What it costs to start
| Setup level | Typical total |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | $500 – $2,500 |
| Professional | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Commercial | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure washer | $400 – $1,000 | $1,500 – $4,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Surface cleaner | $100 – $300 | $400 – $800 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Soft wash system | $15 – $30 | $500 – $1,500 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Water tank | $0 | $300 – $900 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Trailer / skid | $0 | $1,000 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Insurance + LLC | $550 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
Start small, upgrade from profit
Many owners start with a budget setup on driveways and house washes, then buy a trailer rig once work is steady. Your first upgrade should be the one that saves the most time per job.
What pressure washing jobs pay
Your equipment pays for itself job by job, so it helps to know what common jobs sell for. One 2026 industry guide puts typical prices at:
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Driveway or patio | $100 – $300 |
| House wash (soft wash) | $250 – $700 |
| Deck or fence | $200 – $500 |
| Roof soft wash | $400 – $1,000+ |
| Commercial flatwork | $0.10 – $0.30 per sq ft |
Example: a $2,000 starter setup is paid off by about 10 driveway jobs at $200 each, before fuel, chemicals and insurance. Price your own jobs with the pressure washing calculator, then check what each job pays per hour with the hourly rate calculator.
What to buy first
- A reliable pressure washer and surface cleaner. Driveways and patios are the easiest jobs to sell and to do well.
- A soft wash setup for house washes. Even a basic one lets you offer house washing, which is usually the bigger ticket.
- Insurance. Many homeowners and almost all commercial customers will ask whether you carry general liability insurance. Check your state and city for license requirements too.
- A water tank and trailer later, once you have steady work and keep running into weak water supply at customers' homes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a pressure washing business?
About $500 to $2,500 for an entry-level setup, $5,000 to $15,000 for a professional rig, and $20,000 or more for commercial equipment.
Does this include a truck?
No. Vehicle costs vary too much, so add your truck or van payment separately.
What equipment do I need to start a pressure washing business?
At minimum, a pressure washer, a surface cleaner for flat surfaces, hoses, a basic soft wash setup and cleaning chemicals. A water tank and trailer can wait until you have steady work.
How many jobs does it take to pay off pressure washing equipment?
It depends on your setup and prices. As a rough example, a $2,000 starter kit is covered by about 10 driveway jobs at $200 each, before fuel, chemicals and insurance. Bigger trailer rigs take longer.
Do I need insurance to start pressure washing?
It's strongly recommended. Many homeowners and almost all commercial customers expect general liability insurance, and it protects you if something is damaged. License rules vary by state and city, so check yours.