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Car washer salary
Average car washer salary
$13.8
Understanding Car Washer Salaries
As of October 2025, the average salary for a Car Washer stands at $28,701 per year, translating to about $14 per hour. Various factors can influence this salary, including geographic location, years of experience, and the type of employer. For instance, car washers in states such as California and New York tend to earn higher wages compared to those in less populated areas.
Experience Levels
The earnings can significantly vary based on experience. Entry-level positions might start at around $25,000 annually, while seasoned professionals can make upwards of $35,000 or more. Additionally, specialized skills, such as detailing or knowledge of advanced car cleaning techniques, can enhance a car washer's earning potential.
Job Opportunities
Many car washers find employment at local car washes, dealerships, or auto detailing companies. By pursuing certifications or additional training, individuals can enhance their skills, opening doors to supervisory or management roles within the industry.
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Where can a Car Washer earn more?
Car washer salaries by experience level
Car washer salary estimates from across the web
Average car washer salary by state
The highest-paying states for car washers are Washington, Alaska, and Massachusetts. The lowest average car washer salary states are West Virginia, Missouri, and North Carolina.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for car washers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $34,034 | $16.36 |
| 2 | Rhode Island | $32,250 | $15.50 |
| 3 | Oregon | $33,865 | $16.28 |
| 4 | Maine | $33,905 | $16.30 |
| 5 | Washington | $37,248 | $17.91 |
| 6 | Alaska | $34,221 | $16.45 |
| 7 | Colorado | $31,500 | $15.14 |
| 8 | Minnesota | $31,842 | $15.31 |
| 9 | Tennessee | $27,647 | $13.29 |
| 10 | New York | $31,702 | $15.24 |
| 11 | North Dakota | $32,006 | $15.39 |
| 12 | Wyoming | $31,526 | $15.16 |
| 13 | New Hampshire | $31,869 | $15.32 |
| 14 | Vermont | $32,125 | $15.44 |
| 15 | Wisconsin | $29,196 | $14.04 |
| 16 | California | $32,758 | $15.75 |
| 17 | Indiana | $27,603 | $13.27 |
| 18 | Delaware | $29,282 | $14.08 |
| 19 | Idaho | $29,739 | $14.30 |
| 20 | Montana | $29,460 | $14.16 |
| 21 | Ohio | $26,968 | $12.97 |
| 22 | Connecticut | $29,400 | $14.13 |
| 23 | Hawaii | $28,293 | $13.60 |
| 24 | Maryland | $28,579 | $13.74 |
| 25 | Michigan | $26,851 | $12.91 |
| 26 | South Dakota | $28,100 | $13.51 |
| 27 | Utah | $27,192 | $13.07 |
| 28 | Pennsylvania | $25,015 | $12.03 |
| 29 | New Jersey | $28,410 | $13.66 |
| 30 | Iowa | $27,497 | $13.22 |
| 31 | Arizona | $26,318 | $12.65 |
| 32 | Nebraska | $27,980 | $13.45 |
| 33 | Arkansas | $25,072 | $12.05 |
| 34 | Nevada | $24,458 | $11.76 |
| 35 | Florida | $24,984 | $12.01 |
| 36 | Georgia | $24,825 | $11.94 |
| 37 | Oklahoma | $24,958 | $12.00 |
| 38 | South Carolina | $24,863 | $11.95 |
| 39 | Kansas | $25,820 | $12.41 |
| 40 | Kentucky | $24,725 | $11.89 |
| 41 | Illinois | $24,281 | $11.67 |
| 42 | Texas | $23,332 | $11.22 |
| 43 | Alabama | $22,349 | $10.74 |
| 44 | Virginia | $24,796 | $11.92 |
| 45 | Louisiana | $22,332 | $10.74 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $21,064 | $10.13 |
| 47 | Missouri | $23,246 | $11.18 |
| 48 | District of Columbia | $25,359 | $12.19 |
| 49 | North Carolina | $22,381 | $10.76 |
| 50 | New Mexico | $23,963 | $11.52 |
| 51 | West Virginia | $23,331 | $11.22 |
Highest paying cities for car washers
The highest-paying cities for car washers are San Jose, CA, Boston, MA, and Portland, OR.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Jose, CA | $34,299 | $16.49 |
| 2 | Boston, MA | $34,064 | $16.38 |
| 3 | Portland, OR | $34,015 | $16.35 |
| 4 | Portland, ME | $33,873 | $16.29 |
| 5 | Burlington, VT | $32,145 | $15.45 |
| 6 | Manchester, NH | $31,937 | $15.35 |
| 7 | Denver, CO | $31,513 | $15.15 |
| 8 | Cheyenne, WY | $30,694 | $14.76 |
| 9 | Milwaukee, WI | $29,124 | $14.00 |
| 10 | Billings, MT | $29,042 | $13.96 |
| 11 | Newark, NJ | $28,540 | $13.72 |
| 12 | Rapid City, SD | $28,354 | $13.63 |
| 13 | Cleveland, OH | $27,877 | $13.40 |
| 14 | Cleveland, TN | $27,373 | $13.16 |
| 15 | Indianapolis, IN | $27,324 | $13.14 |
| 16 | Salt Lake City, UT | $27,278 | $13.11 |
| 17 | Phoenix, AZ | $26,409 | $12.70 |
| 18 | Tallahassee, FL | $25,226 | $12.13 |
| 19 | Allentown, PA | $25,215 | $12.12 |
| 20 | Atlanta, GA | $24,909 | $11.98 |
Car washer salary details
A car washer's salary ranges from $22,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $35,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a car washer's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $35,000 | $2,917 | $17 |
| 75th Percentile | $32,000 | $2,667 | $15 |
| Average | $28,701 | $2,392 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
| 10th Percentile | $22,000 | $1,833 | $11 |
Highest paying car washer jobs
The highest paying types of car washers are package delivery driver, hydroblaster, and truck washer.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Porter | $28,469 | $2,372 | $13.69 | 10,027 |
| Automotive Detailer | $28,357 | $2,363 | $13.63 | 37,088 |
| Package Delivery Driver | $37,271 | $3,106 | $17.92 | 447,795 |
| Auto Detailer | $28,746 | $2,396 | $13.82 | 11,018 |
| Aircraft Cleaner | $31,199 | $2,600 | $15.00 | 39,138 |
| Detailer | $29,506 | $2,459 | $14.19 | 6,789 |
Top companies hiring car washers now:
Which companies pay car washers the most?
