How to Price Window Cleaning Jobs: A Contractor’s Guide

Pricing a window cleaning job is a calculated process that considers window type, job complexity, cleaning supplies, equipment needs, and your business’s profitability goals. Whether you clean residential homes, commercial office buildings, or high-rise skyscraper windows, having a clear pricing method helps you win bids and maintain healthy margins.

In this guide, you’ll learn proven pricing formulas, industry rates, and tips for building competitive, profitable estimates.

We’ll cover:

• The average price of window cleaning jobs in the United States
• Key factors to consider when creating a pricing strategy
• A step-by-step window cleaning pricing formula
• Residential, construction, and commercial pricing approaches
• Tips for bidding on window cleaning jobs
• Key aspects to consider when setting rates

Average price of window cleaning

On average, residential window cleaning prices range between $8 and $15 per window or $100–$250 per job, depending on the number of windows and accessibility. Commercial window cleaning rates vary depending on the size of the building, with office buildings and high-rise buildings often charged by the pane or per square foot. 

According to Jobber, the average cost per window for commercial properties can range from $10 to $20 per pane.

Construction window cleaning (removing paint, drywall dust, or stickers) typically costs more, averaging $200–$500 per job depending on the complexity. Industry data from Housecall Pro notes that post-construction cleaning is one of the most profitable niches in the cleaning industry.

Key factors to consider when pricing window cleaning

Before setting your rates, it’s important to look at the variables that directly affect the cost of a job. These factors will guide your pricing strategy and ensure your quotes cover all expenses while staying competitive.

The complexity of the job

Cleaning a ground-level residential window is very different from washing skyscraper windows. Jobs that require safety harnesses, lifts, or trailers for high rise building access will cost more.

Operational costs

Factor in cleaning supplies, cleaning equipment, and protective gear such as jackets, gloves, and safety ropes. Don’t forget ongoing expenses like fuel and insurance, which affect the bottom line.

Service add-ons and frequency

Regular maintenance contracts or service add-ons such as screen cleaning, sills, tracks, or pressure washing increase revenue. Long term contracts are highly profitable for cleaning companies.

Market and competition

Rates vary depending on your location and the number of competitors. Conducting market research and comparing cleaning business price lists helps set competitive but profitable rates.

Window cleaning pricing formula

Before applying a formula, it’s important to understand that pricing a window cleaning job is about more than guessing a number. You’ll need to factor in labor, materials, and overhead to make sure the price covers all costs and leaves room for profit.

Labor costs

Calculate hourly wages for cleaning workers. In the United States, the average cleaning technician job pays $15–$25 per hour. Multiply this by the expected hours required.

Material costs

Include cleaning supplies such as squeegees, soaps, microfiber cloths, and water treatment systems for high quality results.

Overhead costs

Overhead includes insurance, advertising, vehicle maintenance, and admin time. Track these in a spreadsheet or calculator to avoid underestimating operating costs.

Formula:
(Labor + Materials + Overhead + Profit) ÷ Number of Windows = Cost per Window

How to price residential window cleaning

Residential window cleaning prices vary depending on several factors such as house size, number of windows, types of windows, and accessibility.

• Typical charges: Most house cleaning services charge per window ($8–$15) or per pane ($4–$7). Prices can increase with complexity.
• Complex windows: French panes or storm windows may be closer to $10 per pane. Large picture windows might be priced per square foot.
• Condition of windows: Interior windows with water stains, paint, or hard-to-reach spots often need a deep clean. These can cost up to double the standard rate.

Location also plays a role:

• Urban areas: Higher operating costs mean jobs often average $150–$300.
• Suburban areas: Rates are usually closer to $100–$200.

Pro tip: Offering package deals for both interior and exterior windows (or bundling extras like screen, sill, and track cleaning) not only boosts customer satisfaction but also increases overall revenue.

For more on home-related pricing strategies, see How Much to Charge for House Cleaning in 2025.

How to price construction window cleaning

Construction window cleaning is a specialized service that goes beyond standard residential work.

• Techniques involved: Post-construction cleaning often requires deep clean methods, heavy-duty scrapers, razor blades, and chemical removers to tackle paint, drywall dust, silicone, or adhesive.
• Equipment needed: Jobs may require ladders, scaffolding, or even lifts for multi-story projects, along with protective jackets and safety gear for workers.
• Pricing: For residential construction, prices often range between $200–$500 per job depending on the number of windows, their condition, and accessibility. For commercial projects, especially large buildings or high rises, costs can easily climb into the thousands.
• Factors to adjust for: Number of windows, type of glass, presence of water stains, and the complexity of the building design all affect rates.

Because of the extra time, supplies, and risk involved, construction window cleaning is considered one of the most profitable niches in the cleaning industry.

Use our Estimate Generator to create quick construction window cleaning quotes.

How to price commercial window cleaning

Commercial window cleaning rates depend on building size, accessibility, and safety requirements.

• Typical pricing: Most jobs are calculated per pane ($10–$20) or per square foot ($2–$5).
• High-rise or skyscraper jobs: These require specialized workers, safety harnesses, or lifts, which increases costs significantly.
• Office buildings and commercial spaces: Large glass surfaces and interior windows add time and labor, raising the final price.
• Contracts: Weekly or monthly contracts with businesses provide stable, long-term revenue for cleaning companies and improve cash flow consistency.

For more insights into cleaning services and customer expectations, read Cleaning Services: A Simple Guide to Different Types.

Tips for bidding on window cleaning jobs

Winning a window cleaning job often comes down to how well you present your bid. Clients want clear, professional quotes that explain what they’re paying for and why your services offer value. 

Before submitting, make sure your estimate looks polished, reflects your pricing strategy, and highlights your experience. Here are some actionable tips:

• Prepare a professional estimate using an Estimate Template.
• Highlight your high quality cleaning services and strong customer service.
• Show photos of past projects, including high rise building jobs.
• Offer competitive but realistic commercial window cleaning rates.
• Be transparent in your quote by breaking down costs clearly.
• Promote your cleaning business on social media to build a customer base.

10 Key Aspects To Consider When Pricing Window Cleaning Jobs

Before setting final prices, it helps to break the job down into specific factors. These aspects cover everything from the number of windows to your local competition, giving you a checklist to guide accurate, profitable pricing.

1. Number of Windows

The more windows, the higher the cost. Calculate total panes accurately.

2. Type of Windows

Interior windows, storm windows, or specialty window treatments vary depending on design and difficulty.

3. State of the Windows

Water stains, dirt, or neglected maintenance increase cleaning time and price.

4. Building Size and Accessibility

High rise buildings or skyscraper window jobs require special lifts and workers trained for heights.

5. Screen, Sills, and Tracks

Cleaning add-ons like screens and tracks should be priced separately.

6. Per Window Versus Per Hour

Decide whether to charge per pane, per window, or per hour based on customer needs.

7. Expenses

Track expenses for cleaning supplies, travel, and insurance to protect your bottom line.

8. Travel Time and Cost

Factor in time and fuel for reaching customer sites.

9. Employees

Include wages, job descriptions, and training for cleaning workers in your calculation.

10. Competition

Analyze other cleaning companies’ pricing strategies in your area to stay competitive.

Setting Profitable Window Cleaning Rates

Pricing window cleaning jobs requires balancing customer satisfaction with business profitability. By understanding the average cost ranges, applying a clear pricing formula, and adjusting rates for job complexity, cleaning companies can deliver high quality results while protecting their bottom line.

Need an estimating solution for your cleaning business? Try Invoice Fly’s Estimates App — it’s free!

For more insights on growth, explore Cleaning Contracts: Your Guide to Winning More Business.