A freshly cleared path through deep snow beside evergreen trees

Snow Clearing for Neighbors: A Winter Side Job, Done Safely

ByFrank Delgado

When the first real snow falls, plenty of neighbors would gladly pay someone to clear their walk or driveway. For some people over 60, this can be a good seasonal side job. For others, it is not a good idea at all. This guide covers both sides honestly, so you can decide what fits your health and your street.

First, the honest health question

Shoveling snow is much harder work than it looks. The American Heart Association says that in one study, people’s heart rates went above 85% of their maximum after only two minutes of shoveling. The National Safety Council says snow shoveling causes thousands of injuries and as many as 100 deaths in the US each year.

The AHA says some people simply should not shovel snow. That includes people who have had a heart attack, stroke, bypass surgery or angioplasty, and people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, or who smoke or don’t get much exercise. Please talk with your doctor before you offer this service.

A gentler way to do it

If your doctor says yes, you can still make the job easier on your body:

  • Use a snow blower. The AHA notes heart rates were far lower with a snow blower (about 120) than with a shovel (about 170).
  • Take only small jobs: front steps, walkways and short driveways.
  • Go out early, while the snow is fresh and light, and go back if more falls.
  • Push snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, bend your knees and lift with your legs.
  • Take breaks and don’t work until you are exhausted.
  • Don’t shovel right after a meal or while smoking.

Stop at once if you feel chest pain or pressure, dizziness or a racing heartbeat, and call 911 if it doesn’t pass.

Snow blower safety

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports thousands of snow blower injuries treated in emergency rooms, many to the hands and fingers. Its key rules:

  • Never clear a jammed chute with your hands. Turn the engine off and use a stick.
  • Never run the machine in a closed garage. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
  • Add fuel outdoors, before starting, never while the engine is running or hot.

Wear boots with good grip, too. A slip on ice can do as much harm as the shoveling itself.

What people pay

As of October 2026, two national cost guides give these ranges:

  • HomeGuide: about $30 to $70 per visit to shovel an average driveway.
  • Angi: about $40 to $100 per visit for a driveway and front walk.
  • Seasonal contracts: $200 to $600 (HomeGuide) or $300 to $700 (Angi) for a home.

Those prices are for professional crews. Many neighbors charge less for a walkway or steps. Decide ahead of time how you will price: per visit, per storm or per season.

As a rough estimate, clearing two or three small walkways after each snowfall could cover a $45 phone bill in a snowy month. Weather and results vary a lot.

Ice melt choices

A Kansas State University extension article compares common products. Rock salt works down to about 12°F but can damage concrete and plants. Calcium chloride works to about -25°F. Magnesium chloride is generally gentler on pets. Ask your customer what they prefer, and use only what the label recommends.

Finding customers and setting terms

Start with the people you already know: neighbors on your street, friends at church, folks at the senior center. Mention it before the first storm so they can plan. A note on a community bulletin board also works.

Agree in writing, even by text, on:

  • What you will clear: steps, walk, driveway, mailbox path.
  • When you will come: after 2 inches, before 8 a.m. and so on.
  • The price and how you get paid.
  • What happens if you are sick or a storm is too heavy for you.

The Insurance Information Institute says a homeowners policy usually doesn’t cover business-related liability. If you work for pay on other people’s property, ask your insurance agent about coverage. Rules vary by state.

Taxes and benefits

Money from snow clearing is usually taxable. The IRS says you generally need to file if your net self-employment earnings were $400 or more. If you get Social Security and are under full retirement age, earnings above a yearly limit ($24,480 in 2026) can reduce benefits for a while. SSI, Medicaid and housing assistance have their own income rules. This is general information only, so check your situation with Social Security and the IRS.

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Sources

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