How Much Does a Chimney Sweep Cost?
$150 – $400
National average: $250 per visit
Interactive worksheet
Chimney sweep cost calculator
Set the scope, size, and state — the tally updates as you go. Built from this guide's figures and BLS state wage data.
01 Quality & scope
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State figures apply BLS construction wages (2025) at a 60% labor weight — how we estimate.
Your estimate
- Labor ≈60%
- $150
- Materials & equipment
- $100
- Planning range
- $225 – $275
low $150 $400 high
U.S. construction trades average $65,360/yr (BLS 2025).
Get three written bids. One far under $200 usually means missing scope — ask what's not included. Far over $300, ask what's driving the number.
If you burn wood, an annual chimney sweep is the cheap habit that prevents a chimney fire. A chimney sweep costs $150 to $400 in 2026, averaging around $250, with chimney condition and inspection level setting the price.
What you’re paying for
A sweep clears soot and flammable creosote from the flue, checks for blockages, and usually includes a basic visual inspection. Heavy buildup, tall chimneys, and difficult roof access add time and cost.
Why annual cleaning matters
Burning wood deposits creosote, which is flammable — the leading cause of chimney fires. Once it reaches about 1/8 inch, it’s time to clean. An annual sweep keeps it from building to a dangerous layer.
Inspections add a bit
A basic Level 1 check is often bundled. A Level 2 camera inspection — needed for home sales or after a fire — costs more but catches liner cracks and hidden damage.
How to save on a chimney sweep
- Clean annually so buildup never reaches the costly heavy-glaze stage.
- Book in spring or summer when sweeps are less busy.
- Add a chimney cap to keep out animals and debris.
- Bundle the inspection with the sweep rather than a separate visit.
| Component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard sweep & cleaning | $150 – $300 | — |
| Level 1 inspection | $0 – $150 | Often bundled |
| Level 2 inspection (camera) | $100 – $500 | — |
| Heavy creosote / glaze removal | $100 – $500 | — |
| Cap or minor repairs | $50 – $400 | — |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic sweep (light use) | $150 – $250 | — |
| Sweep + Level 1 inspection | $200 – $350 | — |
| Heavy buildup / glazed creosote | $300 – $600 | — |
| Level 2 camera inspection | $250 – $700 | — |
What affects the price
- Chimney condition Light soot is a quick clean; heavy or glazed creosote takes longer and special tools, raising the price.
- Inspection level A basic Level 1 check is often included; a Level 2 camera inspection (for sales or after a problem) costs more.
- Chimney height & access Tall chimneys, steep roofs, and difficult roof access add labor and safety setup.
- Buildup & blockages Animal nests, debris, or thick creosote glaze require extra work to clear safely.
- Repairs Adding a chimney cap, fixing the crown, or minor liner work adds to a cleaning visit.
Chimney sweep cost by state
Where you live moves the price as much as any option you pick, because labor is a big share of the bill and construction wages differ sharply by state. Adjusted with BLS wage data (2025), a typical chimney sweep job runs about $180 – $470 in Hawaii (+17%) versus $130 – $340 in Arkansas (−15%).
See the typical range in all 50 states + D.C.
| State | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $130 – $350 |
| Alaska | $170 – $460 |
| Arizona | $140 – $380 |
| Arkansas | $130 – $340 |
| California | $170 – $450 |
| Colorado | $150 – $400 |
| Connecticut | $160 – $430 |
| Delaware | $150 – $390 |
| District of Columbia | $160 – $430 |
| Florida | $140 – $360 |
| Georgia | $140 – $370 |
| Hawaii | $180 – $470 |
| Idaho | $140 – $380 |
| Illinois | $170 – $460 |
| Indiana | $150 – $400 |
| Iowa | $150 – $390 |
| Kansas | $140 – $380 |
| Kentucky | $140 – $370 |
| Louisiana | $140 – $360 |
| Maine | $150 – $390 |
| Maryland | $150 – $400 |
| Massachusetts | $170 – $460 |
| Michigan | $150 – $400 |
| Minnesota | $160 – $440 |
| Mississippi | $130 – $350 |
| Missouri | $150 – $410 |
| Montana | $150 – $390 |
| Nebraska | $140 – $380 |
| Nevada | $150 – $410 |
| New Hampshire | $150 – $400 |
| New Jersey | $170 – $460 |
| New Mexico | $140 – $370 |
| New York | $170 – $440 |
| North Carolina | $140 – $360 |
| North Dakota | $150 – $400 |
| Ohio | $150 – $400 |
| Oklahoma | $140 – $360 |
| Oregon | $170 – $440 |
| Pennsylvania | $150 – $400 |
| Rhode Island | $160 – $420 |
| South Carolina | $140 – $360 |
| South Dakota | $140 – $360 |
| Tennessee | $140 – $370 |
| Texas | $140 – $360 |
| Utah | $140 – $380 |
| Vermont | $150 – $390 |
| Virginia | $140 – $380 |
| Washington | $170 – $460 |
| West Virginia | $140 – $380 |
| Wisconsin | $160 – $420 |
| Wyoming | $150 – $400 |
Estimates apply each state's BLS construction-wage multiplier to this guide's national range — a planning number, not a quote. Browse the full state cost guides or our methodology.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to have a chimney swept?
- A standard chimney sweep costs $150–$400, averaging about $250. Light, regular use is at the low end; heavy creosote buildup, tall chimneys, or a camera inspection cost more.
- How often should a chimney be cleaned?
- Once a year if you burn wood regularly — the CSIA recommends an annual inspection, and cleaning whenever creosote reaches about 1/8 inch. Gas fireplaces need less frequent service but still benefit from a yearly check.
- Is a chimney inspection included in a sweep?
- A basic Level 1 visual inspection is often bundled with a sweep or a small add-on. A Level 2 inspection with a camera — required for home sales or after a chimney fire — costs more, typically $250–$700.
- Why is chimney cleaning important?
- Burning wood deposits creosote, which is flammable and the leading cause of chimney fires. Regular sweeping removes it and catches blockages or damage before they become dangerous or expensive.
- Can I clean my chimney myself?
- DIY chimney brushes exist and can handle light buildup, but you'll miss the trained eye that spots creosote glaze, liner cracks, and blockages. For wood-burning chimneys, an annual professional sweep and inspection is the safer call.
How we estimate: ranges reflect typical U.S. pricing for materials and professional installation, compiled and cross-checked against the current (2026) industry sources listed below (see our data & methodology). Your actual cost depends on your location, project size, material grade, and local labor rates — always get multiple written quotes before you commit.
Sources
Cost ranges on this page were checked against current (2026) data from these industry sources:
- Chimney Cleaning Cost (2026) — HomeGuide
- How Much Does Chimney Cleaning Cost? — Angi
- Chimney Cleaning Cost (2026) — Fixr