Pricing Pressure Washing Jobs Profitably
Pressure washing has some of the highest gross margins in the field service industry — low materials cost, no licensing requirements in most states, and strong demand across residential and commercial markets. But it's also a highly competitive service in most markets, which means winning on price without understanding your costs leads to a busy schedule with thin margins.
This guide covers how to price by surface type, what chemical costs to account for, and how to add upsell services that increase revenue per visit.
Pricing by Surface Type
| Surface | Typical Per-Sq-Ft Rate | Avg Job Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway (concrete) | $0.10–$0.25/sq ft | $150–$350 | Calcite staining adds time |
| House exterior (soft wash) | $0.15–$0.35/sq ft | $250–$600 | Chemical cost higher |
| Deck or patio | $0.20–$0.50/sq ft | $200–$500 | Wood decks require lower PSI |
| Sidewalk/walkway | $0.10–$0.20/sq ft | $80–$200 | Fast if no calcite buildup |
| Fence (wood or vinyl) | $0.25–$0.50/linear ft | $150–$400 | Varies heavily by condition |
| Roof (soft wash) | $0.20–$0.40/sq ft | $300–$700 | High chemical cost; specialty service |
| Commercial parking lot | $0.05–$0.12/sq ft | $500–$3,000+ | Volume pricing, often recurring |
| Commercial building exterior | $0.10–$0.25/sq ft | $800–$5,000+ | Lift or extension equipment may add cost |
Chemical Costs: Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing
Soft washing (applying surfactant-based solutions to kill organic growth rather than blasting with high pressure) is required for roofs, siding, and most painted surfaces. Chemical costs are higher than for straight pressure washing:
- Sodium hypochlorite (pool shock): The primary active agent for organic growth; ~$1–$2/gallon diluted
- Surfactant/degreaser: Reduces surface tension and improves adhesion; ~$0.50–$1.50/job
- Neutralizer (post-rinse): Used after bleach application on some surfaces; ~$0.25–$0.75/job
Build chemical costs into per-sq-ft pricing. Most experienced pressure washing operators target 70–80% gross margin (cost of chemicals + direct labor is 20–30% of job revenue).
Upsell Services That Increase Revenue Per Visit
- Sealing after cleaning: Driveway sealing, deck sealing after pressure washing — meaningful per-project add-on
- Gutter cleaning: Natural pairing with exterior house washing; customers prefer to consolidate vendors
- Window cleaning: Available as an add-on for residential customers booking a full-house exterior wash
- Oxidation removal: For faded vinyl siding — premium service requiring specific products
- Recurring commercial contracts: Monthly or quarterly parking lots, storefronts, and building exteriors
Quote all upsell opportunities at the time of the original estimate. Fieldbase lets you build upsell line items directly into your estimates so you never miss the opportunity.
Key Takeaways
- Price per square foot by surface type — account for chemical cost, condition, and complexity
- Soft washing is required for roofs, siding, and painted surfaces — price in the higher chemical cost
- Target 70–80% gross margin; chemicals + direct labor should be 20–30% of revenue
- Sealing, gutter cleaning, and window cleaning upsells increase revenue per visit significantly
- Commercial recurring contracts (parking lots, storefronts) are the most stable revenue in the business