How much to charge to pressure wash a driveway
Updated Oct 16, 2026 · A pricing method, not a going rate · How we choose
The short version
Price from your own costs, not a number off the internet. Rates vary a lot by area, surface and stains, and we don’t publish a “going rate” we can’t back up. The formula:
Price = (hours on site + drive time) × your hourly cost + chemicals + a margin, and never below your job minimum.
Our free pressure washing estimator does this math for a driveway, house, deck, roof or fence.
Step by step
- Measure the driveway. Length × width in feet. A 20 × 40 ft driveway is 800 sq ft.
- Use your real speed. Time yourself on a few jobs: how many square feet you clean per hour with your surface cleaner, including pre-treat and rinse. Don’t borrow someone else’s number.
- Add setup and drive time. Unloading, hoses and cleanup count as paid time.
- Know your hourly cost. Your pay, fuel, equipment wear, insurance and phone. Our hourly rate calculator helps.
- Add chemicals and a margin. Oil stains and rust need extra product and time; price them as add-ons.
- Set a minimum. A small driveway still costs you the drive and setup.
Worked example (made-up inputs)
These numbers are for illustration only. Use your own.
| Driveway | 800 sq ft |
| Your speed (example) | 800 sq ft/hr → 1 hour, plus 0.5 hr setup and drive |
| Your hourly cost (example) | $60/hr × 1.5 hr = $90 |
| Chemicals (example) | $10 |
| Margin (example 25% of price) | $100 ÷ 0.75 ≈ $133 |
Quote faster
If you quote driveways from satellite images instead of driving out, QuoteIQ lists a measuring tool (MapMeasure Pro) from its Beginner plan at $99.99/mo, as checked Oct 10, 2026.
Try QuoteIQ free →Open the free estimatoraffiliate link