How to use this calculator
Start by setting your target hourly rate and operating costs at the top. The hourly rate is what you want to earn for your labor, not including expenses. Fuel and chemical costs are per job defaults that you can adjust as you learn your actual numbers.
Next, select a surface type and enter the area in square feet. If you are unsure of the exact size, use the preset buttons for common dimensions. A standard two car driveway is roughly 400 square feet, while average house siding runs around 1,800 square feet.
Choose the surface condition to account for extra time on dirtier jobs. Heavy buildup or mildew takes significantly longer than light dirt, and the calculator adjusts the estimated time and price accordingly. Toggle chemical treatment on for any surface that needs soft washing, such as roofs or delicate siding.
Understanding pressure washing costs
Pressure washing pricing comes down to three factors: how long the job takes, what it costs you to run your equipment, and how much profit you want to make per hour. The time estimate depends on the surface material, total area, and how dirty it is. Concrete cleans faster than wood because you can use higher pressure without risking damage.
Operating costs include fuel for your pressure washer engine, cleaning chemicals when soft washing, and water usage. Many operators overlook water costs, but they add up on large jobs. Municipal water rates vary, and some jobs require you to bring your own water tank, which increases fuel and time.
The price per square foot metric is useful for comparing your rates to local market averages. If your calculated price per square foot falls well below the local going rate, you may be undercharging. If it is significantly higher, consider whether your hourly rate target or time estimates need adjustment.
Quoting multi surface jobs
Whole property jobs are where pressure washing businesses build real revenue. A customer who wants their driveway cleaned will often add the patio, walkways, and siding once they see a bundled price. Use the multi surface mode to add up to four surfaces and present a single total quote.
When bundling surfaces, consider offering a small discount on the total. You save travel time and setup by doing everything in one visit, so passing some of that savings to the customer makes the package more attractive. Even a 5% to 10% discount on a large quote increases your effective hourly rate compared to driving to separate single surface jobs.
The revenue projections at the bottom show what your weekly and monthly income looks like at different job volumes. This is helpful for setting goals and understanding how many quotes you need to close each week to hit your income targets.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge per square foot for pressure washing?
Rates typically range from $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot depending on surface type and condition. Driveways and concrete average $0.15 to $0.25 per square foot, while house siding and roofs command $0.25 to $0.50 because they require slower, more careful work and sometimes chemical treatment.
What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?
Pressure washing uses high water pressure (2,000 to 4,000 PSI) to clean hard surfaces like concrete and brick. Soft washing uses low pressure (under 1,000 PSI) combined with cleaning chemicals to safely clean delicate surfaces like roof shingles, vinyl siding, and stucco. Soft washing adds chemical costs but prevents damage.
How long does it take to pressure wash a driveway?
A standard two car driveway of about 400 square feet takes roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the level of grime. Light dirt on smooth concrete cleans quickly, while heavy mildew or oil stains need pre treatment and multiple passes that can add an hour or more.
How do I calculate operating costs for a pressure washing business?
The main operating costs are fuel for your pressure washer (typically $5 to $15 per job), cleaning chemicals ($10 to $25 when soft washing), and water usage. You should also factor in equipment wear, vehicle fuel to reach the job site, and insurance. Tracking these costs per job helps you set prices that cover expenses while hitting your target hourly rate.