How Much Do Auto Detailers Make? Salaries and Income Factors

Auto detailers in the United States typically earn between $21,500 and $41,500 per year, but that number can climb as high as $140K annually.

How much you make as an auto detailer depends on where you’re based, the kind of detailing work you do—like quick washes versus full paint correction—and how much experience you bring to the job.

This guide breaks down auto detailer salaries, which areas pay the most, and what kind of income business owners can expect to pull in.

A young entrepreneur, Tanner Coltrane, built a successful car detailing business from scratch with just $300. And his best month ever was $20,000. Watch this video to learn the secrets behind his rapid growth.

Annual income

Auto detailers typically make $21,500 and $41,500 a year in the United States.

Annual detailer salaries can vary dramatically. A mobile detailer working solo out of their van in a small town in Georgia probably won’t earn the same as someone managing high-end paint corrections in Seattle.

If you’re new to the trade, doing just washing, vacuuming, and basic interior cleanups, you’ll likely land somewhere below the national average of $33,639.

But as you sharpen your technique and speed—and start getting into ceramic coatings, machine polishing, or fleet contracts—the number gets bigger.

Once people see you can bring a car or truck back to showroom shine, the word spreads. And your income grows.

Here’s a look at the annual income range, from the lower end to the highest earners:

Monthly income

Full-time auto detailers earn $1,792 to $3,458 per month on average. Not bad for spending your days turning dirty cars into something people admire.

That number won’t remain steady all year round, though. Income can fluctuate depending on where you live and what the weather’s like. 

In northern states, winter will slow things down, unless you’ve built a solid base of loyal clients or happen to work indoors. But in warmer states like Florida or Texas, you could be busy year-round.

The detailers who are smart will keep the cash flowing by getting creative. You might fill up the slower months with headlight restorations or ceramic coatings. Some even offer winter prep packages or mobile detailing for dealerships that don’t close for winter.

Here’s a look at the monthly income range, from the lower end to the highest earners:

Weekly income

On average, auto detailers in the United States earn $646 per week. That can change depending on your hourly rate and how many cars you work on.

Let’s say you’re making $14.42 an hour, which puts you in the 25th percentile. You’re essentially paid more than 25% of others in the industry. A 40-hour workweek puts you at $576 per week before taxes.

Not every week looks the same, though, so how much you make will vary. When the sun’s shining and customers are lining up for full details, you might do 50-60 hours. With overtime pay kicking in after 40 hours, those busy weeks can bump your check up to $792+.

Here’s a look at the weekly income range, from the lower end to the highest earners:

Hourly income

If you’re considering a part-time gig in this industry, the average rate is $16/hour.

Here’s a look at the hourly pay range, from the lower end to the highest earners:

U.S. cities that pay the most

These are the highest-paying cities for car detailers:

Source: ZipRecruiter

Why do detailers tend to earn more in these places?

In California’s Bay Area, for instance, cities like Redwood City and Mountain View sit in the heart of tech country, where car enthusiasts are willing to pay for quality detailing. And in Aspen, CO—a town famous for luxury SUVs and ski-season imports—detailers can justify charging premium rates.

Even up in Alaska, the pay holds strong around $40,000 in some cities because there aren’t many detailers. Harsh weather means cars need constant care. Since there’s less competition for detailing, a steady demand equals better pay.

Keep in mind, though, that higher wages often come with higher living costs. In some parts of the country, the rent alone could eat half your paycheck.

1. Experience

Like most hands-on trades, auto detailing rewards any experience you have. Once you’ve spent a few years polishing, correcting paint, and handling different types of finish, you can take on higher-paying jobs.

Knowing how to handle everything from a basic wash to a ceramic coating or multi-stage correction makes you stand out.

Certifications, like those from the International Detailing Association (IDA), can also give you a leg up. They tell clients and employers that you’re a professional who knows how to protect and restore a car the right way. Maybe you’re certified in paint protection film or have experience with high-end polishers. 

READ MORE: How to get a car detailing license in the U.S.

2. Location

Where you’re based plays a role in how much money you bring home. Some places just pay better, plain and simple.

