Looking at the search results for our blog, I see that many of you want to know how much you can make for a crime scene cleanup job.  First, take time to visit The Truth About Crime Scene Cleanup, a post that will answer many of your questions.  Also, read Crime Scene Cleanup Startup Costs .

I recently read a blog that discussed the amount of money that could be made in the crime scene cleanup industry.  The author of this particular blog was obviously not a business owner involved in the industry. According to his “expertise”, he wrote that it’s possible to make a profit of over $20,000 for one cleanup job, which may take up to ten cleanup technicians.

In all my years in business in the crime scene cleanup industry, I’ve never made this kind of money and only one job required eight technicians.  Most cleanup jobs will require two technicians (a clean tech and a dirty tech).  Looking at all of the jobs my company has been involved with, I think it would be safe to assume that, on average, most jobs will require two technicians to work five hours each.  Again, this is an average.  Some jobs will require eight to twelve hours of work, while others will require only two hours.  So if you were to secure two jobs a week, with two technicians working five hours each, you would bill 20 hours per week. How much you bill and subsequently profit is strictly up to you, your needs and the competition in your area.  The crime scene cleanup industry is becoming a very competitive market, which has driven hourly rates down in recent years.  Some companies still charge a very high price for their services, and rightfully so given the hazardous nature of the work being performed.  I tend to charge a little less than the average bill rates, however I am in the Midwest where things are cheaper.  As for your profit, this too will vary from job to job.  For example, a serious decomposition will require more time and resources than will a simple accident involving a few ounces of blood.

The bottom line is, you are in business to make money.  If you are not making money, your business will fail.  After a few months and a few jobs under your belt, you will start to get a good feel for what you should be charging for your services.  If, after accounting for all of your expenses (to include rent, insurance, advertising, etc.), you find that you are only making a 5% profit margin, you may want to consider charging a bit more for you services.  If you’re seeing a 75% profit margin, but you’re not getting a lot of work, chances are you’re charging too much.   Somewhere in between will keep you in business.

Ok, I can tell you’re getting somewhat upset that I’m beating around the bush and not laying it out for you on a silver platter.  You want to know “HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE IN THE CRIME SCENE CLEANUP BUSINESS”.  How about $300 to $3,000 per job!!!  There’s a lot of factors involved and this is about the best I can do for you.  Again, read the post highlighted above and you may have a better understanding of what you can expect in this industry.

Please feel free to leave a comment below.  I’m sure others will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the crime  scene cleanup industry.

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