How to Price Pressure Washing Jobs in 2025?

How to Price Pressure Washing Jobs?

Pricing a pressure washing job isn’t just about knowing your hourly rate — it’s about understanding the surfaces, square footage, equipment, and level of dirt involved. If you’re wondering how much to charge, this guide to pressure washing prices in 2025 breaks down the average costs homeowners and businesses can expect.

From driveways and decks to roofs and commercial jobs, we’ll cover pricing models, cost-per-square-foot breakdowns, and tips to help contractors create competitive estimates while ensuring profitability.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • Average pressure washing cost in the United States
  • Standard pricing models and factors that impact cost
  • Price per square foot examples
  • Costs by type of surface (house, driveway, roof, patio, sidewalks)
  • DIY vs. professional pricing
  • Tips to save money and increase profitability
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How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost?

The average pressure washing cost in the United States is $250–$450 per job, depending on property size and complexity. Smaller projects like driveway cleaning can cost as little as $100–$200, while larger commercial pressure washing prices can reach $1,000+.

According to Thumbtack, most homeowners can expect to pay between $0.20 and $0.50 per square foot for standard cleaning services. That means a 2,000 sq ft house could cost between $400 and $1,000 to pressure wash.

Pressure Washing Costs

Worker using a pressure washer on a brick driveway near a metal gate, showing the cost of standard jobs.
Worker using a pressure washer on a brick driveway near a metal gate, showing the cost of standard jobs.

Here’s a breakdown of what homeowners and businesses can expect to pay for common pressure washing jobs. These averages give you a starting point before considering factors like square footage, material type, or how dirty the surface is.

  • Driveway pressure washing cost: $100–$250 depending on driveway size and dirt level.
  • House pressure washing cost: $250–$600 depending on square footage and siding material.
  • Commercial pressure washing prices: $500–$1,200+ for large buildings, parking lots, or fleet washing.
  • Roof cleaning: $350–$750 depending on roofing materials and steepness.
  • Deck or patio cleaning: $150–$300 depending on size and level of dirt and grime.

Comparison Table: Average Pressure Washing Costs

Type of JobAverage Price RangePrice per Square Foot (where applicable)
Driveway cleaning$100–$250$0.25–$0.40
House washing$250–$600$0.20–$0.50
Commercial jobs$500–$1,200+$0.30–$0.75
Roof cleaning$350–$750$0.30–$0.60
Deck or patio cleaning$150–$300$0.20–$0.40

Standard Pressure Washing Pricing Models

Person pressure washing a dirty stone wall, representing how surface type and dirt level affect pricing.
Person pressure washing a dirty stone wall, representing how surface type and dirt level affect pricing.

Pressure washing companies typically use these pricing structures, and understanding them helps contractors create competitive estimates:

  • Flat rate per job: Simple and common for small projects like patios or sidewalks. Customers like flat rates for predictability, but they can undercut profits if a job takes longer than expected.
  • Price per square foot: $0.20–$0.50 per sq ft, often used for houses, driveways, and large surfaces. This method scales easily with project size and is transparent for both contractors and clients.
  • Hourly rate: $50–$150/hour depending on equipment, cleaning solution, and complexity. Useful when square footage is hard to measure or when dealing with unusual surfaces.
  • Package pricing: Combining multiple services (e.g., house washing + driveway cleaning) for a discounted price list. Packages increase overall revenue while giving the customer a sense of savings.

Many washing companies use a hybrid approach — quoting per square foot for large surfaces, then adjusting with flat fees or package deals. 

For example, a contractor may charge $0.30 per sq ft for a 2,000 sq ft house ($600) but add a discounted $100 for driveway cleaning as part of a package.

What Impacts Pressure Washing Costs?

Several factors can influence the final estimate for a pressure washing job. Understanding these helps contractors explain costs clearly to customers and ensures clients know what they’re paying for.

1. Project size

Larger areas naturally cost more. For example, pressure washing a 500 sq ft deck might cost $150–$200, while a 2,000 sq ft driveway can run $500–$800. Bigger commercial jobs like parking lots are often quoted per square foot because of the scale.

2. Project accessibility and landscaping

Contractor pressure washing a roof and gutters, illustrating square footage pricing for larger surfaces.
Contractor pressure washing a roof and gutters, illustrating square footage pricing for larger surfaces.

