How to Charge for Window Cleaning: 2025 Pricing Guide
June 27, 2025 - 20 min read
June 27, 2025 - 20 min read
Table of Contents
| TL;DR Setting the right price for window cleaning services determines your business success. This comprehensive window cleaning pricing guide reveals how to charge for window cleaning services using proven pricing models—from per window to hourly rates—while covering residential and commercial jobs. Use our pricing formulas and cost calculators to quote with confidence and maximize profits in 2025. |
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
What You’ll Learn About Window Cleaning Pricing in 2025
Running a successful window cleaning business takes more than a squeegee and a bucket. One of the biggest challenges professional window washers face is pricing their services accurately. Undercharge, and you lose profit. Overcharge, and you risk losing clients. You’re not alone—many window washers struggle to strike the right balance.
According to IBISWorld’s 2024 report, the U.S. window cleaning industry is growing steadily, with increased demand from both residential and commercial sectors.
In fact, the window cleaning revenues in the U.S. are expected to reach $2.9 billion in 2024 and $3.2 billion by 2029 as more homeowners and businesses prioritize curb appeal and cleanliness. This growth presents a major opportunity—if you can price price window cleaning jobs right.
Whether you’re just starting your learning on how to start a cleaning business or quoting for a suburban home or a high-rise office building, understanding the right pricing model is essential. In the detailed service pricing guide like one drafted below for you, we’ll break down proven methods used by professionals, along with real-world examples to help you quote with confidence.
Want to skip the math of how much Is window cleaning in 2025?
You can use our window cleaning pricing calculator to generate accurate estimates in seconds. Let’s help you stay profitable—and competitive—every step of the way.
Understanding current market rates helps position your window cleaning business competitively while ensuring profitability. Here’s what most window cleaners charge across different service types:
The average price for residential window cleaning jobs ranges from $150 to $366 for a complete house, depending on home size and window count (HomeGuide, 2024). Most residential window cleaners charge using these common pricing structures:
| Pricing Method | Rate Range | Best Used For |
| Per window | $10-$15 | Standard homes with similar window sizes |
| Per pane | $4-$8 | Homes with varied window types |
| Hourly rate | $40-$75 | Complex jobs or first-time estimates |
| Square foot | $0.17-$0.22 | Large properties with consistent window sizing |
Commercial window cleaning jobs varies significantly based on building size, accessibility, and frequency. Professional window cleaners typically charge:
| Commercial Building Type | Per Square Foot | Per Window | Hourly Rate |
| Ground-level storefronts | $0.10-$0.25 | $5-$7 | $35-$60 |
| Multi-story buildings | $0.50-$1.50 | $7-$12 | $60-$100 |
| High-rise buildings | $1.50-$2.50 | $12-$20 | $100-$170 |
These rates reflect national averages, but window washing pricing varies by location. Urban markets typically command 20-30% higher rates than rural areas (Angi, 2024).
Choosing the right pricing model impacts both your profitability and client satisfaction. Successful field service optimization for cleaning professionals requires understanding these four main approaches:
How it works: Charge a flat rate for each window, regardless of size or panes.
PROS
CONS
Simple to quote
Easy for clients to understand
Consistent revenue
May undercharge for complex windows
Doesn’t account for varying difficulty
Best for: Standardized homes with similar window types
Example: $12 per window × 20 windows = $240 total
Use our free estimate generator to quickly generate per window quotes that include your labor costs and profit margins.
How it works: Price based on individual glass panes within each window.
Best for: Properties with varied window types (picture windows, french doors, etc.)
Formula: Number of panes × rate per pane
| Window Type | Typical Panes | Rate Per Pane | Total Cost |
| Double hung window | 2 | $4-$6 | $8-$12 |
| Standard picture window | 1 | $8-$12 | $8-$12 |
| French doors | 8-12 | $3-$5 | $24-$60 |
| Sliding glass doors | 2 | $6-$10 | $12-$20 |
When to use: Complex jobs, first-time cleanings, or when scope is uncertain
Average rates: $40-$75 for residential, $85-$170 for high-rise commercial jobs
Advantages:
Considerations:
Best for: Large commercial jobs and consistent building types
Typical rates: $0.10-$0.25 for standard commercial, up to $2.50 for specialized high-rise work
Formula: Total cleanable window area × rate per square foot
The approach to pricing residential window cleaning differs significantly from commercial window cleaning service pricing. Here’s how to handle each market:
Most residential window cleaners find success with per window or per pane pricing because:
Typical residential pricing breakdown:
Add-on considerations:
Commercial jobs require different pricing strategies due to:
Monthly service contract example:
| Building Size | Weekly Service | Bi-weekly | Monthly |
| Under 1,000 sq ft | $150-$250 | $200-$400 | $300-$500 |
| 1,000-5,000 sq ft | $250-$450 | $300-$800 | $500-$1,100 |
| 5,000+ sq ft | $500+ | $700+ | $1,000+ |
Commercial window cleaning requires working capital since payments often come 30-90 days after service. Factor this into your pricing and consider offering early payment discounts.
