Selling a Business in Jefferson County
Jefferson County has 1,113 employer businesses, and 88% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here. The largest industries here are repair, personal care and other services and retail.
Areas in Pennsylvania
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Jefferson County by the numbers
1,113
1,113
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
88%
88%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,030
3,030
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
13,508
13,508
EMPLOYMENT
$608 million
$608 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
462
462
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How Jefferson County compares
Jefferson County ranks 44th of 67 Pennsylvania counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses was unchanged between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 9% of employer businesses in Jefferson County, compared with 4% in Pennsylvania.
462 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Jefferson County ranks 44th of 67 Pennsylvania counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses was unchanged between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 9% of employer businesses in Jefferson County, compared with 4% in Pennsylvania.
462 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Repair, personal care and other services: 172 employer businesses
Retail: 152 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 131 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 115 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 104 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Repair, personal care and other services: 172 employer businesses
Retail: 152 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 131 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 115 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 104 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Jefferson County
Repair, personal care and other services, retail, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Jefferson County
These are the industries in Jefferson County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
100 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Construction & Engineering
95 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
General Contracting: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Plumbing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
82 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical Practices
57 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Primary & Family Care: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
49 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
General Freight Trucking: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
45 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Auto Repair: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
42 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
37 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Insurance Agencies: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
20 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Education & Childcare
17 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Daycare Centers: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
17 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Bars & Pubs: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
15 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Hair Salons: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
15 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Gas Stations: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Wholesale & Distribution
15 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
14 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Transportation Services: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Hotels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
11 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Home Services
8 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Residential Cleaning: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
5 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
5 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
These are the industries in Jefferson County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
100 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Construction & Engineering
95 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
General Contracting: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Plumbing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Roofing & Siding: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
82 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical Practices
57 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Primary & Family Care: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
49 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
General Freight Trucking: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
45 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Auto Repair: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
42 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
37 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Insurance Agencies: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
20 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Education & Childcare
17 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Daycare Centers: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
17 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Bars & Pubs: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
15 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Hair Salons: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
15 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Gas Stations: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Wholesale & Distribution
15 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
14 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Transportation Services: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Hotels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
11 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Home Services
8 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Residential Cleaning: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
5 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
5 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Working with owners in Jefferson County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Jefferson County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Jefferson County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Jefferson County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Jefferson County?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Jefferson County
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article