Pressure washing driveways, decks, and siding is one of the cheapest service businesses to start on weekends. Here's what the equipment costs, how to price jobs, and what real earnings look like.
There's something oddly satisfying about watching years of grime peel off a driveway in clean, bright stripes. It turns out homeowners find it satisfying too — satisfying enough to pay a few hundred dollars for a couple of hours of work. That's why pressure washing has become one of the more popular weekend side hustles: the startup costs are modest, the skills are learnable, and the results are so visible that happy customers often do your marketing for you.
This guide covers what it takes to get started in 2026, how to price jobs so you actually make money, and what a realistic first year looks like.
Most residential pressure washing work falls into a few categories:
Driveways and sidewalks — the bread-and-butter job, often $100 to $250 depending on size.
Decks and patios — typically $150 to $400, and these need a gentler touch.
House washing (siding) — often $250 to $500 or more for an average home. This usually uses a lower-pressure method called "soft washing" with cleaning solutions, because high pressure can damage siding.
Fences, gutters, and outdoor furniture — great add-ons to boost the ticket on a job you're already doing.
Prices vary a lot by region, so check what local competitors charge before setting your rates.
Here's a rough breakdown of what it takes to get started:
Pressure washer: A decent gas-powered residential or light-commercial unit commonly runs $400 to $1,500. Electric models are cheaper but usually too weak for regular paid work.
Surface cleaner attachment: $100 to $300. This spinning disc attachment makes driveways faster and more even.
Hoses, nozzles, and chemicals: $100 to $250 to start.
Safety gear: Eye protection, gloves, and non-slip boots — about $50 to $100.
Liability insurance: Often a few hundred dollars a year for a basic general liability policy. This protects you if you damage a customer's property. Browse insurance options before your first paid job.
Basic marketing: Flyers, yard signs, and a simple online listing — $50 to $200.
All in, many people launch for roughly $1,000 to $2,500. If you'd rather keep business spending separate from personal, a dedicated card can help; see Business Credit Cards for Side Hustlers and our list of small business cards.
There are two common approaches:
By square foot. Many operators charge somewhere in the range of $0.10 to $0.40 per square foot for flat surfaces, depending on how dirty they are and local rates. A 600-square-foot driveway at $0.25 is $150.
By job. Once you've done a few, you'll get a feel for how long typical jobs take. Many people set minimum job prices (like $125) so small jobs are still worth the drive.
Whatever method you use, make sure your price covers fuel, chemicals, equipment wear, travel time, and taxes — not just your hours on-site. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least $50 to $75 per hour of actual work time once you're experienced.
The best marketing in this business is visible results. A few tactics that work well:
Before-and-after photos. Post them on neighborhood apps and local social groups. They sell themselves.
Door hangers after a job. When you finish one driveway, neighbors notice. Leave flyers on nearby doors offering a "neighbor discount."
Seasonal pushes. Spring cleaning, pre-holiday house prep, and before home sales are busy times. Real estate agents can be a great referral source.
Recurring customers. Offer annual or twice-yearly service at a small discount to build predictable income.
Kevin works a 9-to-5 in IT and wants extra income on Saturdays. He spends $1,600 on a used gas pressure washer, a surface cleaner, hoses, chemicals, and safety gear, plus $450 for a year of liability insurance. In his first spring, he books mostly driveways at $150 to $200 each, averaging three jobs per Saturday. Over 20 Saturdays from April through September, he completes about 60 jobs at an average of $175, bringing in $10,500. After fuel, chemicals, marketing, and insurance (about $2,100 in ongoing costs), plus his startup equipment, he nets roughly $6,800 in year one — before taxes.
Alicia already does house cleaning and adds pressure washing as an upsell. She invests in a soft-washing setup for siding and focuses on house washes at $350 to $450. She does fewer jobs — about 25 over the season — but her average ticket is $400, so she brings in $10,000. Because many of her customers are existing cleaning clients, she spends almost nothing on marketing.
Both need to set aside money for taxes, since side hustle income is taxable. Quarterly Estimated Taxes for Freelancers and Gig Workers explains how to avoid a surprise bill in April.
Using too much pressure. High pressure can etch concrete, splinter wood, strip paint, and force water behind siding. Learn when to use soft washing and wider nozzles.
Skipping insurance. One damaged window, car, or patch of siding can cost more than a season's profit.
Underpricing to win jobs. Low prices attract price shoppers and burn you out. Charge fairly and let your results do the selling.
Ignoring water runoff rules. Some towns have rules about letting cleaning chemicals run into storm drains. Check local rules and use biodegradable products where possible.
Forgetting about wear and tear. Pumps, hoses, and engines wear out. Set aside a small amount from each job for maintenance and eventual replacement.
Research local prices by checking a few competitors' websites and reviews.
Start with used or mid-range equipment instead of top-of-the-line gear.
Practice on your own property or a friend's before charging anyone.
Get liability insurance and check whether your town requires a business license.
Take before-and-after photos of every job to build your portfolio.
Track every expense so you can deduct them at tax time.
Consider related add-ons — if you enjoy this kind of work, Mobile Car Detailing as a Side Hustle in 2026 is a natural companion business using some of the same equipment.
Pressure washing is a practical, physical side hustle with low barriers to entry and strong word-of-mouth potential. Most people can get started for a couple thousand dollars and earn several thousand in a single season working weekends. The keys are learning proper technique, getting insured, pricing for profit, and letting your before-and-after photos win you the next job.
This article is for general educational purposes only and isn't financial, tax, or legal advice. Earnings, costs, and local regulations vary by location; check your local licensing and environmental rules and consult a tax professional about your situation.
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