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How Much Does an Aerial Lift Cost? (2026 Price Breakdown)
Aerial lift pricing depends on type (scissor vs. boom) and working height. This is the equipment category most shaped by the rental industry — owning only wins at utilization, roughly 8–12 lift-days a month, so the used market of rental fleet turn-ins is deep and well-documented.
Genie, JLG, and Skyjack machines cycle out of rental fleets on schedule, making this one of the best-informed used-equipment purchases in the trades. Here's what each tier costs.
What an aerial lift costs: full breakdown
| Configuration | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 19–26 ft scissor lift (used) | $6,000 – $15,000 | Rental turn-ins; battery condition is the electric-machine question |
| New scissor lift | $15,000 – $30,000 | Slab-electric standard; rough-terrain models toward the top |
| 40–45 ft boom lift (used) | $25,000 – $55,000 | The work-platform workhorse; hours and inspections documented |
| 60 ft+ boom (used/new) | $50,000 – $200,000 | Specialty access; often still smarter rented unless utilization is real |
What drives the price
- Type: scissor lift vs. articulating/telescopic boom.
- Working height and platform capacity.
- Electric (slab) vs. rough-terrain/engine-powered.
- Hours, battery condition, and annual ANSI inspection status on used units.
- The rent-vs-own line — owning pays off above ~8–12 lift-days a month.
Financing an aerial lift?
Most buyers finance rather than pay cash — the equipment is collateral, which keeps rates lower than unsecured borrowing. The highest-leverage move is comparing at least two offers: a dealer or manufacturer quote against an independent lender.
See our full aerial lift financing guide for real rates, terms, a payment calculator, and what lenders look for.
Get matched with equipment lenders →Frequently asked questions
How much does a scissor lift cost?
A used 19–26 ft scissor lift typically runs $6,000–$15,000, and a new one $15,000–$30,000. Battery condition is the key check on used electric machines.
How much does a boom lift cost?
A used 40–45 ft boom lift runs $25,000–$55,000, and 60 ft+ booms $50,000–$200,000. Larger telescopic booms are often still smarter to rent unless your utilization is high.
Should I buy or rent an aerial lift?
Owning wins above roughly 8–12 lift-days a month. At $250–$450/day to rent a 40-ft boom, ten rental days a month approaches a used boom's price in a year — bring your rental invoices to the financing conversation.
Prices are typical market ranges, not quotes, and vary by region, condition, and configuration. Browse all equipment cost guides or find your machine's financing guide.