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Window cleaning is steady, in-demand work. Homeowners often prefer to hire a pro rather than spend hours on a ladder, and businesses rely on routine maintenance to keep their buildings looking professional.
If you’re interested in a career in the industry—or looking to grow your existing window cleaning business—knowing average pay will help you set realistic expectations and price services confidently. This guide breaks down window cleaner salaries across the U.S., what factors influence your income, and strategies to increase your earnings.
Key takeaways
Here’s a look at where you can earn the most as a window cleaner and what impacts your pay:
Average salary: Most professional window cleaners earn between $31,500 and $41,000 per year, with top earners reaching $52,500 or more.
Hourly rates: Typical pay ranges from $16–$20 per hour, though this varies by location and experience.
Top-paying areas: The Pacific Northwest and New England typically pay window cleaners the most.
Major pay factors: Location, experience level, certifications, and job type have the biggest impact on earnings.
Highest-paying roles: Supervisors, lead cleaners with multiple specialties, and those with specialized rope or safety certifications typically earn the most.
Jump ahead
- Average window cleaner salary in the U.S.
- How much window cleaners make by state
- What states pay window cleaners the most?
- What states pay window cleaners the least?
- What affects a window cleaner’s salary?
- How to increase your window cleaner salary
- How to become a window cleaner
- Business license requirements for window cleaners
- Starting your own window cleaner business
Average window cleaner salary in the U.S.
Professional window cleaners in the U.S. earn an average of $18 per hour, or $37,655 per year.* Window cleaners who specialize in high-rise buildings, historic or unusual window types, or those with specialized cleaning certifications typically earn at the higher end of this range, as specialization and advanced credentials increase demand and marketability.
Here’s how wages typically break down for a window cleaner:
- Hourly wage: $10.82–$25.48
- Weekly wage: $433–$1,019
- Monthly wage: $1,875–$4,417
- Annual wage: $22,500–$53,000
*All salary information in this guide is based on 2026 data from reputable salary sites such as ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and Indeed.
High-rise and skyscraper window cleaner salary
High-rise and skyscraper window cleaners earn some of the highest wages in the industry, with a median of $82,000 per year. This is because the work requires advanced safety training, rope-access certifications, and the ability to operate suspended scaffolding systems. Skyscraper jobs also involve more risk and require strict compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA).
Most high-rise window cleaners start with basic jobs and gradually take on more complex projects as they gain more experience and certifications. Some of the top earners in the field are unionized workers or independent contractors with specialized skills. These jobs usually come with hazard pay, solid benefits, and regular commercial contracts, giving you both higher income and better job stability.
How much window cleaners make by state
Pay for window cleaners varies considerably across the country, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $28,000–$43,000 per year, depending on state and local market conditions.
Urban areas typically pay more than rural areas because there’s higher demand for window cleaning services, especially high-rise cleaning. The cost of living and average wage levels in your state also affect your earning potential.
Here’s a look at average pay for window cleaners by state:
| State | Hourly | Annual |
| Alabama | $16 | $34,139 |
| Alaska | $20 | $40,563 |
| Arizona | $17 | $35,100 |
| Arkansas | $15 | $31,146 |
| California | $18 | $37,172 |
| Colorado | $19 | $39,606 |
| Connecticut | $17 | $35,830 |
| Delaware | $18 | $37,698 |
| Florida | $14 | $28,147 |
| Georgia | $15 | $31,804 |
| Hawaii | $19 | $39,133 |
| Idaho | $17 | $35,439 |
| Illinois | $18 | $36,499 |
| Indiana | $17 | $35,841 |
| Iowa | $17 | $35,378 |
| Kansas | $16 | $33,592 |
| Kentucky | $16 | $32,713 |
| Louisiana | $16 | $32,208 |
| Maine | $18 | $36,467 |
| Maryland | $18 | $36,556 |
| Massachusetts | $20 | $41,135 |
| Michigan | $16 | $32,829 |
| Minnesota | $18 | $36,890 |
| Mississippi | $15 | $35,672 |
| Missouri | $17 | $35,330 |
| Montana | $17 | $34,571 |
| Nebraska | $17 | $35,912 |
| Nevada | $18 | $38,355 |
| New Hampshire | $18 | $36,360 |
| New Jersey | $18 | $38,239 |
| New Mexico | $18 | $36,500 |
| New York | $21 | $41,207 |
| North Carolina | $17 | $34,240 |
| North Dakota | $19 | $39,853 |
| Ohio | $17 | $35,808 |
| Oklahoma | $17 | $34,778 |
| Oregon | $19 | $39,823 |
| Pennsylvania | $18 | $37,756 |
| Rhode Island | $18 | $36,886 |
| South Carolina | $17 | $34,952 |
| South Dakota | $18 | $37,665 |
| Tennessee | $16 | $34,816 |
| Texas | $17 | $35,091 |
| Utah | $16 | $34,289 |
| Vermont | $20 | $40,048 |
| Virginia | $18 | $37,342 |
| Washington | $21 | $42,260 |
| West Virginia | $14 | $29,159 |
| Wisconsin | $18 | $38,018 |
| Wyoming | $17 | $36,205 |
| Washington, D.C. | $21 | $42,644 |
*Figures reflect typical employment rates and may vary based on individual business models, experience, and specialization.
