Break-Even Calculator
Know your number. Enter your monthly overhead, owner's salary, and average job economics to see exactly how much revenue you need to break even — and how many jobs that takes.
Monthly Fixed Costs
Average Job Economics
Materials + labor + subs (before overhead)
Common Contractor Overhead Expenses
| Expense | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shop / Office Rent | $500-$3,000 | Includes storage, yard |
| Vehicle Payments | $500-$2,000 | Truck(s), trailer, fuel |
| Insurance | $300-$1,500 | GL, auto, umbrella, bonding |
| Tools & Equipment | $200-$800 | Replacement, maintenance, leases |
| Marketing | $200-$2,000 | Website, ads, yard signs, referral bonuses |
| Phone / Software | $100-$500 | CRM, estimating, accounting software |
| Office / Admin Staff | $0-$5,000 | Bookkeeper, admin, dispatcher |
FAQ
What is a break-even analysis?
A break-even analysis tells you the minimum revenue needed to cover all your costs — both fixed overhead (rent, insurance, trucks) and variable costs (materials, labor per job). Below break-even you're losing money; above it, you're profitable. Every contractor should know their monthly break-even number.
What's a healthy gross margin for contractors?
Most successful contractors target 35-50% gross margin (revenue minus direct job costs, before overhead). General contractors typically see 25-35%, while specialty trades like electrical and plumbing can achieve 40-55%. If your margin is below 25%, you're likely not charging enough.
How do I lower my break-even point?
You can lower your break-even by: (1) increasing your gross margin by charging more or reducing job costs, (2) cutting fixed overhead expenses, or (3) both. Even a 5% improvement in margin can dramatically reduce how many jobs you need per month.
Price every job to cover overhead and generate profit
Contractor Co-Pilot builds overhead and profit margins into every estimate automatically.