Getting your pressure washing pricing per job right is the difference between a thriving business and one that stays busy but never profitable. Charge too little and you're working for nothing; charge too much without justification and you lose the bid. Here's how to build a pricing structure that holds up in the real world.
Know Your Cost Floor Before You Quote Anything
Every job has a cost floor — the minimum you need to charge just to break even. For pressure washing, that includes:
- Labor: Your time plus any crew hours
- Equipment wear: pumps, hoses, nozzles, surface cleaners depreciate with every job
- Chemicals and detergents: soft wash solutions, degreasers, and rust treatments add up fast
- Fuel and travel: a job 30 miles out costs more than one across town
- Overhead: insurance, licensing, vehicle payments, storage
A solo operator running one truck should typically target a minimum of $75–$100/hour in billable output just to cover costs and pay themselves reasonably.
Pricing by Surface Type and Square Footage
Most experienced operators price pressure washing per job using a hybrid of square footage rates and flat minimums. Here are realistic ranges for common service categories:
Driveways and Concrete
- $0.08–$0.20 per sq ft
- A standard two-car driveway (500–600 sq ft) runs $100–$150
House Washing (Soft Wash)
- $0.10–$0.35 per sq ft of exterior surface
- A 2,000 sq ft single-story home: $250–$450
- Two-story adds complexity — expect $350–$600+
Roof Soft Washing
- $0.20–$0.40 per sq ft of roof surface
- Most residential roofs fall between $300–$700
Decks and Wood Surfaces
- $0.25–$0.50 per sq ft due to prep and care required
- A 400 sq ft deck: $150–$250
Commercial Flatwork
- $0.05–$0.15 per sq ft depending on volume and frequency
- Retail parking lots and storefronts often work on recurring contracts
Always set a job minimum — most operators won't roll a truck for under $100–$150.
Adjusting for Complexity and Conditions
Square footage gets you in the ballpark, but the final number should account for job-specific factors:
- Staining and buildup: heavy oil stains, algae, oxidation, or rust require extra dwell time and chemicals — add 20–40%
- Access and height: multi-story homes, rooftop work, or tight access drives up risk and time
- Water source: if you're supplying your own water (tank truck), factor that in
- Travel time: jobs outside your primary service area should include a trip charge or inflated per-sq-ft rate
- Add-ons: gutter brightening, fence washing, screen cleaning — price these separately to protect your margin on the base job
Flat Rate vs. Hourly vs. Project-Based
There's no single right model, but here's how experienced operators tend to handle it:
Flat rate per service works best for recurring packages (monthly commercial accounts, annual house washes). Customers love the predictability and you can price efficiency gains into your pocket.
Per-square-foot pricing is the industry standard for residential jobs. It's easy to explain, scales with job size, and keeps you protected on bigger properties.
Hourly billing ($75–$150/hr) makes sense for unusual jobs — industrial cleaning, post-construction cleanup, or anything hard to scope in advance.
How to Handle Quotes and Win More Jobs
Give every quote in writing and break it down by service. Customers who can see exactly what they're paying for are more likely to approve the job and less likely to push back on price.
A few quoting habits that help:
- Walk the property before quoting anything large
- Offer tiered options (basic clean vs. full treatment with chemical application)
- Bundle services when it makes sense — driveways plus house wash for a package rate
- Follow up within 24 hours; most customers decide quickly
Listing your business on a marketplace like Mercoly puts your services in front of local customers who are actively searching, helping you win more leads without cold outreach.
Don't Undercut Your Way to the Bottom
New operators often drop prices to win jobs. It works short-term and destroys you long-term. A client who hired you at $150 when the market rate is $300 will never pay market rate — they'll just find the next low bidder.
Instead, compete on professionalism: fast quotes, clear communication, before-and-after photos, and a solid online presence. That's how you build a customer base that pays well and refers others.
Get your pricing locked in, build a simple service menu, and start putting your business where customers are already looking.