How Do I Price My Janitorial Services Profitably?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
If you're starting a janitorial business or expanding your commercial cleaning services, one of the first questions you'll face is: How do I price my janitorial services competitively and profitably? Whether you're offering office cleaning, industrial cleaning, disaster cleanup, apartment turnover cleaning, or final construction cleaning, your pricing strategy can make or break your business.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to price janitorial services, what factors to consider, and how janitorial business insurance from a niche-focused agency like Wexford Insurance can protect your operations and help you win more contracts.
Why Pricing Matters in the Janitorial Industry
Pricing isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about positioning your business in the market. Competitive pricing helps you:
Win long-term contracts
Cover labor, supplies, and overhead
Invest in growth and marketing
Build trust with clients by offering insured services
Key Factors That Influence Janitorial Service Pricing
1. Type of Cleaning Services Offered
Different cleaning jobs require different levels of labor, equipment, and risk. For example:
Office cleaning is typically routine and low-risk.
Industrial cleaning may involve hazardous materials and specialized equipment.
Disaster cleanup often requires emergency response and biohazard handling.
Each service type should be priced based on complexity, time, and liability.
📘 Learn more about OSHA cleaning safety standards to understand risk levels and compliance requirements.
2. Square Footage and Cleaning Frequency
Most janitorial services are priced per square foot. Rates typically range from $0.05 to $0.25 per square foot, depending on:
Facility size
Cleaning frequency (daily, weekly, monthly)
Type of building (office, medical, industrial)
Use a pricing calculator like the one from Cleaning Business Academy to estimate competitive rates.
3. Labor Costs and Workers Compensation
Labor is your biggest expense. Factor in:
Hourly wages
Payroll taxes
Benefits
Workers Compensation Insurance (required in most states)
Having proper coverage protects your team and your business from injury-related claims.
4. Supplies, Tools, and Equipment
Include costs for:
Cleaning chemicals
Vacuums, mops, and PPE
Equipment maintenance and replacement
Protect your gear with Tools and Equipment Insurance, especially if you're investing in high-end machines.
5. Transportation and Commercial Auto Insurance
If your team travels between job sites, include:
Fuel and mileage
Vehicle maintenance
Travel time
You’ll also need Commercial Auto Insurance to protect your business vehicles from accidents or theft.
6. Overhead and Profit Margin
Don’t forget to include:
Office rent
Marketing and advertising
Software and admin costs
Then add a profit margin—typically 10–30%—to ensure your business remains sustainable.
Common Pricing Models for Janitorial Services
Hourly Rate
Ideal for small or one-time jobs. Rates range from $25–$60/hour depending on location and job complexity.
Flat Monthly Rate
Best for recurring contracts. Quote a fixed monthly fee based on square footage and cleaning frequency.
Per Room or Area
Useful for apartment turnovers or post-construction cleaning. Charge based on the number of rooms or specific areas cleaned.
Why Insurance Impacts Your Pricing Strategy
Clients often require proof of insurance before awarding contracts. At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping janitorial businesses find the right coverage for.
Here’s what you need:
General Liability Insurance – Covers property damage and injury claims.
Commercial Auto Insurance – Protects vehicles used for business.
Commercial Property Insurance – Covers your office, supplies, and equipment.
Workers Compensation Insurance – Required for businesses with employees.
Tools and Equipment Coverage – Protects your cleaning gear from theft or damage.
Tips to Stay Competitive
Research local competitors and their pricing
Offer bundled services for better value
Provide transparent quotes with itemized breakdowns
Highlight your insurance coverage to build client trust
Use digital tools to streamline quoting and scheduling
📈 Check out the HouseCall Pro's janitorial business guide for more startup tips.
Final Thoughts
Pricing your janitorial services correctly is essential to building a profitable and sustainable business. By factoring in labor, supplies, insurance, and overhead—and working with a specialized insurance agency like Wexford Insurance—you’ll be better positioned to win contracts and grow your company.
💬 Ready to protect your janitorial business?
