Pressure Washing Pricing Guide: Per Square Foot Rates 2026
Pressure washing typically runs $0.15 to $0.60 per square foot, depending on surface. See rates, soft wash vs pressure, equipment payback and a worked quote.
Published · HandyBook Team
Handymen commonly price pressure washing at about $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot for flat concrete like driveways and patios, $0.40 to $1.50 per square foot for wood decks, and $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot of wall for house siding. Add a minimum charge of $125 to $200 so small jobs still cover your truck, setup and water.
Those are estimates, not survey figures. Your region, water access, how dirty the surface is and the method you use all shift the number. This guide shows how to turn your own time and equipment costs into a rate you can defend.
Typical pressure washing price ranges (US estimates)
| Surface | Common price range | Pricing unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | $0.15-$0.50/sq ft | Square foot of surface | Surface cleaner speeds it up; oil stains cost extra |
| Sidewalk or patio | $0.20-$0.50/sq ft | Square foot | Pavers may need re-sanding |
| Pool deck | $0.25-$0.60/sq ft | Square foot | Textured surfaces take longer |
| Wood deck | $0.40-$1.50/sq ft | Square foot | Lower pressure; stripping/brightening extra |
| Vinyl or fiber cement siding | $0.20-$0.60/sq ft | Square foot of wall | One story is quicker than two |
| Brick or stucco | $0.30-$0.75/sq ft | Square foot of wall | Gentle methods only |
| Fence | $0.50-$1.50 per linear foot or $0.20-$0.60 per sq ft | Either | Count both sides if you clean both |
| Minimum charge | $125-$200 | Per visit | Covers setup and travel |
Roof washing, commercial cleaning and graffiti removal are different markets with their own risks and rates. Don't quote them until you have training and the right equipment.
Pressure wash vs soft wash: which method for which surface
This choice affects both your price and the risk of damage.
Pressure washing (high pressure, mostly water)
Use for hard, durable surfaces such as concrete driveways, sidewalks and some masonry. Typical units run in the 3,000 to 4,000 PSI range with 3 to 4 gallons per minute (GPM). A surface cleaner attachment, which is a rotating bar in a cover, cleans flat concrete faster and more evenly than a wand.
Soft washing (low pressure plus cleaning solution)
Use for siding, stucco, painted surfaces, wood and roofs, where high pressure can gouge, force water behind siding or strip finish. Soft wash relies on a cleaning solution, often a mix containing sodium hypochlorite and a surfactant, applied at low pressure and rinsed. It kills mildew and algae rather than blasting it off, so results last longer.
| Factor | Pressure wash | Soft wash |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Concrete, brick pavers, heavy dirt | Siding, stucco, wood, roofs |
| Pressure | High (about 3,000+ PSI) | Low (garden-hose range) |
| Risk of damage | Higher if misused | Lower, but chemical handling matters |
| Typical pricing | Per sq ft of flat surface | Per sq ft of wall, often with a higher floor price |
| Added costs | Fuel, nozzles, surface cleaner | Chemicals, pump, plant protection |
Soft washing deserves a higher rate per hour than basic concrete work because you carry chemical handling, plant protection and runoff responsibility. Read the label on every chemical, wear eye and skin protection and rinse landscaping before and after. Ask your state or local environmental agency about wastewater rules, since some areas restrict where wash water can drain. Verify local requirements rather than assuming.
What drives pressure washing prices up or down
- Surface condition. Light dust is quick. Black mildew, deep moss and years of buildup take multiple passes.
- Stains. Oil, rust and tire marks need a degreaser or rust remover and extra time. Price them as add-ons.
- Access. Steep driveways, narrow side yards and second-story walls slow you down.
- Water source. If you need to bring your own water, add a tank and pump cost or a surcharge.
- Obstacles. Furniture, plants, cars and landscaping edging add prep time.
- Sealing or staining afterward. These are separate jobs with separate pricing.
