Today we’re going to take a look at how much a lawn care business owner makes and whether it would be worth investing time and money in. You may be considering starting your own business in lawn care because you have discovered it’s harder and harder to get a job in your field, even with a degree. Bills add up, and so do those student loans.
You can start a lawn care business with minimal cash so you, the owner, can start turning profits in record time.
Today, we will look at what you can realistically expect to get paid as the owner of your very own lawn care business. With some research, a little sweat, and some manual labor, you’ll be ready to rake in the earnings should you decide this is the yard you want to mow.
On average
The average small business lawn care business owner can make anywhere from $53,000 to $82,000 a year with your lawn care business: according to Zip Recruiter. Of course, this depends on you and other outside forces beyond your control.
*While average salaries will depend greatly on many factors such as:
- The size of the company
- Geographical location and economy
- Experience level
- How hard you’re willing to hustle
- Mental fortitude
Let’s talk a little bit more about the size of your company. Obviously, if it’s only you, you won’t have any payroll and you can keep the profits after taxes and expenses. However, if you don’t have any employees, this can also limit your earnings potential since it’s only you doing the work.
Geographical location and economy will have a lot to do with how much you get paid as well. For example, according to Zip Recruiter, the highest average salaries go to the states of Tennessee, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Nevada. While the lowest average salaries of around $55,000 go to those whose business is in New Mexico, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. That’s a significant difference, so make sure you do your research first.
Your experience level will affect how much you can earn. Obviously, experienced companies and individuals earn more because they have already created an established network of clients and made a reputation for themselves. Newer companies will need to get their name out there and network to gain a reputation, clients, and higher earnings. Not sure where to start? Check out this blog post on networking and marketing your business for a little help and some new ideas.
Next, let’s touch base on the subject of hustle. If it’s just you in this business, how much can you realistically do? You must factor in how many lawns a day you can cut, how long it takes you, how many hours a day, and how many days a week you’re willing and able to work. What will you do for income during the “off months”? Once you figure that out, you may want to work behind the scenes on route optimization to incorporate the most effective use of time, gas, and money.
Real talk. Some of the biggest obstacles you may come across starting this business are not financial, but physical and mental. Expect to spend most of your weeks outdoors in the heat, with little to no shade. This requires preparedness and a certain amount of mental determination. You may want to be prepared with sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
The Highs and Lows of Lawn Care Business Owner’s Salary
On the high end, an established company with many employees, repeat clients, six-day work weeks, and great scheduling software can expect to see anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 or more in sales, but that doesn’t mean that’s what you, the owner, get to keep. Just because your business brings in over $500,000 doesn’t mean you should spend recklessly. You have employees to pay, benefits, and taxes to take care of. The reality is you get a percentage of that, usually about 10%. Establish how much you need, as the owner, to cover your basic living expenses and budget in your salary. Pay yourself first. Don’t forget things you can write off and pay for through the company, like phones, vehicles, and lawn care.
Once your business is thriving, decide how much you will need to reinvest in the business before giving out any bonuses.
In conclusion
We’ve taken a look at how much a lawn care business owner makes and you now have some idea as to whether it is something you would like to pursue. While a lawn care business may not be a get-rich-quick scheme, with some careful investing, planning, and effort, it can be a lucrative business.
With ServiceWorks, we make it easy to skip the middle person and act as a silent manager with our all-in-one software. Our software can follow up on leads, help with invoicing and payroll, track employees through GPS, route optimization, and so much more. It’s like your best employee but without having to pay for an hourly rate or PTO.
