Pressure Washing Pricing Guide: A Complete Overview
In the pressure washing industry, turning water into profit isn’t just a pipe dream. It’s a real business challenge that needs the right balance of skill, strategy, and smart pricing.
Landing on the perfect pricing strategy is about properly valuing your skills, time, and the quality of your work. It doesn’t matter whether you’re cleaning residential driveways or tackling large-scale commercial projects. The right (or wrong) pricing can make or break your business.
Here are the nuts and bolts of how to charge for pressure washing. Explore differences between services, key factors that influence rates, and tips for creating a profitable pricing strategy.
RELATED ARTICLE — Pressure Washing Pricing Guide: A Complete Overview
Pressure Washing Versus Power Washing
When talking about cleaning services, you’ll often hear the terms “pressure washing” and “power washing.” Many people use these terms interchangeably, but some define them in different ways. The main difference comes down to water temperature.
Power washing uses hot water. The heat makes it great for tough jobs like cleaning up mold or oil stains. The hot water breaks down stubborn grime and makes the cleaning process easier and faster.
Pressure washing relies on the force of unheated water. This method works well for many cleaning tasks. It’s perfect for washing away dirt, mud, and loose paint from surfaces like sidewalks, siding, and fences. The strong spray can reach tight spots and blast away buildup without the need for heat.
Knowing the difference between power washing jobs and pressure washing jobs will help you choose the right method for every job. It will also help you explain the value of your services to customers who might not understand the distinction.
RELATED ARTICLE — How To Start a Cleaning Business: 8 Easy Steps
Commercial Versus Residential Pressure Washing
As a pressure washing pro, you might find yourself switching gears between sprucing up cozy homes and tackling sprawling office complexes. While the basic principles are the same, there are some key differences to know. These differences will affect both your approach to the job and your bottom line.
Let’s break it down:
- Types of Projects. Residential pressure washing jobs might have you cleaning house siding, driveways, decks, and fences. On the commercial side, you could be dealing with restaurants, parking garages, and even entire office buildings.
- Frequency of Service. Homes typically need a good wash once or twice a year. Commercial properties, on the other hand, might need your services monthly or even weekly to keep up appearances. This is especially true for buildings with a lot of foot traffic.
- Equipment Requirements. Your trusty pressure washer might be perfect for most homes. But commercial pressure washing jobs often call for heavy-duty equipment—think bigger machines with higher pressure and flow rates to cover large areas efficiently. Smaller commercial jobs might call for equipment just a little more powerful than the usual tools, like a pressure washer.
- Cleaning Solutions. Residential pressure washing jobs usually involve general-purpose cleaners. Commercial work might require specialized solutions for tough industrial grime. You might also have to make sure your chemicals meet specific sanitation standards.
- Surface Variety. Houses tend to have similar surfaces like wood, vinyl siding, and concrete. Commercial properties can throw you some curveballs. Their materials might include metal siding, large expanses of glass, or specialized flooring materials.
- Time and Labor. You can typically handle most residential pressure washing jobs solo. But commercial jobs often take longer and may require a team.
- Pricing Structure. Given the differences in scale and complexity, your pricing approach might need to shift between residential and commercial work.
RELATED ARTICLE — How To Get Clients for a Cleaning Business: A Comprehensive Guide
Pricing Guide for Pressure Washing Services

So, how much is a pressure washer to charge, exactly? Setting the right price for your pressure washing services is a balancing act. You want to make a profit, but you have to stay competitive at the same time.
Here are the key steps for creating a pricing strategy that works for your pressure washing company:
Measure the Property
Start by getting accurate measurements of the areas you’ll be cleaning. Don’t just eyeball it—break out the laser measure for precision. Remember to include all surfaces: driveways, sidewalks, house siding, and anything else you’ll be pointing your pressure washer at.
Choose a Pricing Strategy
You have two main options:
- By Square Footage. This means charging a flat rate based on the size of the area. It’s a simple method that lets customers know exactly what they’ll pay upfront. The pressure washing cost per square foot is easy to calculate, but it may not always reflect the true difficulty of the job. This is because it doesn’t account for tricky areas that may take extra time and care.
- Hourly. This means charging based on how long the job takes. It ensures you get paid fairly for all your time and effort. But it’s a less clear and transparent pricing strategy from the customer’s point of view.
Factor in Costs
Before you settle on a price, identify your costs. This includes both direct costs (like cleaning solutions and water) and overhead costs. Overhead costs are the recurring, behind-the-scenes expenses that keep your pressure washing company running. These include insurance, equipment maintenance, and marketing. Make a list of all these expenses so you don’t leave anything out.
Crunch the Numbers
Now it’s time to put it all together. Add up all your costs for a typical job. This is your break-even point: the bare minimum you need to charge just to cover your expenses. But you’re in business to make a profit, not just break even. That’s where the next step comes in.
Add Your Profit Margin
This is where you decide how much you want to earn above your costs. Profit margins vary based on your experience, the local market, and the complexity of the job.
Let’s say your total costs for a job come to $100. If you want a 20% profit margin, you’ll simply add $100 x 20% = $20 to your price, bringing the total to $120. This extra $20 is your profit.
Don’t be afraid to properly value your expertise. Quality work deserves fair compensation.
Create an Estimate
A great estimate doesn’t just state the price. It shows the customer exactly what they’ll be getting for their money. A clear, detailed estimate can set you apart from the competition.
Your estimate should include:
- A breakdown of the services you’ll provide by quantity, unit cost, and total cost
- Special techniques or equipment you’ll use
- Guarantees or warranties you offer
- Your contact information, logo, and website
- The customer’s contact information
- The final cost
- The payment options you offer
- Space for the customer to sign and accept the offer
Be Flexible
Your pricing isn’t set in stone. It can, and should, change based on different factors. You might charge more for particularly dirty jobs, hard-to-reach areas, or during your busy season.
On the flip side, you might offer discounts for repeat customers, large jobs, or during slower periods. Regularly review and adjust your pricing to keep your business healthy and competitive.
FROM ONE OF OUR PARTNERS — The 7 Best Commercial Pressure Washers for Pros
5 Tips for Creating a Profitable Pricing Strategy for Your Pressure Washing Business

With your pricing strategy in hand, let’s take a look at some smart ways to make your pressure washing business more profitable. These tips can help you find the sweet spot where your prices are fair to both your customers and yourself:
- Do Your Homework. Check out what other pressure washing businesses in your area charge. This helps you avoid charging too little or too much.
- Test Different Pricing Models. Experiment with different pricing methods. Pay attention to how each one affects your earnings and customer satisfaction. Over time, you’ll find out which pricing models work best for different types of jobs and customers.
- Consider Seasonal Demand. You might charge more when everyone wants their house cleaned in the spring but offer discounts in the slower winter months.
- Offer Package Deals. Customers love a good bargain. Combine services like driveway cleaning and deck washing for a reduced price.
- Use Software. Take advantage of tools that make it easier to keep track of your money, send bills, and give estimates. This saves you time and helps you avoid accounting mistakes.
Win More Clients With Quick and Professional Estimates From Joist
Don’t let complicated estimates slow you down. Discover the easy way to create professional quotes on the go.
With Joist, you can create and share estimates in just minutes. This easy-to-use mobile estimating tool has tons of powerful features built for contractors, including Deposits, Markups, and Contracts.