Key takeaways:
If you’re interested in becoming a window cleaner in the U.S., understanding the earning potential is key to planning your career path or business strategy.
- Average income varies widely. Window cleaners working for companies usually earn between $29,410 and $60,840 per year, with the national average around $37,665–$39,900 annually, depending on experience and region.
- Location matters for pay rates. States like California, New York, and Oregon offer higher wages, with average annual salaries in top markets reaching $60,970 or more, especially for those servicing commercial or high-rise buildings.
- Specialized skills increase earnings. High-rise window cleaners can earn between $60,000 and $100,000 per year due to advanced training and greater risks, with top earners working as contractors or union members.
- Business ownership offers higher potential. Window cleaning business owners can set their own rates (often $40–$75 per hour or $100+ for specialty jobs), tap into steady work with recurring contracts, and grow income as they expand services and operations.
- Multiple factors affect your salary. Experience, business model, location, customer service, and seasonality all play significant roles in determining overall income—success often depends on building relationships and running efficient operations.
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Window cleaning is a high-demand service with real earning potential. If you’re just starting out or planning to launch your own window cleaning business, understanding what you can expect to earn is an important first step toward building a successful career.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average window cleaner salary in the United States, explore how much skyscraper window washers earn, and show what’s possible when you go into business for yourself.
You’ll also get expert tips to increase your business income and learn how many window cleaners are building profitable, long-term careers.
A breakdown of window cleaner income
Wondering how much window cleaners typically earn? Below, we’ll break down average wages by year, week, and hour to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Keep in mind that these figures represent the amount of money that window cleaning employees earn when working for a company.
If you start or run your own business, your income potential can be higher. As a business owner, you set your rates, manage expenses, and grow your own client base—all factors that directly impact how much you take home.
This means that with smart planning and efficient systems, your income potential isn’t limited to a fixed wage—it can grow along with your business.
Annual income for window cleaners
In the United States, the average annual salary for a window cleaner is roughly $37,665 USD, according to the most recent data from ZipRecruiter. The Bureau of Labor Statistics groups window cleaning with other building cleaning services. When included in this category, the median annual salary of window cleaners can go up to $39,900 USD per year.
If you’re just starting out with basic residential window cleaning, you’ll likely earn a more modest income as you build your skills and client base. As you gain experience and take on more complex jobs, your earning potential grows. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- The bottom 10% of building cleaners (including window cleaners) earn $29,410 every year
- The top 10% of cleaners earn $60,840 and more annually
Pro Tip: Annual income often includes seasonal highs and lows. In this industry, spring and summer tend to be busier months, especially for residential work.
Monthly income for window cleaners
On a monthly basis, most window cleaners earn between $1,187 and $4,417 USD.
Keep in mind that monthly income isn’t always consistent, and it can ebb and flow based on where you live. In areas with cold winters, window cleaning demand dips during the off-season. In warmer climates, your monthly totals may remain steady.
If you’re able to offer additional services such as screen repairs, weatherproofing (for summer or winter), or or inside glass cleaning services, you can help balance out the slow months and keep revenue flowing.
Weekly income for window cleaners
According to Indeed, the typical weekly earnings for window cleaners range from a low end of $656 per week to a high end of $1,411.
Your expected weekly income can change based on whether you run at a full schedule of 40 hours per week, or if you choose to operate your window cleaning as more of an off-hours side hustle.
Hourly income for window cleaners
In the U.S., window cleaners earn an average of $18 per hour. Your hourly rate as a window cleaner depends on the type of work you do and the level of skill required to fulfill the job. Residential jobs typically fall on the lower end, while commercial projects and specialized services like high-rise cleaning offer higher rates.
Window cleaner salaries by state
Location plays a huge role in how much you can earn as a window cleaner. Cities with many commercial buildings and high-rise properties tend to offer higher rates when compared to suburban or rural areas.
For example, here’s a snapshot of average salaries across the United States:
| State | Avg. Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | $23.83 | $60,970 |
| New York | $21.76 | $55,676 |
| Florida | $19.79 | $50,626 |
| Texas | $19.15 | $48,986 |
| Illinois | $21.17 | $54,155 |
| North Carolina | $18.60 | $47,581 |
| Oregon | $21.61 | $55,279 |
Source: Indeed.com 2025 window cleaner salary data
If you’re in a high-demand region like New York City or San Francisco, you can charge premium rates, especially for recurring commercial jobs.