Understanding what drives window cleaning pricing helps you quote accurately and justify your rates to clients. Here are the key factors that impact your final price:
Different window types require varying amounts of time and skill:
Simple Windows (Lower rates):
Complex Windows (Higher rates):
The more windows on a property, the more efficient your cleaning becomes per window. Many window cleaners offer tiered pricing:
Ground-level windows are fastest to clean, but accessibility challenges increase costs:
The current state of windows dramatically affects cleaning time:
Regular clients typically receive better rates because:
Frequency discount structure:
Location impacts both your costs and what the market will bear:
Setting profitable rates requires understanding your true costs and applying appropriate markup. Follow this systematic approach:
Labor typically represents 60-70% of your total costs. Include:
Example calculation:
Track the cost of supplies used per job:
Your overhead cost includes all business expenses not directly tied to individual jobs:
Overhead calculation method: Monthly overhead ÷ Billable hours per month = Overhead cost per hour
Example: $3,000 monthly overhead ÷ 120 billable hours = $25/hour overhead
Most successful window cleaning companies target 15-25% profit margins. Use this formula:
Window Cleaning Pricing Formula:
Real-world example:
Expanding beyond basic window cleaning increases your average job value and differentiates your window cleaning business from competitors:
Window Screen Cleaning
Window Sill and Track Cleaning
Hard Water Stain Removal
Post-Construction Window Cleaning
Create bundled offerings that encourage regular service:
“Shine All Year” Package:
Spring Preparation Package:
Long-term contracts provide steady revenue and easier business planning:
Contract pricing benefits:
FieldCamp Integration: Use our workflow automation to send automatic service reminders and schedule recurring maintenance visits.
How you present your window cleaning pricing affects both conversion rates and perceived professionalism. Follow these best practices:
Header Information:
Detailed Service Breakdown:
Clear Pricing Structure:
Exterior Window Cleaning (22 windows): $220
Interior Window Cleaning (22 windows): $110
Window Screen Cleaning (18 screens): $54
Window Sill Cleaning (22 windows): $44
─────────────────────────────────────
Subtotal: $428
Discount (10% for full-service package): -$43
TOTAL: $385
Quote validity period: “This quote is valid for 30 days”
Payment terms: “Payment due upon completion”
Service guarantee: “100% satisfaction guaranteed”
Weather policy: Clear rescheduling procedures
Professional language examples:
Modern window cleaning businesses benefit from professional estimation software:
FieldCamp’s Quote Builder offers:
Mobile-friendly benefits:
Strategic pricing supports business growth beyond just covering costs. Here’s how to price for expansion:
Premium Positioning (10-20% above market average):
Value Positioning (Market average rates):
Volume Positioning (5-10% below market):
As your window cleaning business grows, consider geographic expansion. Understanding how to get clients for your cleaning business in new areas requires:
FieldCamp’s comprehensive platform transforms how window cleaning businesses operate, combining advanced pricing calculators with complete business automation. Built specifically for field service companies, FieldCamp eliminates the guesswork from pricing while streamlining every aspect of your operations.
The platform’s labor cost calculator automatically factors in wages, payroll taxes, benefits, and overhead costs to ensure accurate job pricing.
Combined with the profit margin calculator, you can instantly determine optimal pricing that guarantees profitability on every window cleaning job. No more manual spreadsheets or pricing mistakes that cost you money.
Core FieldCamp Features for Window Cleaning Success:
Complete CRM Integration
Advanced AI Scheduling & Route Optimization
Comprehensive File Management & Documentation
Real-Time Reporting & Analytics
Complete Inventory Management
Consider seasonal adjustments to maximize revenue:
Reward repeat customers with structured benefits:
Increase average job value through strategic service additions:
Successful window cleaning pricing balances competitive rates with healthy profits while clearly communicating value to your clients. Whether you’re handling residential window cleaning or growing your commercial window cleaning service, the strategies in this guide help you quote with confidence.
Remember that proper pricing is just one component of a successful window cleaning business. Combining smart pricing with professional service delivery, efficient operations, and strong customer relationships creates long-term success.
Most window cleaners use per window pricing ($10-$15 per window) for residential jobs and hourly rates ($40-$75) or square foot pricing for commercial window cleaning. The choice depends on job complexity and client preferences.
Exterior windows typically cost 70-80% of the total job, while interior windows cost 20-30%. Most window cleaners charge $8-$12 for exterior window cleaning per window and $3-$5 for interior windows due to easier access and less dirt buildup.
Yes, most residential window cleaners add $3-$5 per window for second floor access due to ladder setup time, safety considerations, and additional equipment needs. This represents about a 25-50% upcharge from ground-level pricing.
Window screens typically cost $0.50-$5 per screen as an add-on service. The price varies based on screen size, condition, and whether removal is required. Many window cleaners include basic screen cleaning in their full-service packages.
Building height, window accessibility, cleaning frequency, and total square footage are the primary factors. Commercial window cleaning service rates range from $5-$15 per window for standard buildings to $100-$170 per hour for high-rise work.
Review pricing annually or when costs increase significantly (fuel, insurance, wages). Track your profit margins monthly and adjust if they fall below your target 15-25% range. Market research every 6 months helps maintain competitive positioning.
Focus on value rather than just price. Highlight your insurance, professional training, satisfaction guarantee, and time savings for the client. Offer service packages or payment plans when appropriate, but avoid competing solely on price.