In top-paying states like Washington and New York, detailers average $18/hour. These areas have dense populations and customers who expect top-tier service. You’re more likely to find luxury cars, busy dealerships, and mobile clients who’ll pay a premium for convenience and quality.

Even in Alaska and Colorado, where winters are tough, there’s consistent work cleaning off road salt and grime buildup.

On the flip side, detailers in states like Florida and West Virginia see smaller paychecks, averaging $12-$13/hour. Many people handle their own car washes. In smaller or rural towns, detailing is often seen as an occasional treat rather than a routine expense (like getting gas).

Still, lower-paying areas have their perks, like less competition and lower costs for equipment.

3. Your employer

Who you work for (or whether you go solo) can make a difference in your paycheck. A detailer at a car dealership might earn steady money with predictable hours, but the pay could stay at the lower end since the shop controls the pricing and workload.

Working for a dedicated detailing business—especially one with a strong reputation—can bump up your rate. These shops usually handle higher-end jobs like paint corrections or interior restorations, which means bigger tickets and better tips.

Then there are mobile detailers who run their own rigs. It takes more effort, since you’re handling the scheduling, supplies, and advertising. But the freedom and earning potential is hard to beat. As a solopreneur, you can set your own rates, build personal client lists, and specialize in premium services that competitors might not be offering.

If you have the drive, literally and figuratively, going solo can turn a side hustle into a six-figure business over time.

4. Tips (gratuities)

Tips can quietly turn a decent paycheck into a great one. If you’re in a role that interacts with the customer, you’re in a position to earn extra cash. People will often reward great service, and when they see their car look brand-new again, they may throw in a little extra.

You’re earning more while building trust and repeat business. A client who tips well once is likely to call you again the next time their ride needs that fresh-from-the-lot look.

5. Services

If you’re running a detailing business, it’s a good idea to diversify the methods of income so you’re not relying only on standard washes and waxes. Adding complementary services keeps the money coming in year-round and helps you stand out from competitors.

Here are a few ways detailers expand their earnings:

• Offer add-ons like headlight restoration, engine bay cleaning, or pet hair removal
• Sell detailing products like soaps, towels, and interior sprays to loyal customers
• Provide fleet or dealership contracts for recurring work
• Create maintenance plans or memberships that bring in monthly income
• Partner with local auto shops or body repair businesses for referrals

Growing the business

Real growth in detailing comes from tightening up how you run your business and creating steady demand all year. Here’s how to start scaling something bigger:

• Get your pricing right: Every profitable detail starts with knowing your numbers. Track your products, labor time, and overhead so your pricing makes sense. Don’t race to the bottom with discounts just to win jobs.
• Invest in your team: If you’ve got employees, train them like pros. Teach proper washing techniques, paying attention to trim details, and communicating with clients. When your crew does great work, you’ll feel confident charging premium rates and focusing more on growth.
• Create a referral program: Word of mouth still wins in this business. Offer clients a perk for referring a friend, like a discounted wax or a free add-on. People love showing off their clean cars, so give them a reason to recommend you.
• Be the detailer people remember: Showing up on time, being honest, and delivering great results gets you repeat clients and better-paying gigs. Add small touches beyond what’s expected, like leaving an air freshener or a thank-you card.
• Use auto detailing business software to manage and organize your client details and job history from anywhere. Keep in touch with your customers with on-my-way texts and follow-up messages. And with one click, you can turn your quotes into professional invoices as soon as a job is done.

Start turning people’s cars into income

How much you can make as an auto detailer depends on a few things—where you’re based, how hard you’re willing to grind, and how far you want to take it. Whether you’re just getting your start with a buffer and a shop vac or aiming to run your own detailing crew, there’s solid earning potential.

Across the country, detailers typically earn between $21,500 and $41,500 a year, with plenty of room to grow. Work in the right market or build a name for yourself, and your income can climb.

And if you’ve got the ambition to go solo, the ceiling gets even higher. Running your own business opens the door to six-figure potential, especially once you’ve built a loyal customer base and offer premium services.