You Shared. We Listened. State of the Industry First Look
By • October 29, 2026

Every pressure washing business has a story. Together, those experiences can help us better understand where our industry stands and what contractors need to move forward.
PWNA’s 2026 State of the Industry Survey invited professionals to share their perspectives and experiences. Now, we’re sharing preliminary findings to give our community a first look at what we’re learning.
Why your input matters
Hearing directly from the people doing the work helps us ask better questions, identify areas that deserve more attention, and better understand the needs of the professionals we serve.
For PWNA, this feedback helps inform conversations about education, resources, and support for our industry. For business owners, it offers an opportunity to step back from day-to-day operations and consider their own experiences alongside those of their peers.
An Early Snapshot
The resource below presents preliminary findings from the survey. As you review it, consider how the responses compare with what you’re seeing in your own business. What feels familiar? What surprises you? What questions would you like to explore further?
These findings are an early snapshot, and results or interpretations may be refined as analysis continues. They should be read with that preliminary status in mind.
Thank you for Contributing
To everyone who took the time to participate: thank you. Your willingness to share your experience makes this work possible and adds valuable perspective to the conversation about our industry’s future.
Explore the preliminary findings below for a first look at PWNA’s 2026 State of the Industry Survey.
What contractors told us about growth, costs, safety, and where the industry goes next.
expect growth in the next 12 months. Only 3% expect a decline.
name fuel a top cost pressure. Diesel is up $2.63/gal from a year ago (EIA).
have a formal written safety program. The rest are informal or have none.
want more info on PWNA membership or training, members included.
Growth is real, but not universal
Revenue vs. the prior year
Nearly half didn't grow, and 44% aren't hiring right now, mostly owner-operators and businesses under $100k.*
Still, the outlook is forward-leaning: 46% plan to add a service in the next 12 months.
What's squeezing margins
Share naming each as a top-3 cost pressure
Top worries for the next 12 months
The bottom line isn't even
report 21%+ profit margins
were not profitable last year
of businesses under $100k were not profitable*
pay themselves a consistent salary
Owner pay tracks size: 26% of businesses under $100k pay themselves consistently, vs. 86% at $500k+.*
Lead flow is the #1 bottleneck overall (29%) and for the smallest shops (40%). Past $250k, hiring takes over.*
Margins shown are of those who shared a figure.
The safety & compliance gap
Written safety program (SDS, JHA, tailgate talks)
Top safety concern
- Formal programs jump with size: 22% under $100k vs. 65% at $500k+.*
- PWNA members are far more likely to have one: 42% vs. 27% of nonmembers.*
- Only 27% use reclaim/containment when required. Another 27% rarely do, and 10% aren't sure what's required.
- 89% carry general liability and 80% of shops with employees carry workers' comp.* Documentation and reclaim practice are the real gap.
Marketing & ops lag the growth
- Repeat customers and referrals(about two-thirds each) drive leads. Paid channels barely register, with Google Ads at just 16%.
- 88% have a website, but 52% pay no one for marketing help.
- Only 18% respond to a new lead within 5 minutes; 46% take until "same day."
- 36% still schedule by calendar, text, and phone calls, including half of shops under $100k.*
In their own words
Price, stop racing to the bottom. Too many companies are working for employee wages.
— Survey respondent
Recommended pricing guidelines...would help educate customers, discourage unrealistic low-ball pricing, and support contractors who invest in quality, training, insurance, and professionalism.
— Survey respondent
Answer the phone and get the quote out!
— On what worked best last year
Training demand is business-side, not just technical
More than half want training in sales & pricing and commercial bids & contracts, followed by equipment maintenance and safety & compliance.
Source: PWNA State of the Industry Survey, June–Oct 2026 · 235 responses · Percentages are of those answering each question; "top 3" questions allowed multiple answers. * Comparisons by size, membership, and growth are based on the 168 responses available for detailed analysis. Regional mix reflects where exterior cleaning demand is concentrated (Southeast 38%, Northeast 20%).
Power Washers of North America · pwna.org
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