Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Window Cleaning Business
A low-cost route business with repeat residential customers, where a water-fed pole lets you clean second-story glass while staying on the ground.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026
$248 – $4,048*Pending verificationSourcesCleanFreak — Unger window cleaning kits(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Global Industrial — Unger HydroPower Ultra Entry Kit, 20 ft(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Global Industrial — Unger HydroPower Ultra Small Advanced Kit, 39 ft(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 4 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
Low
Difficulty
Moderate
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Mild; spring and fall are busiest
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2.2 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $4,048
4 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
2 / 55.9% a yearPending verificationSourcesWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Fish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Men In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 3 brands: Window Genie 8.7% (2025); Fish Window Cleaning 4.2% (2024); Men In Kilts 4.7% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
4 / 510.1% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
268 of 2,657 SBA 7(a) loans to Janitorial Services (NAICS 561720), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 272 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
2 / 5Growing fasterPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Janitorial services, which includes window cleaning (NAICS 561720): employer establishments +8.3% (62,592 to 67,799) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
1 / 5Light
No state license for window cleaning in California; you need a city or county business license, and Cal/OSHA safety rules apply once you hire (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
1 / 5Many customers
Mostly households and small storefronts on repeat visits; no single customer carries the business.
Physical demand
3 / 5Moderate
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
| Franchise (4 brands) | Independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $38,000 – $74,900Pending verificationSourcesWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Men In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Window Gang(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands. | $0 |
| Initial investment | $101,375 – $305,683Pending verificationSourcesWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Men In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Window Gang(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands. | $248 – $4,048*Pending verificationSourcesCleanFreak — Unger window cleaning kits(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Global Industrial — Unger HydroPower Ultra Entry Kit, 20 ft(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Global Industrial — Unger HydroPower Ultra Small Advanced Kit, 39 ft(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 4 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded. |
| Ongoing royalties | 5% – 8% of revenuePending verificationSourcesWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Men In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Window Gang(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands. | None |
| Operating costs (5 years) | $21,400 – $22,600Pending verificationSourcesJobber — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Insureon — window cleaning business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths. | $21,400 – $22,600 |
| Brand, training, and support | Included | You build your own |
| 5-year total cost | $177,343 – $421,454 | $21,648 – $26,648* |
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $38,000 – $74,900Pending verificationSourcesWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Men In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Window Gang(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $101,375 – $305,683Pending verificationSourcesWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Men In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Window Gang(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $248 – $4,048*Pending verificationSourcesCleanFreak — Unger window cleaning kits(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Global Industrial — Unger HydroPower Ultra Entry Kit, 20 ft(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Global Industrial — Unger HydroPower Ultra Small Advanced Kit, 39 ft(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Computed from 4 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 5% – 8% of revenuePending verificationSourcesWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Fish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Men In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Entrepreneur Franchise Directory — Window Gang(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $21,400 – $22,600Pending verificationSourcesJobber — pricing(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Insureon — window cleaning business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $21,400 – $22,600
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $177,343 – $421,454
- Independent
- $21,648 – $26,648*
5-year totals assume $76,544–$138,320 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Window Genie
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 gross sales for 94 franchises open all of 2025, plus sales per job and jobs per day for 101; 9 businesses that closed in 2025 are left out.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 94 franchises open all of 2025$475,663 a yearPending verificationSourceWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Parts IV and V. Gross sales reported by franchisees through the franchisor's software, not profit. Leaves out 9 businesses that closed in 2025 and those not open all year. 38 of 94 (37%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, same 94 franchises$386,484 a yearPending verificationSourceWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Parts IV and V. Gross sales reported by franchisees through the franchisor's software, not profit. Leaves out 9 businesses that closed in 2025 and those not open all year. 38 of 94 (37%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, top 25% (24 franchises)$976,943 a yearPending verificationSourceWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Parts IV and V. Gross sales reported by franchisees through the franchisor's software, not profit. Leaves out 9 businesses that closed in 2025 and those not open all year. 38 of 94 (37%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross sales, bottom 25% (24 franchises)$130,448 a yearPending verificationSourceWindow Genie 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Parts IV and V. Gross sales reported by franchisees through the franchisor's software, not profit. Leaves out 9 businesses that closed in 2025 and those not open all year. 38 of 94 (37%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
Fish Window Cleaning
The 2025 FDD reports 2024 total revenue for 252 franchised outlets open all of 2024, in top 10%, top half, bottom half and bottom 10% groups; it gives no single average for all outlets.
