Pop. 10.4MCOL: 95%8 month season#9 Market
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

How Much to Charge for Car Detailing in North Carolina?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator

With 10.4M residents and high vehicle ownership, North Carolina has approximately 8,351,510 potential car detailing clients. Plenty of work available at competitive rates. Focus on efficiency and client retention. Demand for car detailing stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. North Carolina rates run about 9% lower than neighboring Virginia - useful context if you serve clients near the border.

Or Use North Carolina State Average

Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with North Carolina statewide rates.

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$

Suggested: $38/hr based on North Carolina wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$95

Range: $86 - $114

2h estimated

Standard (Full Interior/Exterior)- + Interior wipe, tire dressing

Cost Breakdown

Base Price (Sedan / Coupe)$95.00
Total$95.00

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North Carolina Car Detailing Market Intelligence

Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for car detailing in North Carolina.

Car Detailing Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Basic wash$24$48$71
Interior detail$71$119$190
Full detail$143$214$333
Per hour$29$38$57

Prices adjusted for North Carolina cost of living (95% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Car Detailing in North Carolina?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$2,451/mo
$29,412/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$5,719/mo
$68,628/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$8,170/mo
$98,040/yr

Estimates based on North Carolina average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.

North Carolina vs Other Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
North Carolina$38/hr95%very high
National Average$40/hr100%-
Virginia(neighbor)$42/hr104%high
Tennessee(neighbor)$36/hr90%very high
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North Carolina Licensing Requirements

  • No state contractor license required
  • Register with NC Secretary of State
  • Workers comp required at 3+ employees
  • Some cities require privilege licenses

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.

North Carolina Car Detailing Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful car detailing business in North Carolina

pricing

Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) tech workers pay premium for reliable service.

growth

Charlotte is one of fastest-growing US metros. New construction = new customers.

Key Insight: North Carolina's explosive growth and diverse geography create abundant opportunities.

Car Detailing Demand in North Carolina by Month

Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.

Jan
25%
Feb
35%
Mar
55%
Apr
75%
May
90%
Jun
100%
Jul
100%
Aug
90%
Sep
75%
Oct
55%
Nov
35%
Dec
25%
Peak: May-Aug
Off-season: Nov-Feb

Plan alternative income sources for the off-season months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I charge for car detailing in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, car detailing rates range from $30-$57/hour, with an average of $38/hour. North Carolina's cost of living is 95% of the national average. Major cities like Raleigh command higher rates ($42/hr), while smaller markets like Winston-Salem average $35/hr.

What's the North Carolina average for car detailing services?

The North Carolina statewide average for car detailing is $38/hour or approximately $114-$190 per job. This reflects North Carolina's 95% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.

Which North Carolina cities have the highest car detailing rates?

In North Carolina, Raleigh has the highest car detailing rates at around $42/hour due to its 105% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro.

Do I need a license for car detailing in North Carolina?

North Carolina licensing: No state contractor license required Register with NC Secretary of State Workers comp required at 3+ employees Some cities require privilege licenses 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 North Carolina a good market for car detailing businesses?

North Carolina offers a competitive market for car detailing with rates averaging $38/hour. The state's 95% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

Car Detailing pricing data for North Carolina 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
  • North Carolina Labor Department
  • U.S. Census Bureau

Last updated: January 2026