Contractor Break-Even Calculator
Enter your monthly overhead, owner's salary, and average job details to find out exactly how many jobs you need per month to break even — and how much you're making (or losing) right now.
How This Calculator Works
Enter your monthly overhead, owner's salary (if applicable), average job revenue, average job cost, and how many jobs you're currently completing per month. The calculator finds your break-even point.
You'll see exactly how many jobs you need per month to break even, the revenue required to cover your fixed costs, your margin per job in dollars and percent, and whether you're currently profitable or in the red.
Every contractor has a number — the minimum jobs per month to keep the lights on. This tool finds that number so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence.
Enter Your Numbers
Rent, insurance, trucks, office, tools, admin
What you need to pay yourself each month
What you charge the customer per job on average
Materials + labor + equipment per job
How many jobs you're completing right now
Your results will appear here
Enter your overhead and job details to find your break-even point.
Stop Guessing, Start Planning
Most contractors don't know their break-even point. They just hope there's money left over at the end of the month. This calculator gives you a real number to aim for.
Know Your Number
Every contractor has a break-even number — the minimum jobs per month to cover all fixed costs. Know yours and you'll always know where you stand.
Plan for Growth
Want to hire another crew member or lease a new truck? See how those fixed costs change your break-even point before you commit.
Set Revenue Goals
Turn your break-even point into a monthly revenue target. Everything above it is profit you keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a break-even point for a contracting business?
Your break-even point is the minimum number of jobs (or revenue) you need per month to cover all fixed costs -- overhead, insurance, vehicle payments, and owner's salary. Every job beyond break-even is profit. Every job below it means you're losing money.
How do I calculate my break-even point?
Add up your monthly fixed costs (overhead + owner's salary). Then calculate your average profit per job (revenue minus direct costs). Divide your monthly fixed costs by your profit per job. For example, $10,000 in fixed costs divided by $2,500 profit per job means you need 4 jobs per month to break even.
What counts as fixed costs for a contractor?
Fixed costs are expenses you pay regardless of how many jobs you do: insurance premiums, vehicle payments, office or yard rent, phone and software subscriptions, tool payments, marketing costs, and your own salary. These don't go up or down based on job volume.
How can I lower my break-even point?
You have two levers: reduce fixed costs or increase profit per job. Reducing overhead (renegotiating insurance, cutting unused subscriptions) directly lowers your break-even. Increasing profit per job through better pricing, lower material costs, or higher crew productivity means you need fewer jobs to cover overhead.
Why is knowing my break-even number important?
Without it, you're guessing whether your business is profitable. Knowing you need 6 jobs per month to break even means you can set sales targets, plan marketing spend, and make hiring decisions with confidence. If you're at 8 jobs per month, you know exactly how much profit you're making above break-even.
How to Pay Your Crew 20% More and Double Your Profit
The math most contractors never run — and the mistakes that cost them $93K+ a year. This free PDF breaks down the math in ten minutes. Plus, you'll understand the payroll traps that can wipe you out.
Ready to Stop Wasting Time on Payroll?
Track piece work, run payroll in minutes, and know exactly what every job costs. Free to start — no credit card required.