Owning a laundromat can be a highly profitable and relatively passive business—if managed properly. With the right location, pricing, and equipment setup, many laundromat owners enjoy steady income and solid profit margins. However, income varies widely depending on factors such as rent, utilities, service mix, and local competition.
Typical Laundromat Revenue and Profit
The average self-service laundromat in the United States generates between $15,000 and $30,000 in monthly gross revenue. After deducting operating expenses, many owners report monthly profits ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. These numbers can increase significantly with add-on services like wash-and-fold or pickup and delivery.
- Annual gross revenue typically ranges from $200,000 to $500,000
- Average profit margins fall between 20% and 35%
- Small urban laundromats may profit $2,000–$4,000 per month
- Larger or fully attended stores may net $8,000–$15,000 per month
- Absentee owners usually earn less than hands-on operators
Revenue Sources That Increase Earnings
Laundromats aren’t limited to coin-operated self-service machines. Adding extra services and revenue streams can dramatically increase your monthly income. The more value you offer, the more you can charge—and the more loyal your customer base becomes.
- Wash-and-fold services can generate $1.50–$2.50 per pound
- Pickup and delivery can add $5,000–$20,000 per month in large markets
- Vending machines (snacks, soap, drinks) can generate hundreds in passive income
- ATM machines often produce $100–$300 in monthly surcharge revenue
- Commercial accounts (Airbnbs, gyms, salons) create recurring high-volume orders
Expenses That Impact Profitability
While laundromats have no inventory and relatively low labor costs, utilities and rent can eat into profit if not managed carefully. High utility bills, inefficient equipment, and poor lease agreements are common profit drains. Keeping these costs under control is key to maintaining healthy margins.
- Utilities (water, gas, electricity) may consume 15%–30% of revenue
- Rent or mortgage is often the largest fixed cost
- Maintenance and repairs average $500–$2,000 per month depending on age of equipment
- Insurance, licenses, and taxes must be factored into monthly expenses
- Labor costs apply to attended or wash-and-fold locations (typically $12–$20/hr per employee)
Factors That Influence How Much You Can Make
Location, machine mix, services offered, and business model all affect income potential. Urban areas with dense populations and limited in-unit laundry access tend to be the most profitable. Clean, well-managed laundromats with modern amenities can outperform competitors even in saturated markets.
- High-traffic locations with visible signage draw more walk-ins
- High-capacity or modern machines allow for premium pricing
- Extended hours or 24/7 access increase daily revenue
- Good reviews and cleanliness drive repeat business and referrals
- Flexible payment options (credit cards, app-based, cashless) increase convenience and sales
How Long It Takes to Become Profitable
Most laundromats become cash-flow positive within the first year if startup costs are reasonable and the business is well-managed. ROI timelines vary based on how the laundromat was financed and how aggressively it is marketed. Owners who purchase existing profitable locations may see faster returns than those starting from scratch.
- Break-even point typically occurs within 12–24 months
- Well-managed stores may recover initial investment in 3–5 years
- Buying an existing laundromat with a good lease can fast-track profits
- New builds may require 6–12 months of ramp-up time before stabilizing
- Passive investors may experience slower growth without active oversight
Example Profit Scenarios
Let’s break down a few real-world scenarios to better understand what laundromat owners might expect to earn. These examples assume steady customer volume, moderate utility costs, and average machine utilization.
Scenario A: Small Unattended Laundromat
- 20 washers and 20 dryers
- Monthly revenue: $18,000
- Monthly expenses: $14,000
- Net profit: $4,000/month or $48,000/year
Scenario B: Mid-Sized Attended Laundromat With Wash-and-Fold
- 30 washers, 30 dryers, full-time attendants
- Monthly revenue: $35,000 (including wash-and-fold)
- Monthly expenses: $25,000
- Net profit: $10,000/month or $120,000/year
Scenario C: Pickup & Delivery + Commercial Accounts
- Service radius includes 20+ commercial clients
- Monthly revenue: $60,000
- Monthly expenses: $45,000 (drivers, staff, utilities, fuel)
- Net profit: $15,000/month or $180,000/year
Conclusion
Laundromats can be steady, cash-generating businesses with attractive margins and low inventory risk. With the right mix of services, efficient operations, and a good location, laundromat owners can earn anywhere from $40,000 to $200,000+ per year. The key is smart management, regular maintenance, and consistent marketing to keep machines—and revenue—flowing.