- Average 2024 total revenue, top half of 252 franchised outlets open all of 2024$775,483 a yearPending verificationSourceFish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19 (2025 FDD, 2024 figures; no 2026 FDD was on file). Total revenue, not profit. Leaves out 16 outlets not open all of 2024, 11 that closed in 2024 and the affiliate-owned outlet. Your results may differ.
- Median 2024 total revenue, same top half$671,268 a yearPending verificationSourceFish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19 (2025 FDD, 2024 figures; no 2026 FDD was on file). Total revenue, not profit. Leaves out 16 outlets not open all of 2024, 11 that closed in 2024 and the affiliate-owned outlet. Your results may differ.
- Average 2024 total revenue, bottom half of the same 252 outlets$259,074 a yearPending verificationSourceFish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19 (2025 FDD, 2024 figures; no 2026 FDD was on file). Total revenue, not profit. Leaves out 16 outlets not open all of 2024, 11 that closed in 2024 and the affiliate-owned outlet. Your results may differ.
- Average 2024 total revenue, bottom 10% of the same 252 outlets$125,424 a yearPending verificationSourceFish Window Cleaning 2025 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 2, 2025; no 2026 FDD on file(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19 (2025 FDD, 2024 figures; no 2026 FDD was on file). Total revenue, not profit. Leaves out 16 outlets not open all of 2024, 11 that closed in 2024 and the affiliate-owned outlet. Your results may differ.
Men In Kilts
The 2026 FDD reports 2025 gross consumer sales for 11 U.S. franchises (running 27 territories) and, separately, for Canadian franchises.
- Average 2025 gross consumer sales, 11 U.S. franchises (27 territories)$209,277 a yearPending verificationSourceMen In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Section A. Gross consumer sales, not profit, per franchise; some franchises run several territories, and some territories may not have operated all year. Leaves out 1 franchise (2 territories) that closed in 2025. 4 of 11 (36%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross consumer sales, same 11 franchises$190,777 a yearPending verificationSourceMen In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Section A. Gross consumer sales, not profit, per franchise; some franchises run several territories, and some territories may not have operated all year. Leaves out 1 franchise (2 territories) that closed in 2025. 4 of 11 (36%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Highest 2025 gross consumer sales among the 11 U.S. franchises$489,287 a yearPending verificationSourceMen In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Section A. Gross consumer sales, not profit, per franchise; some franchises run several territories, and some territories may not have operated all year. Leaves out 1 franchise (2 territories) that closed in 2025. 4 of 11 (36%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
- Lowest 2025 gross consumer sales among the 11 U.S. franchises$63,447 a yearPending verificationSourceMen In Kilts 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 10, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Section A. Gross consumer sales, not profit, per franchise; some franchises run several territories, and some territories may not have operated all year. Leaves out 1 franchise (2 territories) that closed in 2025. 4 of 11 (36%) reached the average. Your results may differ.
Window Gang
We couldn't check Item 19: no FDD for this brand was on file in Minnesota CARDS when we looked, so the figures above come from Entrepreneur's franchise directory.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- National brand within the Neighborly group of home-service brands
- Access to the ProTradeNet buying network
- Ongoing operational and local marketing support
- Training in operations, employee management, safety and customer service
- Marketing resources and online recruiting help
- Large established network focused on window cleaning
- Business coaching and a dedicated marketing team
- A national sales center that books jobs
- Franchisor offers to help with financing options
- 52–60.5 hours of classroom and on-the-job training
- Training covers cleaning, equipment, bookkeeping and marketing
- Bundles window, gutter, pressure washing and chimney services under one brand
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional squeegee tool kit (Unger)Pending verificationSourceCleanFreak — Unger window cleaning kits(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Unger 8 ft Basic Start-Up Kit (7 piece) $178.11 to Unger ErgoTec Professional Kit (15 piece) $328.72, retailer list prices. | $178 | $253 | $329 |
| Extension ladder and stabilizer | Data coming soon | ||
| Legal setup (California LLC filing)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Articles of Organization (LLC-1) filing fee only. City business license fees vary and are not included. | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Safety gear | Data coming soon | ||
| Website and scheduling software setup | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $248 | $323 | $399 |
Share of mid estimate
- Traditional squeegee tool kit (Unger)78%
- Legal setup (California LLC filing)22%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
Mid is the halfway point between low and high where a source gives only a range.
