How Much to Charge for Car Detailing in Mobile?2026 Local Rates & Calculator
The Mobile metro area has approximately 74,816 households - potential car detailing clients within a 15-mile radius. Lower competition here means new providers can quickly become the neighborhood favorite.
Calculate Your Car Detailing Price
Enter Your Details
Suggested: $34/hr based on Mobile wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $76 - $101
2h estimated
Standard (Full Interior/Exterior)- + Interior wipe, tire dressing
Cost Breakdown
Mobile Car Detailing Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for car detailing in Mobile.
Car Detailing Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic wash | $21 | $42 | $63 |
| Interior detail | $63 | $105 | $168 |
| Full detail | $126 | $189 | $294 |
| Per hour | $25 | $34 | $50 |
Prices adjusted for Mobile cost of living (84% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Car Detailing in Mobile?
Estimates based on Mobile average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
Mobile vs Other Alabama Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | $34/hr | 84% | medium |
| Huntsville(most expensive) | $37/hr | 92% | high |
| Alabama Average | $35/hr | 87% | - |
Market Position: Mobile
Mobile sits at the state average for Alabama - price competitively and focus on service quality to stand out.
Your Business Misses 5-10 Calls a Day.
One Is a Hot Lead - Gone to a Competitor.
Every time you can't answer, that caller Googles the next business - and they pick up. 62% won't leave a voicemail. They won't call back. That's $200-500 walking out the door. Stop losing money - let AI answer while you work.
Instant Call Answering
Never miss a lead, even at 3 AM
Smart Scheduling
Books appointments directly to your calendar
SMS Follow-ups
Automatic text confirmations to callers
24/7 Availability
Works while you sleep, holidays included
"I was hesitant about AI, but customers love the instant response. It's 2026 - this is how business works now."
- Scott R., Contractor, Kansas
Setup takes 40 seconds. While you're reading this, someone's trying to call you.
Alabama Licensing Requirements
- •No state contractor license required for lawn care or cleaning services
- •Local business license required in most municipalities
- •General liability insurance strongly recommended ($1M minimum)
- •Workers comp required if you have 5 or more employees
This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.
Mobile Car Detailing Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful car detailing business in Alabama
Target the spring pollen season (March-April) for deck and exterior cleaning — Alabama's pine pollen creates massive demand.
No state license required for landscaping, but local business licenses vary. Check Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville requirements.
Military bases (Fort Novosel, Redstone Arsenal) offer steady commercial contracts. Look into base vendor registration.
Key Insight: Alabama's low cost of living means lower prices but also lower operating costs — focus on volume and efficiency.
Car Detailing Demand in Alabama by Month
Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.
Offer 10-15% off-season discounts to maintain a steady client base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for car detailing in Mobile?
In Mobile, AL, you should charge $34-$50/hour for car detailing. This is 16% below the national average because Mobile's cost of living is 84% of the US baseline. For typical jobs, expect to quote $67-$168.
What's the average car detailing rate in Mobile, Alabama?
The average car detailing rate in Mobile is $34/hour or $101 per job. Mobile has average demand with a population of 187K. Local pros typically charge $27-$50/hour depending on complexity.
How much do car detailing companies charge per hour in Mobile?
Car Detailing companies in Mobile charge $27-$50/hour (84% of national average). Entry-level jobs start around $27/hour, while complex work commands $50+/hour. The average demand in Mobile supports these rates.
What factors affect car detailing prices in Mobile?
Key pricing factors in Mobile: (1) Cost of living - 16% below national average at 84%, (2) Market demand - medium in this area, (3) Competition - Mobile's 187K population creates average demand, (4) Job complexity and materials, (5) Seasonal demand fluctuations.
Do I need a license for car detailing in Alabama?
Alabama licensing requirements: No state contractor license required for lawn care or cleaning services Local business license required in most municipalities General liability insurance strongly recommended ($1M minimum) This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.
Is Mobile a good market for car detailing businesses?
Mobile shows average demand for car detailing services. With 187K residents and a 84% cost of living index, local businesses can charge $34-$50/hour. The Alabama market is slightly lower than for service businesses.
How do Mobile car detailing prices compare to Alabama average?
Mobile car detailing prices are typically 16% below the Alabama state average. While state average is around $35/hour, Mobile pros charge $34/hour due to the city's 84% cost of living index.
Other Services in Mobile
Other Alabama Cities
Nearby States
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Car Detailing pricing data for Mobile, Alabama is sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau cost of living data, and verified quotes from local service professionals.
Data Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Alabama Labor Department
- U.S. Census Bureau
Last updated: January 2026