Car washer salaries at Westside and Mary's Center are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average car washer salary at companies like Asbury Automotive Group and Premier Transportation are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westside | $33,119 | $15.92 |
| 2 | Mary's Center | $31,883 | $15.33 |
| 3 | Asbury Automotive Group | $30,518 | $14.67 |
| 4 | Premier Transportation | $30,038 | $14.44 |
| 5 | DXC Technology | $29,903 | $14.38 |
| 6 | Jerry Seiner Dealerships | $29,359 | $14.11 |
| 7 | Napleton Automotive Group | $29,333 | $14.10 |
| 8 | Crown Automotive | $29,302 | $14.09 |
| 9 | Gillman Automotive Group | $29,299 | $14.09 |
| 10 | Lexus of Pembroke Pines | $29,289 | $14.08 |
| 11 | BMW Northwest | $29,272 | $14.07 |
| 12 | National Car Rental | $29,231 | $14.05 |
| 13 | LES STANFORD CHEVROLET CADILLAC | $29,100 | $13.99 |
| 14 | Byrider | $29,088 | $13.98 |
| 15 | Rosenthal Automotive | $29,084 | $13.98 |
| 16 | Park Place Dealerships | $28,898 | $13.89 |
| 17 | Crown Cars | $28,878 | $13.88 |
| 18 | Tom Bush Motors | $28,762 | $13.83 |
| 19 | Bruner | $28,698 | $13.80 |
| 20 | Stanley | $28,618 | $13.76 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Car Washer salary by industry
The average car washer salary varies across industries:
- The average car washer salary in the transportation industry is $29,989, the highest of any industry.
- The average car washer salary in the finance industry is $28,334.
- Car washers in the retail industry earn an average salary of $27,692, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for car washers
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transportation | $29,989 | $14.42 |
| 2 | Automotive | $28,334 | $13.62 |
| 3 | Hospitality | $27,986 | $13.45 |
| 4 | Technology | $27,709 | $13.32 |
| 5 | Retail | $27,692 | $13.31 |
High paying car washer jobs
Car washer salary trends
The average car washer salary has risen by $8,089 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average car washer earned $20,612 annually, but today, they earn $28,701 a year. That works out to a 24% change in pay for car washers over the last decade.
Compare car washer salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average car washer salary over time
Compare car washer salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Car washer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $28,700 | $13.80 | +6.7% |
| 2025 | $26,800 | $12.88 | +4.9% |
| 2024 | $25,500 | $12.25 | +4.8% |
| 2023 | $24,300 | $11.66 | +4.9% |
| 2022 | $23,100 | $11.09 | +4.1% |
Recently added car washer salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luther Auto | Detailer/Car Washer | Bloomington, MN | 06/29/2025 | $35,479 |
| Rydell Cars | Detailer/Car Washer | Cedar City, UT | 06/29/2025 | $29,218 |
| Cedar City, Utah | Detailer/Car Washer | Cedar City, UT | 06/29/2025 | $29,218 |
| Lexus of Pembroke Pines | Automotive Valet/Car Washer | Maplewood, MN | 06/29/2025 | $33,392 |
| California Automotive Retailing Group, Inc. | Detailer/Car Washer | Fremont, CA | 06/29/2025 | $37,566 |
| Mossy Nissan Oceanside/Infiniti of Oceanside | Car Washer | Oceanside, CA | 06/29/2025 | $39,653 |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | Car Washer-Automotive Detailer-Garners Ferry | Columbia, SC | 06/28/2025 | $33,392 |
| Enterprise Mobility | Car Washer-Automotive Detailer | Madison, AL | 06/27/2025 | $31,305 |
| Enterprise Mobility | Car Washer-Automotive Detailer-Garners Ferry | Columbia, SC | 06/27/2025 | $33,392 |
| Giles Nissan | Detailer/Car Washer | Lafayette, LA | 06/27/2025 | $20,870 |
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