Scissor lifts are scaffolds that can elevate workers and their tools up to about 60 feet. Unlike boom lifts, which have a vertical and horizontal reach, scissor lifts only move up and down, which is why OSHA considers them moving scaffolds and not aerial lifts.
Scissor lifts are commonly used for indoor and outdoor projects like sign hanging, ceiling work, and maintenance jobs. They come in varying platform heights to help you complete jobs that used to require scaffolding or ladders.
The scissor lift rental cost varies by the size of the scissor lift, rental duration, location, and availability. Here are common scissor lift rental rates:
- Daily: $100–$425
- Weekly: $250–$950
- Monthly: $475–$2,725
Scissor lifts get their name from their design: crossed supports that extend or retract as the lift is raised or lowered.
You can rent several types of scissor lifts, including electric scissor lifts and the rough terrain scissor lift, and the model you choose depends on the location of your work area and scope of your project.
This guide will help you determine what type of scissor lifts for rent are best suited for your project, and approximately how much a rental will cost. We explain the average scissor lift rental cost, giving daily, weekly, and monthly rates, list how much they cost by each state and discuss factors that affect the rate.
Cost to Rent a Scissor Lift by City
The exact cost to rent a scissor lift will depend on several factors, including the lift height and lift size, the availability of the scissor lift, the duration of the rental, and location.
Here we provide a list ranging how much it can cost to rent a scissor lift for a day by their lift height size. Note that prices are as of December 2022.
Daily Rates
| Location | 19 feet | 26 feet | 32 feet | 40 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | $147 | $221 | $228–$276 | $379 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $157 | $194 | $229–$244 | $318 |
| Northern, CA | $144 | $186 | $233–$244 | $329 |
| Southern, CA | $104 | $139 | $160–$186 | $252 |
| Miami, FL | $126 | $142 | $199–$204 | $307 |
| Orlando, FL | $137 | $185 | $239–$252 | $327 |
| Tampa, FL | $152 | $194 | $240–$245 | $329 |
| Chicago, IL | $126 | $158 | $165–$206 | $291 |
| Boston, MA | $147 | $180 | $229–$280 | $379 |
| Detroit, MI | $155 | $171 | $219–$228 | $379 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $136 | $171 | $231–$276 | $427 |
| St. Louis, MO | $136 | $189 | $197–$260 | $379 |
| Long Island, NYC | $151 | $193 | $218–$224 | $369 |
| Cleveland, OH | $112 | $140 | $168–$169 | $379 |
| Columbus, OH | $125 | $171 | $228–$291 | $379 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $151 | $192 | $224–$243 | $282 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $153 | $170 | $200–$234 | $379 |
| Austin, TX | $149 | $189 | $237–$260 | $332 |
| Dallas, TX | $143 | $186 | $220 | $314 |
| El Paso, TX | $131 | $171 | $230–$237 | $379 |
| Houston, TX | $136 | $171 | $210–$218 | $304 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $196 | $204 | $238–$276 | $379 |
| Seattle, WA | $157 | $200 | $210–$247 | $379 |
Weekly Rates
| Location | 19 feet | 26 feet | 32 feet | 40 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | $320 | $428 | $525–$580 | $755 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $332 | $433 | $496–$549 | $686 |
| Northern, CA | $313 | $414 | $511–$522 | $753 |
| Southern, CA | $287 | $402 | $467–$538 | $674 |
| Miami, FL | $262 | $335 | $450–$466 | $716 |
| Orlando, FL | $301 | $376 | $480–$559 | $683 |
| Tampa, FL | $290 | $395 | $436–$560 | $803 |
| Chicago, IL | $279 | $368 | $436–$446 | $656 |
| Boston, MA | $313 | $363 | $471–$565 | $682 |
| Detroit, MI | $333 | $436 | $476–$508 | $855 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $306 | $369 | $536–$600 | $911 |
| St. Louis, MO | $314 | $395 | $436–$560 | $803 |
| Long Island, NYC | $294 | $365 | $475–$499 | $835 |
| Cleveland, OH | $276 | $328 | $404–$476 | $855 |
| Columbus, OH | $262 | $356 | $516–$631 | $808 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $275 | $375 | $457–$479 | $705 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $341 | $367 | $468–$478 | $855 |
| Austin, TX | $302 | $429 | $548–$555 | $728 |
| Dallas, TX | $370 | $450 | $534–$607 | $776 |
| El Paso, TX | $382 | $444 | $555–$572 | $745 |
| Houston, TX | $248 | $360 | $481–$485 | $710 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $328 | $395 | $535–$590 | $957 |
| Seattle, WA | $310 | $395 | $492–$499 | $861 |
Monthly Rates
| Location | 19 feet | 26 feet | 32 feet | 40 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | $661 | $971 | $1,058–$1,092 | $1,758 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $603 | $802 | $997–$1,122 | $1,515 |
| Northern, CA | $589 | $869 | $1,088–$1,107 | $1,533 |
| Southern, CA | $578 | $798 | $957–$1,230 | $1,494 |
| Miami, FL | $490 | $593 | $938–$968 | $1,439 |
| Orlando, FL | $520 | $746 | $907–$1,003 | $1,372 |
| Tampa, FL | $628 | $763 | $958–$979 | $1,422 |
| Chicago, IL | $472 | $788 | $912–$1,011 | $1,436 |
| Boston, MA | $525 | $788 | $1,168–$1,223 | $1,749 |
| Detroit, MI | $709 | $871 | $1,026–$1,033 | $1,620 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $656 | $861 | $1,114–$1,280 | $2,733 |
| St. Louis, MO | $656 | $850 | $977–$1,170 | $1,890 |
