How to Price Your Pressure Washing Jobs as a New Contractor
One of the biggest mistakes new pressure washing contractors make is underpricing their work. You buy affordable equipment, keep your chemical costs low, and then leave money on the table by not charging what the market will bear. This guide breaks down exactly how to price pressure washing jobs so you stay competitive, cover your costs, and actually make a profit.
Why Pricing Is the Most Important Skill You'll Learn
You can have the best equipment and the most affordable setup in your market, but if your pricing is off, your business won't survive. Price too low and you burn out fast. Price too high without justification and you lose bids. The goal is confident, data-driven pricing that reflects your true costs and the value you deliver.
Step 1: Know Your Costs
Before you can price a job, you need to know what it costs you to do it. Break your costs into two categories:
Fixed Costs (Monthly)
- Equipment payments or depreciation
- Insurance (general liability is non-negotiable)
- Vehicle and trailer costs
- Software, marketing, and admin
Variable Costs (Per Job)
- Chemicals — shop our Chemicals collection to keep your per-job chemical cost as low as possible
- Fuel
- Wear parts like O-rings, nozzles, and other parts
- Labor (including your own time)
Add up your monthly fixed costs, divide by the number of jobs you do per month, and add your variable cost per job. That's your break-even number. Price above it.
Step 2: Understand Common Pricing Models
Per Square Foot
The most common model for driveways, decks, and flat surfaces. Typical rates range from $0.08 to $0.35 per square foot depending on surface type, condition, and your market. Soft washing roofs often commands $0.20 to $0.50+ per square foot.
Flat Rate Per Job Type
Many contractors set flat rates for common jobs: driveway cleaning, house wash, roof wash, fence cleaning. This simplifies quoting and helps customers make quick decisions.
Hourly Rate
Less common but useful for unusual jobs. Most solo contractors target $75 to $150 per hour depending on market and service type.
Step 3: Factor In Your Equipment Investment
Your equipment cost should be baked into your pricing. Whether you run a budget Cold Water Machine, a Hot Water Machine, or a Soft-Wash System, each has a lifespan and a replacement cost. Divide the equipment cost by the number of jobs you expect it to last and add that to your per-job cost.
Step 4: Research Your Local Market
Call competitors as a mystery shopper. Get quotes for a standard house wash or driveway clean in your area. You don't need to be the cheapest — you need to be competitive while being profitable. If the market rate for a house wash is $250 and your costs are $80, you have healthy margin to work with.
Step 5: Build In Upsells
Every job is an opportunity to add revenue. Common upsells include:
- Roof soft wash add-on to a house wash
- Driveway sealing after pressure washing
- Gutter brightening
- Fence or deck treatment with specialty chemicals from our Chemicals collection
Common Pricing Mistakes to Avoid
- Not accounting for drive time and setup time
- Forgetting to factor in chemical costs — especially on chemical-heavy soft wash jobs
- Undervaluing hot water capability — hot water machines command premium rates
- Giving discounts without a strategy
- Not raising prices as your reputation and demand grow
Sample Pricing Sheet for New Contractors
- Standard driveway (up to 600 sq ft): $150-$220
- House wash (up to 2,000 sq ft): $270-$450
- Roof soft wash (up to 2,000 sq ft): $400-$800
- Deck or fence (per sq ft): $0.25-$0.40
- Commercial flat work (per sq ft): $0.10-$0.20
Final Thoughts
Pricing your pressure washing jobs correctly from day one sets the foundation for a sustainable business. Know your costs, understand your market, and never be afraid to charge what you're worth. The more you invest in affordable, quality equipment from our Machines collection and keep your chemical costs low, the more margin you have to work with on every job.