Coastal areas and beachfront communities often present another great opportunity for window cleaners. Homes and businesses near the water typically need more frequent exterior upkeep due to salt, sand, and high humidity.
This creates a steady demand for regular window cleaning and other services, allowing you to build a consistent schedule of repeat clients willing to pay for ongoing maintenance at their homes or rental properties.
How much do high-rise window cleaners make?
The average salary for high-rise window cleaners is $60,000-100,000 per year.
High-rise window cleaners take the job to new heights (literally). Working hundreds of feet in the air demands advanced training, stricter safety protocols, and specialized certifications to protect both the crew and the public.
Because of the skill and risk involved, these pros can command higher rates than residential or standard commercial window cleaners. Most high-rise cleaners build experience with basic jobs, and they gradually take on more complex projects and certifications as they grow their careers.
Many of the highest earning window cleaners are specialized contractors or union members. These positions might come with hazard pay, full benefits, and steady work through commercial contracts—adding extra stability and income on top of standard rates.
What factors impact a window cleaner’s salary?
Several variables influence how much you can earn as a window cleaner, from where you work to how you run your business.
- Location: Coastal cities and metro areas often pay more for window cleaning thanks to higher demand, cost of living, and environmental factors. It could be easier to start and scale a new business in a high-demand area.
- Experience: The more experienced you are, the more you can charge. Plus, as you hone your craft, you’re more likely to land lucrative commercial contracts and grow your bottom line.
- Business model: Solo operators can build a solid foundation by working directly with clients, while businesses with a team and efficient systems can take on more jobs and grow revenue faster. There are pros and cons to each option.
- Customer service: Making sure that your customers are happy results in more referrals, better reviews, and repeat business. These positive factors increase earning potential over time.
By understanding the factors that go into your overall growth and profit, you can steadily increase your income and build a sustainable window cleaning career.
Income potential for window cleaning business owners
As a window cleaning business owner, your income comes down to a few important factors: how you price your services, how often clients book you, and how smoothly you run your business.
Many pros aim to earn $40–$75 per hour for residential work, with commercial or high-rise jobs commanding higher rates above $100 per hour. Booking recurring jobs or ongoing commercial contracts creates a steady flow of income. With more predictable revenue, it becomes easier to cover your costs and keep more profit in your pocket.
As a business owner, your income potential is also affected by things like:
- Labor costs – How much you pay employees or workers for their services
- Materials – How much money you spend on cleaning supplies, tools, and safety gear
- Overhead – Other costs related to travel, insurance, and maintenance
- Seasonality – The level of demand for window cleaning services throughout the year
By building strong relationships with clients, keeping your operations streamlined, and focusing on regular, higher-value work, you can grow your business into a reliable, profitable source of income over time.
WATCH: How to Start a $1.1M/Year Window Cleaning Business (From Scratch)
Start your window cleaning career
Window cleaning offers exciting opportunities to grow your skills, income, and business expertise. Whether you’re starting with a few local clients or managing a team serving big commercial accounts, this industry has strong demand and plenty of room to expand.
With the right strategy and services, you can grow from cleaner to successful business owner and create a reliable, profitable career for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
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In New York City, high-rise window cleaners typically earn $40,000 to $50,000 per year, which works out to roughly $20–$22 per hour. In a metropolitan area like New York City, earning potential may increase in neighborhoods like Manhattan, where building density is higher.
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Window cleaners earn the highest wages in states like Washington, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, where salaries are well above the national average due to higher costs of living and demand. Cities like Seattle, Denver, and Minneapolis also offer premium rates, especially for commercial and high-rise work.
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Entry-level window cleaners may earn as little as $14 per hour, which represents the lower end of the pay scale in the U.S. Lower paid window cleaners may work fewer hours or perform less specialized cleaning work.
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Specialized high-rise window cleaners are often those who work for large contractors or unions. According to Glassdoor, these cleaners can earn $110,000 annually or more. The highest earners often earn base pay plus additional hazard or overtime pay.