The total leaves out 4 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Ticket is the low end of Thumbtack's typical range. Jobs per week, ramp-up, costs and seasonality are our assumptions, not operator data. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 1
- Year-1 revenue
- $57,059
- Year-2 profit
- $62,955
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 14.3 | $2,631 | $683 | $1,948 | $1,625 |
| 2 (Apr) | 18.8 | $3,468 | $783 | $2,685 | $4,311 |
| 3 (May) | 22.1 | $4,066 | $855 | $3,211 | $7,522 |
| 4 (Jun) | 21.1 | $3,887 | $833 | $3,054 | $10,576 |
| 5 (Jul) | 21.4 | $3,947 | $841 | $3,106 | $13,682 |
| 6 (Aug) | 23.9 | $4,395 | $894 | $3,501 | $17,183 |
| 7 (Sep) | 32.2 | $5,920 | $1,077 | $4,843 | $22,025 |
| 8 (Oct) | 38.3 | $7,056 | $1,214 | $5,843 | $27,868 |
| 9 (Nov) | 34.7 | $6,379 | $1,132 | $5,246 | $33,114 |
| 10 (Dec) | 31.2 | $5,741 | $1,056 | $4,685 | $37,799 |
| 11 (Jan) | 24.3 | $4,465 | $903 | $3,562 | $41,361 |
| 12 (Feb) | 27.7 | $5,103 | $979 | $4,124 | $45,485 |
| 13 (Mar) | 38.1 | $7,017 | $1,209 | $5,808 | $51,293 |
| 14 (Apr) | 41.6 | $7,654 | $1,286 | $6,369 | $57,661 |
| 15 (May) | 41.6 | $7,654 | $1,286 | $6,369 | $64,030 |
| 16 (Jun) | 34.7 | $6,379 | $1,132 | $5,246 | $69,277 |
| 17 (Jul) | 31.2 | $5,741 | $1,056 | $4,685 | $73,961 |
| 18 (Aug) | 31.2 | $5,741 | $1,056 | $4,685 | $78,646 |
| 19 (Sep) | 38.1 | $7,017 | $1,209 | $5,808 | $84,454 |
| 20 (Oct) | 41.6 | $7,654 | $1,286 | $6,369 | $90,823 |
| 21 (Nov) | 34.7 | $6,379 | $1,132 | $5,246 | $96,069 |
| 22 (Dec) | 31.2 | $5,741 | $1,056 | $4,685 | $100,754 |
| 23 (Jan) | 24.3 | $4,465 | $903 | $3,562 | $104,316 |
| 24 (Feb) | 27.7 | $5,103 | $979 | $4,124 | $108,440 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- Typical residential job (Thumbtack)$184 – $387Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — window cleaning prices(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Thumbtack does not publish a sample size for these figures.
- What most customers pay (Thumbtack)$266Pending verificationSourceThumbtack — window cleaning prices(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Thumbtack does not publish a sample size for these figures.
- Typical residential job (Fixr)$190 – $460Pending verificationSourceFixr — window cleaning cost (updated August 29, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Fixr does not publish a sample size for these figures.
- National average (Fixr)$310Pending verificationSourceFixr — window cleaning cost (updated August 29, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Fixr does not publish a sample size for these figures.
