Selling a Business in Placer County
Placer County has 12,180 employer businesses, and 87% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Placer County by the numbers
12,180
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
87%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
39,560
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
167,628
EMPLOYMENT
$11.3 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
4,682
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 Placer County compares
Placer County ranks 18th of 58 California counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 10.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 13% of employer businesses in Placer County, compared with 8% in California.
4,682 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 1,625 employer businesses
Construction: 1,623 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 1,538 employer businesses
Retail: 1,278 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,074 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Placer County
Professional and technical services, construction, health care and social assistance, retail
Every kind of business we sell in Placer County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Placer County. 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.
Construction & Engineering
1,782 related employer businesses in Placer County.
General Contracting: 572 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 228 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 209 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 209 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
1,146 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
1,019 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 395 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 364 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
925 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Dental Practices: 297 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
580 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
339 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Auto Repair: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
297 related employer businesses in Placer County.
General Freight Trucking: 213 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Home Services
294 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Property Management: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
269 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Hair Salons: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Manufacturing
233 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Metal Fabrication: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Technology & Media
165 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
162 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Daycare Centers: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
162 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
145 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Assisted Living Facilities: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Non-Medical Home Care: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Gas Stations & Convenience
140 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Gas Stations: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
109 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Home Infusion: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
107 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Outdoor Recreation: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Bars & Pubs: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Health & Fitness
96 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
88 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Hotels: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
55 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Energy & Utilities
40 related employer businesses in Placer County.
Water & Wastewater Services: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Where this county sits
Working with owners in Placer County
Business Advisors of America represents owners selling a business in Placer County. Matan Michael is the advisor of record on every engagement.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Placer County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Placer County?
Our working target is about six months from engagement to closing. The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Placer County?
We start with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjust 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?
Yes. Buyers sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Placer 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
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