Story homes, fences, or tight landscaping around a house can add time and difficulty. For instance, a single-story ranch home may be priced lower than a two-story house with landscaping that makes reaching siding more complex.

3. Types of materials and surfaces being cleaned

Roofing materials, brick, vinyl siding, or concrete all require different pressure levels. A soft wash method may be necessary for delicate surfaces like stucco or certain roofing materials, while concrete driveways can handle higher pressure. Each approach affects the cost of pressure washing.

4. Dirtiness and stains

Heavy dirt and grime, oil spots on driveways, or mold on siding require stronger cleaning solutions, more time, and sometimes hot water or specialized detergents. A lightly soiled patio may only cost $150, but a grease-stained driveway could climb to $300 or more.

5. Additional services provided

Add-ons like gutter cleaning, deck staining, or window washing jobs increase the total estimate. For example, a house washing job quoted at $400 could rise to $600 if the customer adds gutter and driveway cleaning as part of a package.

Pressure Washing Prices per Square Foot

Pricing by the square foot is the most common way to quote pressure washing jobs because it scales directly with project size and gives customers a clear cost breakdown.

  • Average residential: $0.20–$0.50 per sq ft. This usually covers siding, decks, and patios for single-family homes.
  • Commercial jobs: $0.30–$0.75 per sq ft as it is larger scale, special equipment, and safety requirements for multi-story buildings or fleet washing.
  • Driveway cleaning: $0.25–$0.40 per sq ft. For example, a 600 sq ft driveway would cost $150–$240.
  • Roof cleaning: $0.30–$0.60 per sq ft, with soft wash often used to protect roofing materials.
  • Deck/patio cleaning: $0.20–$0.40 per sq ft, making a 400 sq ft deck cost $80–$160.

Examples:

  • A 2,000 sq ft house at $0.25 per sq ft = $500 total.
  • A 1,500 sq ft roof at $0.40 per sq ft = $600 total.
  • A 10,000 sq ft commercial parking lot at $0.35 per sq ft = $3,500 total.

This approach makes it easy for both contractors and clients to adjust estimates based on exact measurements.

Pressure Washing Prices per Type of Work

Worker pressure washing a wooden fence in a residential yard, contrasting residential vs. commercial pricing.
Worker pressure washing a wooden fence in a residential yard, contrasting residential vs. commercial pricing.

Pressure washing costs vary significantly depending on the type of surface and the complexity of the job. Here’s a closer look at what homeowners and businesses can expect across common scenarios:

  • House washing:
    • Cleaning the exterior of a house generally ranges from $250 to $600
    • A single-story home with vinyl siding may fall at the lower end, while larger, multi-story homes with brick or stucco siding can reach the higher end. 
    • Soft wash methods are often used to protect delicate siding materials.
  • Driveway cleaning:
    • Driveway pressure washing cost is usually $100–$250, or around $0.25–$0.40 per sq ft
    • A smaller 400 sq ft driveway may only cost $100, while a large 1,000 sq ft driveway could exceed $250 depending on stains like oil or tire marks.
  • Roof cleaning:
    • Roofs typically cost $350–$750 to clean. 
    • Asphalt shingles or tile roofing materials may require soft washing to prevent damage, while steep roofs with difficult access may push prices higher.
  • Patio cleaning:
    • Patios range from $150–$300, influenced by square footage and how much dirt and grime has built up. 
    • A lightly soiled concrete patio will be cheaper than one requiring chemical cleaning solutions.
  • Sidewalk cleaning:
    • Sidewalk pressure washing runs $100–$200, with final pricing based on length (linear feet), condition, and accessibility. 
    • Long sidewalks or those with deep-set stains may cost more.

Pro Tip: These ranges provide a useful starting point for estimating, but contractors should always measure square feet, assess material type, and consider accessibility before providing a final quote.

Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing prices

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a clear difference. 

  • Power washing uses pressurized water that is also heated, which makes it more effective for tackling oil stains, grease, or heavy dirt on concrete and industrial surfaces. 
  • Because of the specialized equipment and higher energy use, power washing typically costs more. 
  • Homeowners and businesses can expect to pay an additional 10–15% compared to standard pressure washing prices. 

For example, if a driveway pressure washing cost is $200, the same job with power washing may run closer to $225.

Pressure washing vs. soft washing prices

Soft washing is a gentler method that uses lower water pressure combined with special cleaning solutions to safely clean delicate surfaces like roofs, siding, and some decks. 