| Long Island, NY | $577 | $808 | $1,053–$1,123 | $1,948 |
| Cleveland, OH | $537 | $684 | $863–$988 | $1,568 |
| Columbus, OH | $537 | $684 | $912–$1,120 | $1,568 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $475 | $773 | $948–$957 | $1,471 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $584 | $756 | $974–$1,181 | $1,568 |
| Austin, TX | $659 | $909 | $933–$1,194 | $1,609 |
| Dallas, TX | $830 | $953 | $998–$1,230 | $1,995 |
| El Paso, TX | $656 | $876 | $957–$1,119 | $1,515 |
| Houston, TX | $530 | $886 | $940–$991 | $1,466 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $626 | $766 | $1,033–$1,037 | $2,733 |
| Seattle, WA | $518 | $752 | $1,043–$1,137 | $2,048 |
Factors That Affect Scissor Lift Rental Cost
As mentioned previously, the cost of your scissor lift rental will depend on several factors, including the lift size, rental duration, and job location. Here’s an explanation of the impact these variances have on scissor lift rental prices.
Lift Height
The aerial work platform height refers to how high the platform height extends. This is the height you typically see when evaluating rental options. However, you also need to consider the working height, which refers to how high you need to physically reach to get the job done while standing on the platform. You can find this information in the lift’s spec sheet.
If you plan to rent a 40-foot rough-terrain scissor lift for a week, it can cost typically around $650–$975. On the other hand, 26-foot rough-terrain scissor lifts can cost around $325–$450. Whether this is cost-efficient depends on your needs: The higher lift can hold more weight allowing you to include an additional person or carry more materials, which can save you time and mean fewer rental days overall.
Type of Scissor Lift
Different types of scissor lifts are designed for specific conditions and jobs, and each rents at a different price. Take into account the terrain and location of your job site before selecting a specific type of lift:
- Rough terrain: Exclusively outdoor jobs on rough terrain–including sloped or uneven surfaces require a specialized scissor lift. Rough terrain scissor lifts are four-wheel drive and can extend up to 50 feet and provide widths up to 10 feet.
- Electric: Electric scissor lifts are a popular model used for indoor jobs. Because they are powered electrically, these lifts have no emissions or noise and are ideal for smaller job spaces.
Availability
A high level of demand for scissor lifts that exceed supply can increase rental costs. Factors such as mild weather in typically colder seasons and extended rentals for longer jobs can limit the availability of scissor lifts to rent, raising the price.
Duration of the Rental
Rental costs are determined on a per-day, per-week, or per-month basis, so naturally, the duration of your job will influence your overall cost. Our pricing tables provide you with the information you need to approximate your costs depending on the length of your job and help you determine the best rental length for you.
You may actually save money and get more time with your lift by renting equipment for a longer period. For example, if you need a 19-foot scissor lift in Phoenix, AZ, for only two weeks, you may assume you should simply rent it for two weeks, which would cost $640 ($320 x 2), but a monthly rental price for the same construction equipment is just $661 for an entire month.
You get an additional two weeks to use the lift for just over $20 extra. This gives you a cushion in case your project falls behind schedule.
Location
Your location is another factor in rental costs for scissor lifts. Our pricing tables break down daily, weekly, and monthly costs per city. You can see, for example, that a weekly rental for a 26-foot lift in Phoenix ($428) costs more than a weekly rental of the same lift in Cleveland ($328).
Fees and Taxes
In addition to the base rental fee, you’ll be charged a delivery and pickup fee. The cost will depend on how far away you are from the delivery hub and if the machine must be lifted up to a warehouse dock or another elevated area. You’ll also be charged local and state taxes. If you do not have sufficient insurance, you’ll need to purchase a Rental Protection Plan, which may cover incidental damage.
What to Consider Before Renting a Scissor Lift
Not all scissor lifts are the same, and it is important for both your safety and the outcome of your project that you consider your needs carefully before choosing your scissor lift. Here are some factors to keep in mind when determining which scissor lift is right for you and your building job.
Lift Weight and Load Capacity
It’s important to consider the lift weight and load capacity required to complete your job safely and successfully before you rent your lift. The size of your lift will determine its power: For example, a 32-foot scissor lift can carry 5,900–16,600 lbs vs. a 19-foot scissor lift that only has a weight capacity of 2,700–7,000 lbs.
Job Site Conditions and Terrain
The location of your building job, and in particular the terrain of your job site, will determine what type of scissor lift you need. For example, heavy-duty rough terrain scissor lifts may be ideal for uneven or outdoor terrain while light electric scissor lifts can be better suited for indoor and flat terrain.
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