Car Detailers Salary: What You Can Expect in the UK

If you love making cars shine, you probably wonder how the hobby translates into cash. The good news? Detailers can earn a decent wage, especially if you know the right pricing tricks and where the high‑pay gigs are.

How Much Do Detailers Earn?

On average, a full‑time car detailer in the UK makes between £18,000 and £24,000 a year. Newcomers starting out at a shop often earn the lower end – around £10‑£12 per hour. Experienced detailers who run their own business or specialise in high‑end vehicles can pull in £30,000‑£40,000, and some luxury‑car pros hit six figures.

Breaking it down:

• Entry‑level shop job: £10‑£12 per hour
• Mid‑level technician: £13‑£16 per hour
• Specialist or mobile detailer: £20‑£30 per hour
• Business owner (luxury focus): £35,000‑£60,000+ per year

These numbers shift by region – London and the South East tend to pay more, while the North West and Scotland sit on the lower side.

Factors That Influence Your Pay

Salary isn’t set in stone; several things can boost or shrink your earnings.

Skill level matters a lot. If you can polish paint flawlessly, restore interiors, and handle ceramic coating, clients will pay a premium.

Service type also changes the rate. Mobile detailing, where you travel to the customer, often carries a higher hourly charge because of the convenience factor.

Customer base is crucial. Working with luxury owners, car clubs, or fleet managers usually means better pay than washing everyday commuters.

Business setup plays a role. Running your own shop lets you set prices, but you also cover rent, insurance, and marketing. Many detailers start as freelancers, keep overhead low, and gradually add staff as demand grows.

Seasonality can affect income. Summer months see a spike in bookings, while winter slows down – planning promotions or offering winter‑specific services (like rust protection) can smooth out cash flow.

To maximise earnings, consider offering add‑on services such as paint protection film, headlight restoration, or engine bay cleaning. Upselling these can add £20‑£50 per job without much extra work.

Finally, keep learning. Certifications from brands like Meguiar’s or Gtechniq not only improve your skillset but also give you a marketing edge that justifies higher rates.

Bottom line: a car detailer’s salary starts modestly but can climb quickly with experience, specialization, and smart business moves. Focus on quality, build a solid client list, and watch your earnings grow.