- Per pane, when priced by the pane (Fixr)$4 – $8Pending verificationSourceFixr — window cleaning cost (updated August 29, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Fixr does not publish a sample size for these figures.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average receipts per establishment, all employer firms, NAICS 561720 Janitorial Services (includes window cleaning), 2022$1,100,125 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per establishment, employer firms with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 561720 Janitorial Services (includes window cleaning), 2022$185,414 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per nonemployer (solo, no payroll) business, NAICS 5617 Services to Buildings and Dwellings (all building-service trades combined), 2024$28,004 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Nonemployer Statistics, U.S. file (receipts in $1,000)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Total receipts divided by the number of establishments (our arithmetic on the Census totals, rounded to the nearest dollar). An average, pulled up by larger firms. Context only, not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Ladder falls
Ladders are the biggest physical danger in this work, and NIOSH research finds ladder fall injuries rise with worker age. A fall that a 30-year-old walks away from can end a 58-year-old's season.
How to manage it: Build the business around a water-fed pole so you stay on the ground for upper-story glass. Turn down or subcontract work that needs tall ladders or roof access.
Shoulder and back strain
Working a long pole overhead and squeegeeing all day is repetitive, and summer heat adds to it.
How to manage it: Use a light carbon pole, keep days to a sensible number of houses, and schedule the hottest months for early starts.
Fall protection rules once you hire
Cal/OSHA has specific window cleaning safety orders covering ladders, anchors and safety belts. They apply once you have employees.
How to manage it: Read Title 8 Article 5 before hiring, train every worker, and keep employees on ground-level and water-fed pole work.
Property damage and injury claims
Scratched glass, broken screens, damaged landscaping or a ladder through a window can turn into a claim.
How to manage it: Carry general liability insurance, inspect and photograph glass before you start, and use the correct scraping technique.
Gutter cleaning means ladders again
Customers often ask for gutter cleaning, and it is a common add-on, but most of it is ladder or roof work.
How to manage it: Offer it only with ground-based gutter vacuum tools, or refer it to a partner instead of climbing.
Weather and slower months
Rain and cold weeks cancel exterior jobs and slow bookings.
How to manage it: Sell recurring plans (two to four cleanings a year) so your calendar refills itself, and keep a cash reserve.
Low-price competition
Startup costs are low, so many local operators compete on price.
How to manage it: Compete on reliability, punctuality and careful work, and focus on repeat customers.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
City or county business license
Pending verificationRequired almost everywhere in California. Check with the city where your business is based.
No contractor license for cleaning — but watch repair work
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCSLB press release — Handyperson exemption increases to $1,000 (AB 2622)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Cleaning windows is not construction work. If you also repair screens, tracks or glass, an unlicensed person may only take jobs under $1,000 in total (labor, materials and everything else), with no employees and no building permit, and ads must say you are not licensed. Above that, a CSLB license is required.
Verify with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)(opens in a new tab)Cal/OSHA window cleaning safety orders (employers)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourceCal/OSHA Title 8 §3282 — Window Cleaning, general requirements(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 30, 2026Last verified October 30, 2026Title 8 Article 5 sets safety requirements for cleaning the windows of all buildings, including when anchors and safety belts are required and which access methods (such as ladders) may be used. It applies once you have employees.
Verify with the Cal/OSHA Title 8 §3282(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Choose your business structure and get a city business license
- Buy a water-fed pole system and hand tools
- Get general liability insurance
- Set up scheduling and invoicing software
- Practice on your own and friends' windows
Phase 2
Pricing and quoting
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Marketing
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Recurring routes
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Operations and safety
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Hiring
Included in the complete kit
Phase 8
Growth and add-on services
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Water-fed pole systems
Pure-water filter tanks, carbon poles and brushes.
Squeegees and hand tools
Squeegees, scrubbers, scrapers and extension poles.
Scheduling and invoicing
Quoting, recurring scheduling and payments for route businesses.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Do I have to climb ladders?
Much less than you might think. A water-fed pole sends filtered water through a brush on a long pole, so you can clean most second-story outside glass from the ground. It costs more up front than squeegee tools, which is why it is the center of the professional plan.
Should I offer gutter cleaning too?
Many customers ask for it, and it fits well with window routes. Most gutter work is on a ladder or roof, though, so only take it on if you can do it from the ground with the right tools, or refer it to someone else.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 30, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.