Free Tool

Janitorial Bid Calculator

Estimate the monthly price for a commercial cleaning job using industry-standard production rates and wage benchmarks. This is the same formula GrowClean uses to price bids automatically.

The bid pricing formula

Every commercial cleaning bid breaks down to the same core calculation. Understand this formula and you will never underprice a job again.

1

Calculate labor hours per visit

Square footage ÷ production rate (sq ft per hour) = hours per cleaning

2

Multiply by your loaded labor cost

Hours per cleaning × loaded hourly wage (including taxes, workers comp, benefits) = cost per visit

3

Multiply by monthly frequency

Cost per visit × cleanings per month = monthly labor cost

4

Add overhead and profit margin

Monthly labor cost × (1 + overhead % + profit %) = monthly price

Worked example: 10,000 sq ft office, 5 nights per week

StepVariableValueResult
1Square footage10,000 sq ft—
1Production rate (office)4,000 sq ft / hr2.5 hrs / visit
2Loaded labor cost$22 / hr$55 / visit
3Frequency (5 nights/wk)~21 visits / mo$1,155 / mo labor
4Overhead (15%) + Profit (12%)+27%$1,467 / mo

This is a simplified example. Actual bids should account for unique building features, special requirements, supplies, and travel. GrowClean automates this entire calculation with room-by-room precision.

Production rate benchmarks

Cleanable square feet per labor hour by facility type. These are industry averages — your actual rate may vary based on layout, equipment, and crew experience.

Facility TypeSq Ft / HourNotes
General Office4,000Open-plan cubicles, standard restrooms, common areas
Medical Facility2,250Exam rooms, waiting areas, specialized sanitation
Industrial Warehouse6,000Large open floors, minimal restrooms, high dusting
School / Educational3,000Classrooms, gymnasiums, restrooms, hallways
Retail / Showroom4,500Display floors, fitting rooms, entrance glass
Class A Office3,500Private offices, conference rooms, premium finishes

Wage benchmarks (U.S. metro areas)

Hourly wage ranges for cleaning staff. Remember to add 30-40 percent for payroll taxes, workers comp, and benefits to get your loaded labor cost.

RoleLowHigh
Entry-level cleaner$15/hr$18/hr
Experienced cleaner$17/hr$22/hr
Crew lead / supervisor$20/hr$28/hr

A cleaner earning $16 per hour typically costs $21 to $24 per hour when fully loaded with FICA (7.65 percent), workers comp (3-8 percent in cleaning), paid time off, uniforms, and training.

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