Selling a Business in San Mateo County
San Mateo County has 21,569 employer businesses, and 85% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
San Mateo County by the numbers
21,569
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
85%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
73,332
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
477,938
EMPLOYMENT
$87.7 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
8,443
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 San Mateo County compares
San Mateo County ranks 12th of 58 California counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Finance and insurance makes up 6% of employer businesses in San Mateo County, compared with 5% in California.
8,443 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 3,464 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,694 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 2,180 employer businesses
Construction: 1,985 employer businesses
Retail: 1,827 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in San Mateo County
Professional and technical services, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service, construction
Every kind of business we sell in San Mateo County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in San Mateo 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
2,280 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
General Contracting: 853 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 372 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Masonry: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
1,990 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 801 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 633 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 288 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 182 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,492 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Dental Practices: 515 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 405 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 152 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
1,445 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 518 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 269 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 244 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Mortgage Brokerages: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
789 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 233 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
604 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Auto Repair: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
595 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Software Companies (SaaS): 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Home Services
570 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Property Management: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
490 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 110 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
462 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
General Freight Trucking: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
446 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Daycare Centers: 357 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Manufacturing
432 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
422 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Hair Salons: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
296 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Hotels: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
247 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Assisted Living Facilities: 126 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Non-Medical Home Care: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Gas Stations & Convenience
182 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Gas Stations: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
176 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Home Infusion: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
167 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 128 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
144 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Outdoor Recreation: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Bars & Pubs: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
86 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Energy & Utilities
54 related employer businesses in San Mateo County.
Waste Management & Recycling: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Where this county sits
Working with owners in San Mateo County
Business Advisors of America represents owners selling a business in San Mateo County. Matan Michael is the advisor of record on every engagement.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in San Mateo County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in San Mateo 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 San Mateo 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 San Mateo 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