If you’ve ever thought about turning your love for cars into a business, auto detailing is one of the most accessible—and profitable—ways to do it. Whether you’re detailing part-time on weekends or running a full shop with ceramic coating services, the income potential is real.
Let’s break down how much car detailers make, what affects your earnings, and how you can scale from side hustle to full-time income.
Is Auto Detailing a Profitable Business?
Yes, auto detailing is not only profitable, but it also offers one of the lowest barriers to entry in the automotive service world. Here’s why:
- Low startup costs (especially for mobile detailers)
- High demand across personal vehicles, fleets, dealerships, and rideshare clients
- Upsell potential with ceramic coatings, paint correction, and interior restoration
- Flexible schedule for side hustlers or weekend-only setups
Many detailers start part-time, earning $1,000–$4,000/month. Full-time shops can bring in over six figures a year with consistent marketing, upsells, and repeat clients.
How Much Do Car Detailers Make in a Year?
Let’s assume an average service rate between $150 – $450 per car, depending on whether you’re doing a basic wash or a full interior + paint correction detail. While pricing varies by region and services, a typical starting point for a standard detail (interior + exterior) is around $250 per vehicle. Here’s what that looks like when scaled up:
Cars per Day |
Rate per Car |
Daily Total |
Weekly (5 Days) |
Monthly (20 Days) |
Yearly (240 Days) |
2 cars |
$250 |
$500 |
$2500 |
$10,000 |
$120,000 |
3 cars |
$500 |
$1000 |
$5000 |
$20,000 |
$240,000 |
These numbers represent gross income and do not include supplies, fuel, marketing, or other expenses. To learn more about your potential monthly operating costs, read our guide on How to Start a Detailing Business.
How Much Do Car Detailers Make in One Summer?
If you’re a student or weekend warrior, summer is your season. Even detailing one car per day, five days a week, can bring in thousands.
Cars per Day |
1 Day |
Per Week (5 Days) |
Per Month (20 Days) |
Summer Total (3 Months) |
1 Car |
$250 |
$1,250 |
$5000 |
$15,000 |
2 Cars |
$500 |
$2,500 |
$10,000 |
$30,000 |
3 Cars |
$750 |
$3,750 |
$15,000 |
$45,000 |
Detailing cars is a great business to get into, as entry costs are low for a weekend detailer, and there’s plenty of room to grow the business to various levels.
What Impacts How Much You Can Make Detailing Cars?
Several key factors affect your income:
- Your service mix (basic wash vs. full detail vs. ceramic coating)
- Client base (retail, commercial, fleet, dealership)
- Operating model (mobile detailing vs. fixed-location shop)
- Efficiency + productivity (how many cars you can do per day)
- Marketing + repeat business (email list, referrals, online reviews)
If you can efficiently manage costs, the average cost for supplies per car is about $15-20.
Expenses and Profit Margin: What’s Left After Costs?
While gross revenue is impressive, let’s talk costs. Average operating expenses may include:
Expense |
Estimated Monthly Cost |
Supplies + chemicals |
$150–$300 |
Marketing/advertising |
$100–$250 |
Fuel + mobile costs |
$100–$300 |
Insurance |
$40–$120 |
Misc. tools/equipment |
Variable |
Many solo operators maintain profit margins of 60–80%, especially if they handle all work themselves and keep fixed costs low. Read our guide on Types of Insurance for Car Detailers and the Auto Detailing Business Plan Template to build your numbers.
How to Increase Your Car Detailing Business Profit
Looking to maximize profits? Here’s how:
- Upsell ceramic coatings: One customer = $800 – $2,000
- Offer interior-only or express packages for time-limited clients
- Run subscription detailing or maintenance plans
- Focus on reputation: Google reviews, referrals, and repeat business
- Invest in efficiency tools: Hot water extractors, Tornador guns, etc.
Is Car Detailing a Good Business?
If you’re passionate, motivated, and determined, auto detailing gives you flexibility, control, and scalable earning power. If you’re ready to take the next step, Detail King can help. Our training seminars will teach you how to start and run a successful detailing company.