Mobile sandblasting service

Bring blasting equipment to farms, shops and job sites to clean trailers, steel, equipment and masonry on location.

Startup cost$15k to $60k
Monthly revenue$4k to $20k
Time needed20+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • $15k-60k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

What it is

A trailer- or truck-mounted setup with a compressor, blast pot and containment gear. You travel to the customer to strip paint and rust from items too big to move, such as trailers, gates, tanks, steel beams and brick or concrete surfaces.

Your first three steps

  1. Price used and new compressors, blast pots, hoses and a trailer, and decide what size jobs you want to take
  2. Complete safety training on respirators, silica, and working with coatings, and get quotes for general liability insurance
  3. Pitch local fabricators, painters and farm equipment owners and offer a discounted first job for photos and a review
Who pays

Farms and ranches, contractors, fabricators, property managers, fleet and equipment owners, and homeowners with fences, railings or masonry.

How it makes money

Hourly rate or per-job quote, often priced by square footage or item size, plus charges for travel, media and coating prep.

Skills that help
  • Comfortable with heavy equipment and physical work
  • Estimating jobs accurately
  • Following safety procedures every time
Watch out for
  • Check your state and county for contractor licensing when working on buildings and structures
  • Check local air quality and dust rules, and whether outdoor blasting needs a permit or containment
  • Lead or other hazardous coatings on older structures may trigger EPA and state rules, so check before accepting those jobs
  • OSHA rules on silica, respirators, noise and hearing protection apply to you and any employees
  • General liability insurance, commercial auto cover for the truck and trailer, and workers' compensation once you hire
  • Wind, overspray and property damage risk, so plan containment and get written scopes

πŸ”’ Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile sandblasting business?

Estimates are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your truck or trailer, compressor, blast pot, containment gear and insurance. Your final cost will depend on the size of jobs you want to take on.

How much can a mobile sandblaster earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many jobs you book and what size they are. These are estimates, not guarantees, and travel and materials will affect your results.

What licenses and rules should I check?

Check your state and county for contractor licensing on buildings and structures, local air quality and dust rules, and EPA and state rules for lead coatings on older structures. OSHA rules on silica, respirators and noise also apply.

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