Worked example: an 800 sq ft driveway, average grime
At $0.22/sq ft, the job prices at $176 — comfortably above the $125 minimum. Oil-spot treatment adds $25–$40 on most rigs. A two-car driveway plus front walk typically lands at $175–$250 and takes a pro 1.5–2 hours with a surface cleaner. The same area in heavy mildew (×1.35) prices near $238.
- • Bundling wins: driveway + house wash + patio in one visit saves each job's minimum — the classic $399–$499 package.
- • Post-treatment (sodium hypochlorite dwell) keeps concrete clean 2–3× longer than pressure alone.
- • Water access and drainage matter: jobs without a spigot within 150 ft or with runoff restrictions take longer.
For operators: the $85/hour rule
Successful wash businesses price from a target of $85–$150 per hour on-site, then express it as per-sq-ft for marketing. The job minimum exists because a 30-minute job still carries 45 minutes of driving and setup. Recurring annual house washes (route building) and HOA/commercial contracts are where the margin lives — one-off driveways are the marketing, not the business.
Related guides
Long-form playbooks on the same topic, written by the RevenueLab editorial team.
FAQ
How much does pressure washing cost in 2026?
Driveways run $0.15–$0.30 per sq ft ($125–$250 typical), whole-house soft washing $0.20–$0.40 per sq ft ($300–$600 for most homes), and roof soft washing $0.30–$0.60 per sq ft.
Is pressure washing safe for roofs and siding?
High pressure is not — it strips shingle granules and drives water behind siding. Soft washing (low pressure + detergent) is the correct, warranty-safe method for both.
How much should I charge for pressure washing?
Work backward from $85–$150 per hour on-site, enforce a $100–$150 job minimum, and convert it to per-sq-ft pricing for quotes. Bundled packages ($399–$499) are the highest-converting offer.
How long does pressure washing take?
A driveway: 1–2 hours. A whole-house wash: 2–4 hours. A roof soft wash: 2–3 hours including setup and dwell time.
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