- Height. Second-story work needs a long wand, extension pole or ladder, and brings fall risk. Price accordingly or decline.
- Hard water and rust. Some wells stain siding. Ask before you start.
How long does pressure washing take?
Use these as rough planning figures for a solo operator with a surface cleaner and decent water pressure:
| Job | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Setup and walkaround | 15-30 min |
| 600 sq ft driveway with surface cleaner | 30-60 min |
| 400 sq ft patio and walkway | 45-90 min |
| 300 sq ft wood deck, gentle cleaning | 1.5-3 hours |
| One-story house soft wash (1,500 sq ft of wall) | 2-3 hours |
| Cleanup, rinse-down and photos | 15-30 min |
Log your actual times on your first 10 jobs. Per-square-foot output is the number that tells you whether your rate works.
Build your rate from your costs
A price per square foot only makes sense if you know what you earn per hour.
Example: concrete driveway
- Target income: $80 per hour
- Your speed: 800 sq ft per hour with a surface cleaner
- Rate needed: $80 / 800 = $0.10 per sq ft in labor
- Add machine wear, fuel, water and nozzle replacement: about $0.02 per sq ft
- Add travel, setup, overhead and profit: $0.05 per sq ft
- Working rate: about $0.17 per sq ft, and many handymen round up to $0.20-$0.25 to cover slower jobs and bad stains
If you are slower, say 400 sq ft per hour, the same $80 target needs $0.20 in labor alone. That is why speed and equipment matter more than which rate the guy down the street charges.
Equipment costs and payback
Prices change often, so treat these as ballpark figures and check current retail:
| Item | Ballpark cost |
|---|---|
| Gas pressure washer (3,000-4,000 PSI, 3-4 GPM) | $600-$1,500 |
| 15-20 inch surface cleaner | $200-$600 |
| Hoses, wands, nozzles, quick connects | $150-$400 |
| Soft wash pump or kit | $400-$1,500 |
| Chemicals (per month, depends on volume) | $50-$300 |
| Water tank (if needed) | $150-$600 |
| Safety gear, tarps, cones | $75-$200 |
A starter kit for driveway and patio work can cost roughly $1,000 to $2,500. Adding soft wash can bring a serious setup to $2,000 to $4,500, before a trailer.
Payback example: Say you spend $2,000 on gear and average $0.20 per sq ft.
- A 700 sq ft driveway is $140, but the $150 minimum applies, so charge $150.
- Subtract $15 in fuel, water and wear: $135 net before your time.
- Your gear is paid off after roughly 15 jobs at that level ($2,000 / $135 = 14.8).
- If you do three jobs a week, that is about five weeks.
This leaves out insurance, truck costs and taxes, so treat the payback as optimistic. The point is simple: the equipment pays for itself fast if you charge a fair minimum. Track business expenses from day one; our guide to tracking handyman expenses covers the setup.
Worked quote example
Customer: single-story home with a 24 x 20 ft driveway, a 12 x 16 ft rear patio and vinyl siding with green algae on the north side. Roughly 1,400 sq ft of wall.
| Line item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway pressure wash (480 sq ft) | 480 sq ft | $0.25 | $120.00 |
| Oil stain pre-treatment (2 spots) | 2 | $20.00 | $40.00 |
| Rear patio pressure wash (192 sq ft) | 192 sq ft | $0.30 | $57.60 |
| House soft wash (vinyl siding) | 1,400 sq ft | $0.30 | $420.00 |
| Plant protection and rinse | 1 | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Subtotal | $662.60 | ||
| Multi-service discount (10% on the total) | -$66.26 | ||
| Total | $596.34 |
Math check: 480 x $0.25 = $120. 192 x $0.30 = $57.60. 1,400 x $0.30 = $420. Subtotal $662.60. Ten percent off is $66.26, leaving $596.34.
Time estimate: about 5.5 hours total with setup. That's about $108 per hour, which leaves room for chemicals, fuel and overhead.