What states pay window cleaners the most?
With thousands of multi-story buildings and skyscrapers, New York consistently ranks among the highest-paying states for window cleaners. Washington and Massachusetts also top the list thanks to their dense urban centers.
| State | Low | Median | High |
| Washington | $25,500 | $42,660 | $59,500 |
| New York | $24,600 | $41,207 | $57,400 |
| Massachusetts | $24,600 | $41,135 | $57,300 |
| Vermont | $23,900 | $40,048 | $55,800 |
| Alaska | $24,200 | $40,563 | $56,500 |
What states pay window cleaners the least?
While Southern states often offer a longer working season due to warm weather, the average wages are lower than the national average. This isn’t specific to window cleaning: Southern states tend to have lower wages across all jobs due to a lower cost of living and lower average household incomes compared to the Northeast and West Coast.
| State | Low | Median | High |
| Florida | $16,800 | $28,147 | $39,200 |
| West Virginia | $17,400 | $29,159 | $40,600 |
| Arkansas | $18,605 | $31,146 | $43,825 |
| Georgia | $19,000 | $31,804 | $44,300 |
| Louisiana | $19,240 | $32,208 | $45,321 |
What affects a window cleaner’s salary?
As with any skilled trade, window cleaners with more experience and a wider skill set earn more. Factors that influence your pay include:
- Certifications and specializations: High-rise window cleaners with certifications covering rope descent systems and suspended scaffolds generally earn more than those without.
- Union vs. non-union: Joining the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) or the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) often means higher wages and better benefits.
- Market growth: The window cleaning market is projected to grow from $151 billion to over $257 billion by 2032 due to urban expansion.
How to increase your window cleaner salary
Though entry-level wages for professional window cleaners are fairly low, you can make more money by increasing your specialized skills.
- Get certified: Earn safety and specialized work certifications from the IWCA.
- Lead a crew: Supervisors and crew leaders earn more than line-level employees.
- Target high-value clients: Commercial jobs often pay more than residential work, especially if you have rope-access skills.
How to become a window cleaner
Window cleaning isn’t as heavily regulated as other specialized trades, but it still involves risks like working at heights and handling cleaning chemicals. Many window cleaning companies offer on-the-job training, including safety skills and OSHA compliance.
If you plan on working in specialized areas like skyscrapers or rope-access operations, you may need additional training and certifications.
Window cleaner education, training, and certification
You don’t need a college degree to become a window cleaner. Most people enter the field with a high school diploma or GED.
Taking courses in building maintenance or occupational safety at a local community college can make you more well-rounded. If you plan to start your own window cleaning business, basic business classes are a smart investment.
While you usually don’t need a state license to clean windows, high-rise credentials from these institutions can improve your earning potential:
- IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) Certification
- SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians) Certification
- OSHA 10- or 30-Hour General Industry Safety Certification
These certifications show employers that you understand fall-protection techniques, rescue procedures, and safe rope-access practices.
Joining the IWCA can also help you find jobs and connect with more clients.
Window cleaner state permit requirements
Rules vary by city and state, so check with your local Department of Labor or building safety division. You might need permits for:
- Suspended scaffolding or swing stages
- Rope-access operations
- Wastewater disposal (environmental compliance)
Business license requirements for window cleaners
If you plan to open your own business, you may need a state or municipal business license, a contractor license (in most states), or a taxation certificate. Check with your Secretary of State or municipal licensing office to determine the specific requirements.
You’ll likely also need general liability insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, and proof of safety training for all employees.
Starting your own window cleaner business
As an employee, your income is usually limited by hourly rates or assigned routes. But as a business owner, you have full control of your income, workload, and ability to scale. You can raise your rates, choose higher-value jobs, and build recurring commercial accounts that provide steady revenue year-round.
Housecall Pro makes the transition from individual cleaner to business owner easier. Our window cleaning software gives you the tools to stay organized, win more jobs, and improve efficiency. With our platform, you can:
- Schedule and dispatch jobs with a few clicks
- Automate invoices and payments so you get paid faster
- Capture, track, and convert new leads to grow your customer base
- Monitor advertising performance and profitability to optimize your spend
- Manage customer relationships to drive repeat business and referrals
- Store and track licenses and permits, with reminders when it’s time to renew
Ready to take control of your window cleaning career? Start your free 14-day trial of Housecall Pro today and see the difference for yourself.
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FAQ
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Do high-rise window cleaners earn overtime?
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Hourly employees are eligible for overtime if they work beyond the weekly limit set by their state (usually 40 hours). Salaried employees are typically classified as exempt and therefore not eligible for overtime.
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Do window cleaners get tips?
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Residential customers may tip if you do an exceptional job, but it’s not expected. Tips are rare for commercial window cleaning work.
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Do high-rise window cleaners get paid more for difficult buildings?
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Yes. You usually get paid more to clean windows on buildings with challenging architecture or extreme heights. If you own your own business, you can charge higher prices to account for this difficulty and danger.
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Do unionized high-rise window cleaners earn more?
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Yes, unionized window cleaners often earn more, get stronger safety protections, and receive better benefits. Many high-rise window cleaners are members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), or the United Steelworkers (USW).
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Is seasonal demand common in high-rise window cleaning?
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Yes. Work often peaks in spring and summer and slows during winter, especially in colder climates.
