How to price a pressure washing job
Pricing pressure washing work consistently is what separates contractors who grow from those who burn out undercharging. Here is the method most successful solo operators use — the same logic WashQuote automates.
1. Measure every surface
Walk the property and measure each surface separately: house siding, driveway, walkway, deck, fence, patio. Length × width gives square footage. A laser measure pays for itself in a week; pacing works too once you calibrate your stride. Round up rather than down — under-measuring is the most common pricing error.
2. Pick the rate for each surface type
Rates differ because the work differs. Concrete flatwork with a surface cleaner is fast ($0.20–$0.40/sq ft). Wood decks need lower pressure and more passes ($0.25–$0.50). Roof soft washing is chemical-intensive ($0.20–$0.45). Our rate table lists the typical US ranges. Start mid-range and adjust for your market.
3. Adjust for soil level
Look at the actual condition. Light maintenance dirt: base rate. Medium soil, the typical job: ×1.15. Heavy algae, black streaks or years of neglect: ×1.35. Write the soil level on the estimate — customers accept the premium when they can see the reason on paper.
4. Apply your minimum charge
Set a minimum job charge ($99–$150 is common) and never go below it. On small jobs the minimum does the work of covering your travel, setup time and chemicals. Show it as a separate line ("minimum job charge adjustment") rather than inflating rates — transparency builds trust and repeat business.
5. Add tax, deposit and terms
Add your state's sales tax where it applies to services. Ask for a deposit on larger jobs — 20–30% is standard for work over $500 — and state the balance due on completion. Finally, date the quote and give it a validity window (30 days is the norm) so you are not held to last year's prices.
Put it in writing
A verbal number is forgotten or disputed; a written line-by-line quote wins the job. WashQuote builds that document in about two minutes: surfaces, rates, soil factors, minimum charge, tax and deposit, exported as a professional PDF you can text or email from the driveway.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a beginner charge for pressure washing?
Start at the middle of the typical range for each surface (for example $0.25/sq ft for house washing) and never below your minimum charge. Raise rates as your speed and reviews grow.
How long does it take to pressure wash a driveway?
A standard 600 sq ft two-car driveway takes 30–60 minutes with a surface cleaner, plus setup. Price from square footage, then check that the total meets your hourly target.
Should a pressure washing quote include a deposit?
For jobs over roughly $500, yes — 20–30% on booking is standard and filters out non-serious customers. Show the deposit and the remaining balance on the quote itself.