A laundromat can be a steady and profitable business, offering recurring income with relatively low labor requirements. However, the amount of money a laundromat generates depends on several factors, including location, services offered, operating costs, and equipment type. Understanding the income potential—and the levers that influence it—is essential whether you’re opening your first location or trying to grow an existing one.
Typical Income Ranges for Laundromats
Most laundromats in the United States earn between $15,000 and $30,000 per month in gross revenue, with annual incomes ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 for a single-location store. Profits typically run between 20% and 35% after operating costs, depending on how efficiently the business is run. High-volume urban laundromats with multiple service offerings can earn significantly more, while small rural locations may earn less but still provide steady returns.
- Monthly gross revenue: $15,000 to $30,000+
- Annual gross revenue: $200,000 to $500,000+
- Profit margins: 20% to 35% after expenses
- High-traffic areas yield higher income potential
- Smaller stores can still be profitable with low overhead
Key Income Sources for Laundromats
Self-service machines generate the bulk of income for most laundromats, especially in unattended or semi-attended stores. Many modern laundromats also offer value-added services like wash-and-fold, pickup and delivery, vending machines, and detergent sales to increase average ticket size. The more diversified your revenue streams, the more stable your income becomes—even during seasonal slowdowns.
- Coin or card-operated washers and dryers
- Wash-and-fold service
- Pickup and delivery laundry service
- Vending machines (snacks, drinks, laundry products)
- Retail sales of detergent, bags, and soap
Factors That Influence Income
A laundromat’s earnings are closely tied to its location, equipment quality, pricing strategy, and customer volume. Stores in densely populated areas with nearby apartments, colleges, or workforce housing tend to see higher foot traffic and machine usage. Equipment efficiency, machine capacity, and payment flexibility (mobile app, credit card, coins) also play a big role in total revenue.
- Neighborhood population density
- Proximity to renters, students, or low-laundry housing
- Machine size and efficiency
- Pricing strategy and service bundles
- Acceptance of cashless and mobile payments
How to Increase Laundromat Income
Owners can boost income by raising prices strategically, offering additional services, improving the customer experience, and maximizing machine usage during all hours of operation. Implementing a loyalty program or mobile app can also increase return visits and average spend. Promoting your business locally and running off-peak incentives can fill in slow periods and increase revenue without adding major costs.
- Offer loyalty programs to encourage repeat visits
- Add wash-and-fold or delivery services
- Raise prices during peak hours for premium access
- Run promotions to increase app usage or preloaded wallet balances
- Optimize machine layout to increase throughput and reduce downtime
Understanding Costs to Calculate Net Income
To calculate actual income, you’ll need to subtract operating costs such as rent, utilities, equipment maintenance, loan payments, insurance, supplies, and labor. Utility costs (water, gas, electricity) are the largest ongoing expenses, especially for older equipment. Modernizing machines, going coinless, and using smart energy-saving equipment can help reduce overhead and improve your profit margin.
- Rent and lease payments
- Water, gas, and electricity costs
- Equipment maintenance and repair
- Labor (for attended or full-service locations)
- Business insurance and marketing expenses
Conclusion
Laundromats can offer reliable income with the potential for strong profit margins when operated efficiently. Understanding where your revenue comes from—and how to control your costs—will determine your net income and long-term success. With the right location, equipment, services, and marketing strategy, laundromat income can be both consistent and scalable.
- Income depends on volume, services, and efficiency
- Diversifying revenue makes your business more resilient
- Cost control is key to maintaining healthy profit margins
- Technology, loyalty programs, and promotions can boost earnings
- Smart planning turns steady revenue into lasting business success
