How much to charge for car detailing
Car detailing is priced per vehicle and per package. Vehicle size and condition swing the price a lot, so build tiered packages and add a condition surcharge for the truly rough ones.
You should charge
$120
per vehicle · typical $50–$250
Why this number. Photograph 'before' on rough jobs and price the condition, not just the package. A condition surcharge feels fair when the client can see why, and protects you from the job that eats your whole afternoon.
Typical car detailing prices
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Basic wash & vacuum | $50 – $90 |
| Interior detail | $90 – $180 |
| Full detail (interior + exterior) | $150 – $350 |
What changes the price
- Vehicle size (sedan vs. SUV vs. truck)
- Interior, exterior, or full detail
- Condition, pet hair, stains, and heavy grime add real time
- Add-ons like ceramic coating or engine bay cleaning
The pricing move most people miss
Photograph 'before' on rough jobs and price the condition, not just the package. A condition surcharge feels fair when the client can see why, and protects you from the job that eats your whole afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for car detailing?+
Most car detailing is priced $50–$250 per vehicle, with a typical rate around $120 per vehicle. Where you land inside that range comes down mainly to vehicle size (sedan vs. SUV vs. truck) and interior, exterior, or full detail. Use the range as your anchor, then adjust up for experience, strong demand, and a higher cost-of-living area.
Should I charge per job or by the hour for car detailing?+
Most car detailing is priced per job, and that is the stronger model. It pays you for the result rather than the clock, and clients far prefer one fixed number they can plan around. Estimate the hours a job takes, multiply by the hourly rate you want, then add a 15-25% buffer for the jobs that run long.
How much should I charge for car detailing as a beginner?+
Starting out, price near the lower end of the range, roughly $50 to $120 per vehicle. Resist going below that to win work: a price that is too low attracts price-shoppers, signals low quality, and is hard to raise later. Once you have a few happy clients and reviews, move toward $250.
What affects how much car detailing costs?+
The biggest factors are vehicle size (sedan vs. SUV vs. truck); interior, exterior, or full detail; condition, pet hair, stains, and heavy grime add real time; add-ons like ceramic coating or engine bay cleaning. Two jobs that look alike can price very differently once these are accounted for, which is why a quick walkthrough or a few questions before quoting protects your rate.
How do I quote car detailing so the client says yes?+
Photograph 'before' on rough jobs and price the condition, not just the package. A condition surcharge feels fair when the client can see why, and protects you from the job that eats your whole afternoon. Put the quote in writing with exactly what is included, state the price once without apologizing for it, and give one clear next step. A confident, well-structured quote wins jobs at a higher price than a vague one at a lower price.