2.5× (Fairange methodology).

Is this a bid?

No. It’s an educational planning range. Collect at least three written scopes from licensed pros and compare exclusions — permits, haul-away, patching, and code upgrades.

Any rebates or tax credits?

Check IRS, ENERGY STAR, and DSIRE for any incentives that apply to this project.

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