Selling a Business in Suffolk County

Suffolk County has 50,748 employer businesses, and 89% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.

LOCAL SNAPSHOT

Suffolk County by the numbers

50,748

50,748

EMPLOYER BUSINESSES

89%

89%

SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE

163,751

163,751

BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES

592,580

592,580

EMPLOYMENT

$39.3 billion

$39.3 billion

ANNUAL PAYROLL

16,875

16,875

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 Suffolk County compares

  • Suffolk County ranks 4th of 62 New York counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 1.9% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Construction makes up 16% of employer businesses in Suffolk County, compared with 9% in New York.

  • 16,875 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

  • Suffolk County ranks 4th of 62 New York counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 1.9% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Construction makes up 16% of employer businesses in Suffolk County, compared with 9% in New York.

  • 16,875 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

Industry mix

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Construction: 7,892 employer businesses

  • Retail: 6,079 employer businesses

  • Professional and technical services: 5,918 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 5,226 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 4,957 employer businesses

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Construction: 7,892 employer businesses

  • Retail: 6,079 employer businesses

  • Professional and technical services: 5,918 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 5,226 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 4,957 employer businesses

Every kind of business we sell in Suffolk County

We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Suffolk 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

9,125 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • General Contracting: 2,624 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 1,745 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 1,579 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 1,089 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 1,089 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Electrical: 838 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 338 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Masonry: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Civil Engineering: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Restaurants & Food

4,261 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Medical Practices

3,112 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Financial & Professional Services

2,999 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Retail Stores

2,469 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Automotive & Boat

1,836 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Auto Repair: 753 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Collision Repair: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Auto Parts: 237 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Car Dealerships: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Car Washes: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Marinas: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Boat Dealerships: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Beauty & Personal Care

1,527 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Hair Salons: 719 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

Wholesale & Distribution

1,398 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Manufacturing

1,380 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Home Services

1,040 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Residential Cleaning: 511 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.

  • Commercial Cleaning: 511 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.

  • Property Management: 336 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Pest Control: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.

  • Security Systems: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.

Logistics & Transportation

942 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Gas Stations & Convenience

836 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Gas Stations: 477 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.

  • Convenience Stores: 359 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.

Technology & Media

816 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Education & Childcare

467 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Daycare Centers: 414 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

429 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Entertainment & Recreation

423 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Bars & Pubs: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Golf Courses: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

  • Bowling Alleys: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.

Health & Fitness

415 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Hospitality & Travel

415 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Transportation Services: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Hotels: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

Energy & Utilities

330 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Senior Care & Living

231 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Pet Services

216 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Suffolk 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

9,125 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • General Contracting: 2,624 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 1,745 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 1,579 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 1,089 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 1,089 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Electrical: 838 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 338 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Masonry: 304 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Civil Engineering: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 208 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Restaurants & Food

4,261 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Medical Practices

3,112 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Financial & Professional Services

2,999 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Retail Stores

2,469 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Automotive & Boat

1,836 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Auto Repair: 753 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Collision Repair: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Auto Parts: 237 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Car Dealerships: 211 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Car Washes: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Marinas: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Boat Dealerships: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Beauty & Personal Care

1,527 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Hair Salons: 719 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

Wholesale & Distribution

1,398 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Manufacturing

1,380 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Home Services

1,040 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Residential Cleaning: 511 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.

  • Commercial Cleaning: 511 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.

  • Property Management: 336 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Pest Control: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.

  • Security Systems: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.

Logistics & Transportation

942 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Gas Stations & Convenience

836 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Gas Stations: 477 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.

  • Convenience Stores: 359 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.

Technology & Media

816 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Education & Childcare

467 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Daycare Centers: 414 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

429 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Entertainment & Recreation

423 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Bars & Pubs: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 163 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Golf Courses: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

  • Bowling Alleys: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.

Health & Fitness

415 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Hospitality & Travel

415 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

  • Transportation Services: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Hotels: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

Energy & Utilities

330 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Senior Care & Living

231 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Pet Services

216 related employer businesses in Suffolk County.

Working with owners in Suffolk County

Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Suffolk County. Contact us to talk about a sale.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions owners in Suffolk County ask

How long does it take to sell a business in Suffolk County?

The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.

How is a business valued in Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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