Notes to include:
- "Existing stains from rust or oil may not fully remove."
- "Customer to provide outdoor water access and electricity if needed."
- "Fading, cracks or paint failure may become more visible after cleaning."
- "Pre-existing damage to siding, windows or seals is noted before work begins."
For the broader skill of itemizing, see how to write a handyman quote that wins jobs.
Upsells that fit pressure washing
| Add-on | Typical estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Window cleaning (exterior) | $5-$12 per window | Natural add-on after siding |
| Gutter face brightening | $50-$150 | Removes streaks |
| Deck sealing or staining | Quote separately | Highest-margin follow-up |
| Concrete sealing | $0.50-$1.50/sq ft | Needs dry weather and prep |
| Polymeric sand re-sanding for pavers | $0.50-$1.50/sq ft | Stops weeds and shifting |
| Rust or hard-water stain removal | $25-$100 | Specialty chemicals |
| Fence cleaning | See table above | Easy to add at the same visit |
| Recurring annual wash | Discounted | Predictable repeat income |
Our handyman upsell guide covers how to offer extras in a way that feels helpful rather than pushy.
Common pressure washing pricing mistakes
- Using too much pressure on soft materials. Wood, siding and stucco can be damaged in seconds. Test in a small area.
- Quoting without measuring. Walk the property and measure with a wheel or tape, or use a satellite map.
- No minimum charge. A $50 job that takes 90 minutes costs you money.
- Forgetting water and fuel. They are small per job but add up.
- Underpricing soft wash. Chemicals, pumps and risk deserve a higher rate than basic concrete work.
- Ignoring runoff. Protect plants, divert water away from storm drains where rules require, and check local regulations.
- No before and after photos. They are your proof, and they sell your next job.
- Promising every stain will come out. Say "we will do our best" in writing.
- Skipping insurance. Damage to windows, siding or landscaping is a real risk. Check your coverage.
- Pricing by the hour without a cap. Customers do not trust open-ended hourly pricing for cleaning jobs.
Read more on rates in our handyman hourly rates guide and on adding profit to supplies in the material markup guide.
Quote pressure washing jobs faster
Pressure washing jobs follow a pattern, so save your per-square-foot rates, minimums and add-ons as reusable line items. In HandyBook, you can build a quote from saved items and turn it into an invoice once the work is done. See quoting and estimates for details.
FAQ
How much should I charge to pressure wash a driveway?
A common range is $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot, with a minimum of $125 to $200. A 600 sq ft driveway often lands in the $120 to $250 range depending on stains and region. Work out your own rate from your hourly target and cleaning speed.
Is it better to charge by the hour or by the square foot?
Square foot pricing is more predictable for the customer and rewards you for working efficiently. Hourly pricing suits mixed or unclear jobs, but cap the hours or give a written range so the customer knows the limit.
What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?
Pressure washing uses high pressure water and works best on hard surfaces like concrete. Soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution, and it suits siding, stucco, wood and roofs. Using high pressure on soft surfaces can cause damage.
How much does pressure washing equipment cost to start?
A basic driveway-and-patio kit commonly runs $1,000 to $2,500, while adding soft wash capability and a trailer can push it higher. Prices vary, so check current retail and keep receipts for your records.
Do I need a license to start a pressure washing business?
Requirements vary by state and city. Some places require a business license, contractor registration or insurance, and some regulate chemical use and wastewater. Check with your state contractor board and local city or county offices before you advertise.
Can I use bleach for soft washing?
Many pros use sodium hypochlorite mixes, but it is a hazardous chemical. Follow the label, use protective gear, protect plants and understand local wastewater rules. When in doubt, get formal training before you offer soft washing.
HandyBook helps handymen send quotes, schedule jobs, invoice and collect card payments from one account on iPhone and the web. There is a 14-day free trial, so try it on your next pressure washing quote.
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