Movers' Hourly Rates in 2026
By the Moving Company Estimate data team · Last updated July 2026 · Methodology
Short answer: in 2026, full-service movers charge about $62 per mover per hour including the truck, so a 2-mover crew runs $124/hour, three movers $186/hour, and four $248/hour, typically with a 2–4 hour minimum plus travel time. Labor-only crews (you supply the truck) are cheaper at $80–$120/hour for two movers.
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Full-service hourly rates by crew size
These are 2026 blended national figures from our rate model. Where you live matters: metros with deep mover competition like Dallas sit near the low column, while tight-labor, hard-access markets like Miami and Denver sit at or above the high column.
| Crew | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 movers + truck | $118 | $124 | $134 |
| 3 movers + truck | $177 | $186 | $201 |
| 4 movers + truck | $236 | $248 | $268 |
What those hours add up to
Hourly rates only matter multiplied by hours. Here's the same math as our calculator uses for a local move, crew size and typical hours by home size:
| Home size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio, 2 movers × ~3 hrs | $325 | $400 | $500 |
| 1 Bedroom, 2 movers × ~4 hrs | $450 | $550 | $675 |
| 2 Bedroom, 3 movers × ~5.5 hrs | $875 | $1,075 | $1,300 |
| 3 Bedroom, 3 movers × ~7.5 hrs | $1,200 | $1,475 | $1,800 |
| 4 Bedroom, 4 movers × ~9 hrs | $1,925 | $2,350 | $2,875 |
| 5+ Bedroom, 4 movers × ~11 hrs | $2,350 | $2,875 | $3,500 |
Labor-only crews: the budget option
Labor-only movers load and unload but bring no truck, you pair them with a rental truck (roughly $40–$100/day plus ~$1/mile one-way) or a moving container. Market rates run meaningfully below full-service:
| Crew | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 movers (labor only) | $80 | $100 | $120 |
| 3 movers (labor only) | $120 | $150 | $180 |
| 4 movers (labor only) | $160 | $200 | $240 |
The catch: labor-only crews carry minimal cargo liability, and you're the driver. For a 1-bedroom across town, two loaders for 2 hours (~$200) plus a $60 truck day beats the $500full-service typical, if you're comfortable driving a 15-foot box truck.
Reading an hourly quote like a pro
- Ask how travel is billed.Flat trip fee vs "double drive time" can differ by $100+ on the same job.
- Confirm the minimum. A 4-hour minimum on a 2-hour studio job doubles your effective rate.
- Check what stops the clock. Reputable companies bill to the quarter-hour and stop at the final walkthrough, get it in writing.
- Beware sub-market rates. A crew quoting $89/hour for two movers in a $124 market usually makes it back in fees, slow-rolling, or worse. Verify licensing and reviews first.
For the bigger picture, hourly local pricing vs weight-based interstate pricing, start with the average cost of movers or the local moving cost guide.
Two sample bills, itemized
1-bedroom, full-service, national-average metro: 2 movers × 4 hours at $124/hr = $496, plus ~45 minutes of billed travel ($93) and a $40 tip per mover, about $670 out the door. Same move, labor-only: 2 loaders × 2 hours on each end ($400 at $100/hr), a $60 truck day plus $30 fuel, about $490, with you driving. The full-service premium here is roughly $180: what it costs to not think about the truck, the route, or the loading strategy. Run the same comparison at 3-bedroom scale and the premium grows, but so does the value of a crew that loads 9,000 lbs without a doorway casualty.
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Answer six quick questions, your price range appears instantly, before any contact form.
- No email required to see your price
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Prefer to talk? Call (561) 220-0117, free, no obligation.
FAQ
The 2026 national blended average is about $62 per mover per hour with the truck included: $124/hour for 2 movers, $186/hour for 3, $248/hour for 4. Labor-only crews (no truck) run $40–$60 per mover per hour.
Almost universally, yes, most full-service companies bill a 2–4 hour minimum plus travel time, so even a tiny job usually starts around $370–$500 with a 2-mover crew. Labor-only services typically carry a 2-hour minimum.
For full-service crews: labor, the truck, fuel within the local area, dollies and pads, shrink wrap, basic disassembly/reassembly, and released-value liability coverage (60¢/lb). Boxes, packing labor, storage, and full-value protection cost extra.
If you're driving your own rental truck or loading a container, absolutely, two loaders at $80–$120/hour for 2–3 hours is the cheapest way to protect your back and your furniture. You give up the pro truck, driving, and most liability coverage.