Can You Make Money as a Car Detailer? Real Earnings, Costs, and How to Start

More people are asking if car detailing can actually pay the bills - and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s yes, but only if you treat it like a real business, not a side hobby. In Adelaide, where the sun bakes cars and dust sticks to paint like glue, detailers who know their way around a clay bar and a dual-action polisher are seeing steady income. Some make $50,000 a year. Others clear $120,000. The difference? Strategy, pricing, and consistency.

How Much Can You Actually Earn?

Let’s break it down. A basic exterior wash and wax takes about 2 hours and nets you $80-$120. A full interior clean adds another $50-$100. A full detail - paint correction, ceramic coating, leather conditioning, engine bay cleaning - can go for $300-$600. If you do three full details a week, that’s $3,600-$7,200 a month before expenses. Do five, and you’re hitting $6,000-$12,000.

That’s not fantasy. A detailer in Port Adelaide does six cars a week, six days a month. He works out of his garage, uses a portable power station, and charges $450 per full detail. He doesn’t advertise on Facebook. He gets referrals from local car clubs and mechanics. Last year, he made $98,000 after taxes and supplies.

But here’s the catch: you won’t make that kind of money your first month. Most new detailers start with one or two jobs a week. You need time to build a reputation, get reviews, and refine your technique. The first 6-12 months are about learning, not earning big.

What You Need to Start (And How Much It Costs)

You don’t need a fancy van or a team. You need tools that work. Here’s a realistic starter kit for a one-person operation:

• High-pressure washer (portable, 2000 PSI): $350
• Dual-action polisher with backing plates: $250
• Microfiber towels (20+): $80
• Clay bar and lubricant: $40
• Carpet and upholstery cleaner: $60
• Leather conditioner: $35
• Paint sealant or ceramic coating kit (entry-level): $150
• Bucket, grit guards, wash mitts: $70
• Extension cords, extension pole, portable light: $100

Total: Around $1,135. That’s it. No van. No shop. Just a car, a driveway, and your hands.

Some people spend $5,000 on gear right away. They think it’ll make them better. It won’t. You’ll just be broke. Start with the basics. Upgrade as you earn. A $1,000 kit will do 90% of what a $5,000 kit does - if you know how to use it.

Where to Find Customers

Forget paid ads. They’re expensive and unreliable for new detailers. Real customers come from:

• Local Facebook groups (Adelaide Car Enthusiasts, South Adelaide Car Club)
• Word of mouth - offer a $20 discount for referrals
• Car washes and mechanic shops - ask if they can refer customers who want a deeper clean
• Instagram or TikTok - post before-and-after videos. Use hashtags like #AdelaideCarDetailing
• Community events - car shows, swap meets, or even local markets. Bring a small sample of your work on a car hood.

One detailer in Norwood started posting 30-second before-and-after clips on TikTok. Within three months, he had 12,000 followers and 15 booked jobs a week. He didn’t spend a cent on ads. He just showed results.

What Most New Detailers Get Wrong

You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be reliable.

Here’s what kills most new detailers:

• Undercharging - $40 for a full detail? You’re giving away your time. Charge what you’re worth. People respect price. Low prices make them think you’re inexperienced.
• Skipping prep - washing before clay, drying before polishing? Skipping steps ruins paint. Customers notice. One bad job and your reputation is gone.
• Working alone without a schedule - if you don’t book jobs in advance, you’ll burn out. Block out 2-hour slots. Don’t work 12-hour days.
• Ignoring the interior - most people think detailing is just the outside. But interiors are where the real profit is. A $120 interior clean is easy to upsell.

One detailer in Glenelg lost his first three clients because he rushed the paint correction. He didn’t use a paint thickness gauge. He scratched the clear coat. He learned the hard way: take your time. One perfect job beats ten rushed ones.

Scaling Up: From Side Hustle to Business

Once you’re doing 5+ jobs a week, think about scaling. You don’t need to hire staff right away. Start by:

• Offering monthly maintenance packages - $150/month for two cleanings and a wax
• Partnering with car dealerships - they need pre-sale detailing. Charge $250 per car, and they’ll send you 10+ a month
• Adding mobile service - invest in a trailer or van with power and water. You can charge more because you come to them
• Training someone part-time - teach a friend the basics. Pay them $25/hour to handle washes while you do corrections

There’s a detailer in Salisbury who started with one car a week. Now he runs a team of four. He doesn’t do the work himself anymore. He books jobs, trains staff, and manages clients. He makes $180,000 a year. He never owned a shop. He just systemized the process.

Is It Worth It?

Yes - if you’re willing to learn, show up, and deliver quality. Car detailing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. But it’s one of the few trades where you can start with $1,000, work from home, and build a six-figure income without a degree or a loan.

It’s physically demanding. You’ll be on your knees, lifting buckets, and working in 40°C heat. But you’re your own boss. You set your hours. You keep every dollar after costs.

And in a place like Adelaide - where cars are part of the culture, and dust never sleeps - there’s always work.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Here’s the truth: most people who try detailing quit within six months. They think it’s easy. It’s not. But if you stick with it, you’ll find something rare - a business that rewards skill, not luck.

Start small. Charge fairly. Do excellent work. Ask for reviews. Repeat.

That’s it. No magic. No secrets. Just consistency.