Enter your job details to find your minimum profitable price and price per square foot.
Most pressure washing contractors charge $0.10-$0.50 per square foot, or $75-$200 per hour. A standard house exterior (2,000 sq ft) typically runs $150-$400. Your price should cover equipment costs, detergent, labor time, drive time, and overhead. Use this calculator to find your minimum profitable price per job.
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Try LeadLock Free First month free. No credit card required.Residential pressure washing rates range from $0.10-$0.50 per sq ft depending on the surface type, contamination level, and local market. Driveways and sidewalks run higher ($0.20-$0.50) than house siding ($0.10-$0.25). Commercial flat work typically falls in the $0.05-$0.15 range due to volume. Calculate your cost per sq ft first, then set your margin.
Job-based pricing is more predictable for customers and more profitable for contractors. Hourly billing punishes you for working efficiently. Calculate your cost per job, covering equipment, chemicals, labor, and drive time, add margin, and quote a flat price. Reserve hourly billing only for custom or unusual jobs where scope is genuinely unclear.
Factor in pressure washer depreciation (divide purchase price by expected job life), surface cleaner attachment wear, hose and fitting replacement, and fuel or electricity costs per job. A $2,000 machine doing 500 jobs adds $4 per job in equipment cost. Many contractors also add a per-job equipment fee of $5-$15.
Wood decks and fences need lower pressure (1,500-2,000 PSI) and more careful technique. Charge a premium for the time and risk. Concrete and brick tolerate high pressure and can be done faster. Roofs and solar panels require soft washing, a specialized process. Charge 25-40% more than standard rates for these jobs.
Itemize: the area to be cleaned (with measurements), surface type, any pre-treatment or detergent, estimated time, travel fee if applicable, and a note on what is NOT included (moving furniture, minor repairs, staining). A detailed quote prevents disputes and positions you as a professional, not a guy with a pressure washer.
Upsell complementary services at the same visit: gutter cleaning, window cleaning, driveway sealing after washing, or deck staining. Customers who just paid for pressure washing are already warm buyers. Offering an add-on at the job site costs nothing in marketing and often adds $50-$150 to the average ticket.
This calculator is for informational purposes only. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide. Consult a qualified financial professional before making business decisions.