Is a Window Cleaning Business Profitable? What You Need to Know

How much can you expect to earn from a window cleaning business?

How profitable is a window cleaning business? The earnings from your business can vary widely depending on the scale of operations, target market, and efficiency.

On average, window cleaning business owners in an urban area can expect to earn anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000 annually.

When determining how profitable your cleaning business can be, it’s also important to factor in how much window cleaners typically charge and their salaries:

• Window cleaners often charge an hourly rate ranging between $40 and $75.
• If you prefer to charge per window cleaning job, a 1,500-square-foot house usually costs about $260, but it can range from $150 to $370.
• The average window cleaning salary is $29,697 per year.

How much you earn will also depend on the types of customers you serve, like residential or commercial clients, the services you offer, and the seasonal demand in your area.

How much does it cost to start a window cleaning business

You don’t need much to start a window cleaning business—you can start with less than $1,000. 

The low start-up cost is largely due to the relatively inexpensive cost of basic window cleaning equipment such as squeegees, ladders, and professional window cleaner solutions. 

Here are a few examples of basic window cleaning gear and their prices:

• Bucket belt: $35
• Applicator: $20
• Squeegee: $30
• Collapsible pole for squeegee: $40
• Cloth bag: $45
• Portable bucket: $10
• Harness and rope: $250

Jackson Blackburn, owner of Mt. Baker Window Cleaning Co. lists other window cleaning business start-up expenses to consider:

• Business license
• Small business insurance
• Vehicle
• Window cleaning software 

You can also start with a low-cost marketing strategy. Once you have a window cleaning business name, print business cards and create a Facebook business page to promote your services.

Profitability factors for a window washing business

With low startup costs, flexible working hours, and scalability, window cleaning can be a successful opportunity if approached strategically.

But to determine whether a window cleaning business is profitable, you need to understand key profitability factors, such as:

• Operating costs: It’s important to have a sense of your future costs as well. For example, if you plan to expand to high-rise window cleaning or want to offer pressure washing service, your window cleaning supplies costs will increase.
• Efficiency: Efficient operations, such as optimizing service routes and scheduling, can significantly reduce overhead expenses like fuel and labor. Use route planner apps like Jobber to plan the most efficient quotes and fit more jobs in your day.
• Pricing strategies: Window washing businesses can charge per window, by the hour, or offer window cleaning contracts for recurring services, allowing for better revenue predictability.

READ MORE: How to price a window cleaning business

Based on these factors, it’s possible for a window cleaning business to achieve a profit margin of 20%-25%. As your business becomes more efficient, you can expect higher profits.

3 key strategies for window cleaning business success

Now that you know whether a window cleaning business is profitable, check out these strategies to enhance your business’s profitability.