Pricing your mobile detailing services can feel like a mystery, especially when you’re starting out. Charge too little, and you’ll burn out and barely cover costs. Charge too much, and you risk losing clients to competitors. This guide is here to break it down without fluff—just real talk, real numbers, and community-tested wisdom from fellow detailers.
Factors That Influence Mobile Detailing Prices
1. Location Matters—A Lot
A detailer in Los Angeles isn’t going to charge the same as someone in rural Arkansas. Urban markets often bear higher prices due to increased demand and higher costs of living.
- High-income areas: $200+ for full interior + exterior
- Mid-range suburban: $125–$175
- Small towns/rural: $75–$120
2. Experience & Reputation
Beginners with no reviews or online presence will have a harder time charging top dollar. As your skills improve and you build a client base with strong before/afters, you can (and should) raise your rates.
Community Tip: On Reddit’s r/AutoDetailingBusiness, many pros recommend bumping rates every 6–12 months to match your improving skills and market demand.
3. Type of Service Offered
Not all details are created equal. Know your packages and price them accordingly.
| Service | Avg. Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Wash & Vac | $40–$70 |
| Interior Detail Only | $75–$150 |
| Exterior Detail Only | $75–$150 |
| Full Interior & Exterior | $120–$250+ |
| Paint Correction | $250–$600+ |
| Ceramic Coating (2yr+) | $500–$1500+ |
Reddit Insight: Full interiors are often the most time-consuming and should be priced based on condition. Don’t be afraid to upcharge for trashed vehicles.
4. Vehicle Size & Condition
Charge more for SUVs, trucks, or vans. Same goes for heavily soiled interiors, pet hair, or excessive stains.
- Compact cars: Base rate
- Midsize SUVs: +$25
- Full-size SUVs/Trucks: +$40–$60
- Extremely dirty: +$30–$100 (based on time and labor)
Tip: Always ask for photos before quoting. Saves time and prevents awkward pricing conversations.
5. Time to Complete the Job
If a job takes 4+ hours, you better be charging for it. Your time, travel, and wear on your equipment all need to be covered.
Many detailers aim for $40–$80 per hour as a rough internal benchmark.
Pricing Examples Based on Real Detailers
- One-man operation, suburban Midwest:
- Basic Wash & Vac: $50
- Full Detail: $160
- 1-Step Polish: $300
- Pro team in San Diego:
- Interior Only: $200–$275
- Paint Correction Package: $600+
- Ceramic Coating: $1200–$2000
- Mobile Detailer in small-town Florida:
- Full Interior & Exterior: $90–$130
- Add-on Engine Bay Cleaning: +$30
Pro Tips to Price Smart (And Not Get Burned)
- Have a base rate, but adjust based on photos and vehicle condition.
- Offer package tiers (Silver/Gold/Platinum) to guide buyers to higher-priced services.
- Charge more for mobile convenience—you’re bringing the service to them.
- Track your hours and expenses to make sure you’re staying profitable.
- Re-evaluate prices quarterly or after busy seasons.
Pro Tip from Reddit: Some detailers have a minimum job cost (e.g., $75) to avoid wasting time on low-paying jobs.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should charge as a mobile detailer. Your prices should reflect your location, skill, vehicle condition, and business goals. Be confident, stay fair, and don’t undervalue yourself—especially once you’ve proven your worth.
As your reputation grows, so should your rates. And if you’re ever unsure about pricing a job, lean on the community—you’ll find tons of experienced voices on forums like r/AutoDetailing and r/AutoDetailingBusiness ready to help.
DetailerSuite is here to support mobile pros with tools, tips, and products that keep your business moving. Keep grinding.