How Much Does It Cost to Rent an Aerial Lift? (2026 Prices)
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Complete aerial lift rental cost guide for 2026 covering scissor lifts, boom lifts, and telehandlers with pricing by height and type.
Aerial lift rental costs range from $125 to $500 per day, $375 to $1,500 per week, or $1,000 to $4,000 per month depending on the lift type and platform height. Scissor lifts are the most affordable option, while telescopic boom lifts with 60+ foot reach cost significantly more.
Aerial Lift Rental Prices by Type
| Lift Type | Platform Height | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scissor Lift (Electric) | 19-26 ft | $125 - $225 | $375 - $675 | $1,000 - $1,800 |
| Scissor Lift (Electric) | 32-40 ft | $200 - $350 | $600 - $1,050 | $1,600 - $2,800 |
| Scissor Lift (Rough Terrain) | 26-50 ft | $225 - $400 | $675 - $1,200 | $1,800 - $3,200 |
| Articulating Boom Lift | 30-45 ft | $250 - $400 | $750 - $1,200 | $2,000 - $3,200 |
| Articulating Boom Lift | 45-60 ft | $300 - $450 | $900 - $1,350 | $2,400 - $3,600 |
| Telescopic Boom Lift | 40-60 ft | $275 - $500 | $825 - $1,500 | $2,200 - $4,000 |
| Telescopic Boom Lift | 60-80 ft | $400 - $750 | $1,200 - $2,250 | $3,200 - $6,000 |
| Telescopic Boom Lift | 80-135 ft | $600 - $1,200 | $1,800 - $3,600 | $4,800 - $9,600 |
| Telehandler | 30-55 ft | $225 - $400 | $675 - $1,200 | $1,800 - $3,200 |
Prices are national averages for 2026 and may vary by location and availability.
Estimated Pricing
| Type | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scissor Lift (19-26 ft) | $125 – $225 | $625 – $1,125 | $2,250 – $4,050 |
| Scissor Lift (32-40 ft) | $200 – $350 | $1,000 – $1,750 | $3,600 – $6,300 |
| Boom Lift (Articulating) | $250 – $450 | $1,250 – $2,250 | $4,500 – $8,100 |
| Boom Lift (Telescopic) | $275 – $500 | $1,375 – $2,500 | $4,950 – $9,000 |
| Telehandler | $225 – $400 | $1,125 – $2,000 | $4,050 – $7,200 |
Scissor Lift vs. Boom Lift: Which Do You Need?
Scissor lifts move straight up and down and provide a large, stable platform. They are ideal for interior work, painting, electrical, HVAC, and any job where you need to work directly above the machine. Scissor lifts cost 30-50% less than boom lifts.
Boom lifts (also called cherry pickers or man lifts) extend horizontally and vertically, allowing you to reach over obstacles, around corners, and into tight spaces. Choose an articulating boom for work around obstacles, or a telescopic boom for maximum reach.
Rule of thumb: If you can position the machine directly below your work area, choose a scissor lift. If you need to reach up and over, choose a boom lift.
Factors That Affect Aerial Lift Rental Cost
- Platform height: The primary cost driver — every 10 feet of additional height adds 15-25% to the price
- Lift type: Scissor lifts are cheapest, articulating booms mid-range, telescopic booms most expensive
- Power source: Electric (indoor) models cost less than diesel (outdoor) models
- Terrain: Rough terrain models with 4WD and foam-filled tires cost 20-30% more than standard slab models
- Rental duration: Monthly rates offer 50-60% savings per day compared to daily rates
- Delivery: Scissor lifts can be trailered ($75-200); large boom lifts require lowboy transport ($200-600)
- Operator: If you need an operator, add $35-65/hour to the equipment rental cost
Safety Requirements
OSHA requires aerial lift operators to be trained on the specific type of lift they will operate. Training covers pre-operation inspections, safe operating procedures, fall protection (harness and lanyard for boom lifts), and hazard awareness. Most rental companies can provide or arrange training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a scissor lift for a day?
A 19-26 foot electric scissor lift rents for $125 to $225 per day. Larger 32-40 foot models cost $200 to $350 per day. These are the most affordable aerial lift option.
How much does a boom lift rental cost per week?
Weekly boom lift rental rates range from $750 to $3,600 depending on reach height. A 30-45 foot articulating boom runs $750-$1,200/week, while an 80+ foot telescopic boom costs $1,800-$3,600/week.
Do I need a license to operate an aerial lift?
There is no government-issued license requirement, but OSHA mandates that all operators receive training specific to the type of aerial lift they will use. Employers are responsible for ensuring operators are trained before use.
Can I use a scissor lift outside?
Electric scissor lifts are designed for flat, indoor surfaces. For outdoor use on rough terrain, you need a rough terrain scissor lift with diesel power and heavy-duty tires, which costs 20-30% more.