This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a dry cleaner.
Thinking of opening a dry-cleaning business in the United States in October 2025? Start with the numbers.
Most dry cleaners today generate between $250,000 and $759,000 in annual revenue, with profit margins commonly in the 5%–15% range (and up to 20%+ for premium or eco models). Below you will find clear, quantified answers to the 12 questions new owners ask most often.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for a dry cleaner. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our dry cleaner financial forecast.
Average U.S. dry cleaner revenue typically falls between $250k and $759k, with established shops netting $25k–$113k depending on execution and positioning. The biggest levers on margins are labor (30%–40% of revenue), rent & utilities (20%–30%), and chemical/supply costs (8%–15%).
Customer volume and ticket size drive the top line: most shops handle ~60+ garments daily with average tickets around $12 (range $7–$20), while premium services, delivery, and alterations can add 10%–25% of sales.
| Metric | Typical Range (U.S., 2025) | Notes for New Owners |
|---|---|---|
| Annual revenue | $250,000 – $759,000 | Higher end for larger, well-managed, or premium-positioned cleaners |
| Profit margin | 5% – 15% (up to 20%+) | Eco/premium models can price higher; efficiency is crucial |
| Net profit (annual) | $25,000 – $113,000 | Varies with lease terms, labor model, and service mix |
| Labor cost | 30% – 40% of revenue | Main driver; optimize staffing and workflow |
| Rent & utilities | 20% – 30% of revenue | Location choice and energy efficiency matter |
| Supplies & chemicals | 8% – 15% of revenue | Eco-solvents may cost more but support premium pricing |
| Average ticket size | $7 – $20 (typ. ~$12) | Upsell bundles, delivery, and alterations to lift ARPU |
| Startup investment | $50,000 – $500,000+ | Depends on leasehold buildout and equipment mix (new vs. used) |
| Payback period | 6 – 18 months | Requires consistent volume and tight cost control |
What is the current average annual revenue of a typical dry cleaner in the U.S.?
Most U.S. dry cleaners generate $250,000 to $759,000 in annual revenue in 2025.
Smaller neighborhood shops tend to sit in the lower half of the range, while larger, well-managed multi-station operations reach the upper end. Premium and eco-forward models can exceed the median due to higher price points and loyal clientele.
Revenue is driven by transaction volume (garments/visits per day), average ticket value, and capture of add-on services like alterations and delivery. Consistent local demand and tight operations make the difference between $300k and $700k+ outcomes.
We cover revenue-building playbooks in the dry cleaner business plan.
What profit margin do dry cleaners typically achieve today?
Typical net profit margins land between 5% and 15% (with 20%+ for premium/eco models).
Margins widen when owners control labor scheduling, negotiate favorable leases, and standardize quality to reduce re-dos. Dynamic pricing (rush, delicate fabrics) and subscription bundles help stabilize margin across seasons.
Utility-efficient equipment and solvent choices reduce energy/chemical intensity, supporting higher sustainable margins. Benchmark your monthly P&L to catch creep in labor and supplies early.
You’ll find detailed margin benchmarks in our dry cleaner business plan, updated every quarter.
What is the average net profit in dollars for an established dry-cleaning operation?
Established dry cleaners typically net $25,000 to $113,000 per year.
Operations in dense, higher-income trade areas with steady repeat customers trend to the upper half of the range. Shops with suboptimal leases, downtime, or low average tickets sit nearer the bottom.
Raising ARPU by adding alterations, repairs, and delivery can lift net profit by five figures annually without a proportional cost increase. Target 10%–15% net after steady-state ramp.
Get expert guidance and actionable steps inside our dry cleaner business plan.
What are the main cost drivers that most impact profitability?
- Labor: typically 30%–40% of revenue; the single biggest lever.
- Rent & utilities: usually 20%–30% of sales; lease terms and energy use matter.
- Supplies & chemicals: generally 8%–15% of revenue; solvent choice affects both cost and pricing power.
- Equipment upkeep: plan 3%–5% of expenses for maintenance and upgrades.
- Overheads: marketing, insurance, permits, and environmental compliance can be material.
What are average labor costs as a percentage of revenue?
Expect labor to run 30%–40% of revenue for a typical dry cleaner.
Scheduling to demand (by daypart), cross-training staff, and standard operating procedures reduce overtime and rework. Incentives tied to quality and throughput keep productivity high without sacrificing service.
Outsourcing complex alterations or peak-period delivery can lower fixed hours while maintaining service breadth. Track labor hours per garment and per ticket weekly to maintain discipline.
This is one of the strategies explained in our dry cleaner business plan.
What are average rent and utility expenses as a percentage of revenue?
Rent plus utilities commonly total 20%–30% of revenue.
Corner visibility and parking convenience support volume, but do not overpay for frontage you cannot monetize. Energy-efficient machines, heat recovery, and off-peak operations reduce utility intensity.
Negotiate stepped rents or TI allowances to soften year-1 cash flow. Submetering and monthly variance analysis prevent surprises in electricity, gas, and water.
We cover this exact topic in the dry cleaner business plan.
What is the average cost of cleaning supplies and chemicals relative to sales?
Supplies and chemicals typically consume 8%–15% of revenue.
Eco-friendly solvents may cost more upfront, yet they reduce regulatory risk and enable premium pricing. Bulk purchasing and supplier contracts stabilize costs and avoid rush premiums.
