How to Price Pressure Washing Jobs and Maximize Profits
For pressure washers, knowing how much to charge for pressure washing jobs is the difference between running a profitable business or struggling to stay afloat.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to quote pressure washing jobs and when to adjust your prices—all while making sure you’re turning a profit.
Here’s how to charge for pressure washing
You can also watch this video to learn how expert business owners price their pressure washing services:
1. Determine the square footage of the property
The size of the property is one of the most important factors in pricing pressure washing jobs.
Start by measuring the length and width of the area using a tape measure or laser measure. Then use this formula to calculate the square footage of the property:
Square footage = Property length x property width
If the job requires you to pressure wash multiple surfaces (like driveway, patio, and fence), find the square footage of each area and then add them all together.
2. Pick your pricing strategy
Choose one of the following pressure washing pricing strategies, depending on which method works best for your business:
Price per hour is the best pricing strategy to make sure you’re covered for the total time it takes to complete the job. You can charge anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour depending on your location, the size of the job, and the equipment you’ll need to complete it.
Price per square foot strategy works best if you’re working on a property that requires pressure washing for multiple surfaces. You can charge anywhere from $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot depending on the scope of the job and the location of the property.
A flat rate pricing strategy is a good option for experienced pressure washers who know what materials are required and how long it will take to pressure wash different properties and surfaces. Most pressure washers charge a $90-200 flat rate, depending on the job.
You don’t need to stick to one pricing strategy either. Josh Draughon from Eco Kleen of the Palm Beaches swaps between hourly rates and square footage depending on the property.
Some jobs I’ll look at and I can just tell how long it’s going to take, and how much chemical it’s going to take, and I’ll price it that way. A lot of jobs, I do square footage.
Power washing pricing factors to consider
Plan to increase your prices for situations that require more time, effort, or materials, like:
- Type of property: Are you pricing residential or commercial pressure washing jobs?
- Size of property: How big is the property and how long will it take to complete the job?
- Condition of property: Are there oil or grease stains or a build-up of dirt or mold that will require stronger chemicals?
- Accessibility: Is the area hard to access?
- Equipment and supplies: Do you require any special equipment or ladders to complete the job?
- Competitor pricing: What do other pressure washer companies in your service area charge for the same service?
3. Calculate your overhead and materials cost
Your overhead costs are the operating expenses required to run your business, like:
- Electric pressure washers and other pressure washing equipment
- Business insurance payments
- Gas and vehicle maintenance
- Pressure washing marketing costs
- Pressure washing business software
Start by calculating your hourly overhead costs using this formula:
Hourly overhead costs = Total monthly overhead costs ÷ # of billable hours per month
Then use your hourly overhead costs to calculate your overhead costs for the pressure washing job with this formula:
Overhead costs for the job = Hourly overhead costs ÷ # of hours the job will take to complete
Finally, add the costs of any materials specific to the job, like cleaning chemicals. Make sure to charge a slightly higher amount to cover the time and fuel needed to get those materials.
Most pressure washing businesses use their client’s water supply—so there’s no need to charge an additional fee for hot or cold water. If you’re using your own water tank, pass along the cost of water to your client.
4. Total your costs
Add your labor, material, and overhead costs to get the total cost for the pressure washing job.
Here’s what calculating your total cost for pressure washing a driveway may look like:
- Square footage: 800 (20’ x 40’)
- Service cost: $160 ($0.20 per square foot x 800 square feet)
- Overhead cost: $8 ($4,000 ÷ 500 billable hours)
- Materials cost: $25 (pressure washer detergent and degreaser)
Total cost = $193
5. Add your profit markup
Your markup is the amount you take home after applying your profit margin to your service price, overhead costs, and material costs.
To calculate your markup, use this formula:
Total price = cost ÷ (1 – profit margin)
For example, if your service, overhead, and material costs add up to $193 and your ideal profit margin is 30%, here’s the formula you’ll use:
193 ÷ 0.70 = 275.714
When you round up to the nearest dollar, the total amount you’ll charge your customer to pressure wash their driveway is $276.
6. Follow a pressure washing pricing guide
To get an idea of what to charge, here’s how other businesses in the U.S. charge to pressure wash different areas around a client’s home:
| Residential area | Average price |
|---|---|
| Gutters | $55 – $160 |
| Deck or patio | $200 – $240 |
| Fence | $180 – $300 |
| Driveway | $100 – $260 |
| House/siding | $170 – $360 |
| Roof | $250 – $600 |
7. Create a pressure washing estimate
Once you’ve determined how much to charge for your power washing services, you’re ready to create an estimate and send it to your customers.
You can write out all the job information by hand, or use an estimate template to fill in your client’s information and job details in minutes, then email it to your customer for approval.
Here’s what an estimate looks like using Jobber’s free pressure washing estimate template:
Your pressure washing estimate should include:
- Your pressure washing company name and logo
- Your contact information (phone number and email address)
- Your customer’s contact details (name, phone number, and email address)
- An estimate number
- The types of pressure washing services you’ll be providing (window cleaning, house washing, or roof cleaning)
- How long the estimate is valid for
- Total costs for your services, including tax
8. Know when to adjust your pressure washing prices
Your pricing strategies should never be set in stone. It’s normal—even a good sign—to adjust your pricing.
For example, you may want to offer a discount if:
- You’re just starting your pressure washing business and looking for your first customers
- You have multiple clients in the same neighborhood, which reduces your travel costs and encourages local customer referrals
- You have clients who want recurring, long-term services (like monthly window washing)
- You offer service packages or bundles
When I first started doing this, I actually did some free jobs, just in exchange for some feedback.
I didn’t say, “give me a five star review.” I said, “just give me some feedback so I can learn the process.”
Or, you may want to increase your prices if:
- Your cost of materials, fuel, overhead, and other business expenses increase
- You’re getting too many job requests and can’t keep up with the demand
- You want to grow your power washing business
In the last five years, we have done six price raises.
Pricing your pressure washing services is all about striking a balance between profitability and service costs in your community. As you grow, you’ll find ways to adjust your overhead and job costs to streamline your business and turn a bigger profit.
Until then, focus on building a professional reputation, keeping costs low, and providing high-quality services to your clients.
Originally published in November 2020. Last updated on April 11th, 2024.