  • This method protects roofing materials and painted finishes that could be damaged by high pressure. 
  • Prices are usually slightly higher than traditional pressure washing, averaging $0.30–$0.60 per sq ft, because of the added cleaning solutions and time involved.

For instance, soft washing a 1,500 sq ft roof may cost $450–$900, depending on roofing materials and accessibility.

Comparison Table: Pressure Washing Methods

MethodTypical Use CasesPrice Difference vs. Standard Pressure Washing
Pressure WashingDriveways, decks, patios, sidingBaseline
Power WashingOil stains, grease, heavy grime on concrete/industrial+10–15% (e.g., $200 job = $225)
Soft WashingRoof cleaning, delicate siding, painted finishes+5–20% depending on cleaning solutions used

Cost to DIY vs. hire a pro for pressure washing

Doing it yourself may look cheaper up front, but there are hidden costs to consider.

  • DIY costs:
    • Renting a pressure washer costs $50–$100 per day. Buying one ranges from $300–$800, plus $20–$40 for cleaning solution. 
    • For a 2,000 sq ft house, expect to pay about $100–$150 in supplies, plus your time and labor. 
    • Keep in mind that DIY can be more time-consuming, and using the wrong pressure may damage siding or roofing materials.
  • Hiring a pro:
    • Professional washing companies typically charge $250–$600 for the same 2,000 sq ft house. 
    • While the upfront cost is higher, you benefit from expert knowledge, commercial-grade power washers, and liability insurance if something goes wrong. 
    • Contractors can also handle larger or harder-to-reach projects more safely.

Quick Glance Comparison: DIY vs. Professional

OptionUpfront CostOngoing CostTime RequiredRisk LevelQuality of Results
DIY$300–$800 (equipment) or $50–$100/day rental$20–$40 supplies3–6 hrs for 2,000 sq ft houseHigher (possible damage, physical effort)Varies, depends on skill
Professional$250–$600 per 2,000 sq ft houseNone beyond fee2–4 hrs (crew managed)Low (insured, expert handling)Consistently high

Use our Service Price Calculator to compare DIY vs. pro costs and decide which option is more cost-effective for you.

Why Hiring a Pressure Washing Service is Worth the Cost

Professional services go beyond simply spraying pressurized water. They bring experience, commercial equipment, and insurance that reduce risks for homeowners. 

Reasons to consider hiring a pro include:

  • Correct use of pressure levels to avoid damage to siding, decks, or roofing materials.
  • Access to commercial-grade power washers and specialized cleaning solutions for tough stains.
  • Significant time savings, especially for large surfaces or multi-story homes.
  • Many companies offer bundled cleaning services, like window cleaning or driveway cleaning, which can lower the overall price per square foot.

How to Save Money on Pressure Washing

Contractor shaking hands with a customer after quoting a pressure washing job, symbolizing trust and agreement.
Contractor shaking hands with a customer after quoting a pressure washing job, symbolizing trust and agreement.

Pressure washing can be more affordable with a few strategies:

  • Bundle multiple washing jobs (house + driveway + deck) into a single visit for discounts.
  • Ask about seasonal promotions or off-peak pricing, when demand is lower.
  • Maintain surfaces regularly to reduce the build-up of dirt and grime, lowering the long-term cost of pressure washing.
  • Compare price lists from multiple pressure washing services in your area to ensure you get the best deal.
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Get free pressure washing cost estimates near you

Many platforms, like TaskRabbit and FreshBooks, let you request free quotes from local contractors. This helps you compare the cost of pressure washing and choose the best fit.

Take The Pressure Away From Pricing

Understanding pressure washing prices in 2025 helps homeowners and contractors plan effectively. From driveway cleaning to commercial jobs, costs vary by square footage, materials, and level of dirt.

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

For contractors, see our guide on starting a pressure washing business to maximize profitability.

FAQs about Pressure Washing Prices

Contractors typically charge $0.20–$0.50 per sq ft, or $250–$450 per average house.

Multiply square feet by the price per square foot. Example: 2,000 sq ft × $0.25 = $500.

Use a template or price list factoring in sq ft, materials, stains, and labor. Software like Invoice Fly’s Estimator App can help create professional estimates.

On average, 3–5 hours depending on dirt and grime, accessibility, and whether soft wash is required.

Yes, most states in the United States require a business license. Check with local authorities before starting.