1 A backhoe service company that provides a backhoe with an operator can cost $50-$100 an hour, with a nationwide average of about $70-$90 an hour depending on location (a major factor in cost), the size and type of backhoe, and how much time the job takes. Many backhoe companies charge for travel time to get the machine to the job site and get it set up. 2  For small jobs, there is typically a minimum number of hours (3-8) or a minimum fee ($150-$400 or more). 3  Special backhoe attachments like those for compaction or drilling holes can add $30-$70 or more an hour to the cost.