Standardize dosing and fabric classification to reduce waste and re-cleans. Monitor chemical cost per garment and negotiate rebates for volume tiers.
It’s a key part of what we outline in the dry cleaner business plan.
How many customer transactions does a typical dry cleaner handle?
| Throughput Metric | Typical Level | Operational Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Garments per day | ~60+ items/day | Balance staffing and machine capacity to avoid bottlenecks |
| Transactions per month | ~1,500 – 2,000 | Requires reliable intake, tagging, and QA workflows |
| Peak days | Mon & Thu spikes | Use flexible shifts and prioritized staging |
| Re-clean rate | < 2% of items | Track defects by cause to protect margin |
| Turnaround time | 24–48 hours standard | Offer rush pricing for same-day capacity |
| Delivery share | 5%–15% of tickets | Batch routes; enforce minimums |
| Loyalty share | 40%–60% repeat customers | Subscriptions smooth volume and cash flow |
What is the average ticket size per customer visit?
Average ticket size generally ranges from $7 to $20, with ~$12 as a common midpoint.
Ticket size varies with garment mix (suits vs. shirts), stain complexity, and add-ons like pressing or repairs. Clear price boards, bundles (e.g., “5 shirts for $X”), and minimum delivery orders lift average revenue per ticket.
Use customer segmentation to promote higher-value services (e.g., delicate fabrics, wedding garments). Track ticket distribution and aim to shift the mix upward by 10% over the first 90 days.
This is one of the many elements we break down in the dry cleaner business plan.
What % of revenue comes from core cleaning vs. add-on services?
Core garment cleaning usually contributes 75%–90% of revenue; add-ons provide 10%–25%.
Add-ons include alterations, repairs, household textiles, and pickup/delivery; premium markets may see a larger add-on share. Push profitable ancillaries (e.g., tailoring) that use labor efficiently and require minimal capex.
Create packages (clean + press + minor repair) to raise perceived value and reduce price sensitivity. Measure gross margin by service line to grow the highest-return categories.
You’ll find detailed market insights in our dry cleaner business plan, updated every quarter.
What are typical startup and equipment costs, and the usual payback period?
Startup investment typically ranges from $50,000 to $500,000+, with payback in 6–18 months.
The spread reflects leasehold buildout, equipment (new vs. used), environmental systems, and working capital. A lean “pickup & delivery plus plant partner” model is at the low end; a full in-house plant with new machines sits at the high end.
Secure TI contributions, negotiate used/refurb equipment where sensible, and phase noncritical upgrades post-breakeven. Maintain at least three months of operating runway to stabilize ramp-up.
Get a line-by-line capex and payback model in the dry cleaner financial forecast.
How do location and demographics affect average revenue and margins?
Urban, affluent, and professional-dense areas support higher revenue and margins.
Such locations deliver more garments per household, greater willingness to pay, and steadier subscription potential. Suburban or rural areas may show lower volume but also lower rent and labor costs, enabling sustainable profit at smaller scale.
Prioritize daytime population, median income, commute patterns, and parking convenience within your 10-minute trade area. Test price elasticity with limited-time offers before locking the rate card.
This is one of the strategies explained in our dry cleaner business plan.
Which cost line items should I monitor weekly to protect margin?
| Cost Line | Target/Threshold | Action if Above Target |
|---|---|---|
| Labor (all-in) | ≤ 35% of revenue | Adjust shifts; cross-train; reduce re-cleans |
| Rent & utilities | ≤ 25% of revenue | Energy audit; renegotiate terms; reduce off-peak idle |
| Chemicals & supplies | 8%–12% for most shops | Standardize dosing; negotiate bulk tiers |
| Re-clean/redo | < 2% of items | Root-cause analysis; retrain; fabric flags |
| Delivery logistics | Break-even per route | Batch stops; enforce minimums; rezone routes |
| Equipment downtime | < 2% of hours | Preventive maintenance; parts on hand |
| Waste/shrink | Near zero | Tight inventory; clear chain-of-custody |
What practical tactics can raise my average ticket and monthly revenue?
- Bundle pricing (e.g., shirt bundles, seasonal wardrobe packages).
- Upsell alterations/repairs at drop-off with simple prompts.
- Introduce subscriptions for recurring items (shirts, uniforms).
- Offer paid rush and delicate-fabric handling tiers.
- Add pickup/delivery with minimum order thresholds.
What KPIs should I track from day one?
- Daily garments processed and monthly transactions.
- Average ticket value and gross margin by service line.
- Labor hours per garment and re-clean rate.
- Customer repeat rate, subscription penetration, and NPS.
- Cash conversion cycle and break-even point progress.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Want to go further?
Use our detailed guides to refine your positioning, budget precisely, and accelerate break-even for your dry-cleaning business.
Sources
- Press Cleaners – Dry Cleaning Statistics (2025)
- Gitnux – Dry Cleaning Industry Statistics
- Businessplan-templates – How Much Do Dry Cleaners Make?
- Dojo Business – Dry Cleaner: Complete Guide
- Businessplan-templates – Dry Cleaner Running Costs
- Castle – Cleaning Supplies Budget (2025)
- BookCleanGo – Dry Cleaning Statistics
- IBISWorld – Dry Cleaners in the U.S.
- Grand View Research – Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services
- American Drycleaner – Industry Coverage
