Selling a Business in San Jose
Owners in the San Jose area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 50,322 employer businesses, and 85% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
San Jose by the numbers
50,322
50,322
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
85%
85%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
155,909
155,909
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
1,185,619
1,185,619
EMPLOYMENT
$213.6 billion
$213.6 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
19,486
19,486
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 Jose compares
The San Jose area ranks 6th of 25 California metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 17% of employer businesses in San Jose, compared with 14% in California.
19,486 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The San Jose area ranks 6th of 25 California metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 17% of employer businesses in San Jose, compared with 14% in California.
19,486 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 8,761 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 6,467 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 5,230 employer businesses
Retail: 4,376 employer businesses
Construction: 4,177 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 8,761 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 6,467 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 5,230 employer businesses
Retail: 4,376 employer businesses
Construction: 4,177 employer businesses
What buyers look for
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
INDUSTRIES
What sells in San Jose
Professional and technical services, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service, retail
Every kind of business we sell in San Jose
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in San Jose. 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
5,073 related employer businesses in San Jose.
General Contracting: 1,570 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 728 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 712 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 547 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 547 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 530 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 504 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
4,779 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,743 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,647 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 785 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 348 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,974 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Dental Practices: 1,566 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 1,164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
3,239 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 982 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 579 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Mortgage Brokerages: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,030 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 775 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 397 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Manufacturing
1,786 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 573 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Metal Fabrication: 543 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,252 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Auto Repair: 619 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
1,224 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Hair Salons: 636 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 338 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
1,198 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Property Management: 677 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 427 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 427 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
1,191 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Software Companies (SaaS): 685 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 226 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
1,028 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Daycare Centers: 821 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
965 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 187 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
746 related employer businesses in San Jose.
General Freight Trucking: 473 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
467 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Gas Stations: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Hospitality & Travel
447 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Hotels: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
430 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Home Infusion: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
398 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
366 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Non-Medical Home Care: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
300 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Bars & Pubs: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
142 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Waste Management & Recycling: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
141 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in San Jose. 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
5,073 related employer businesses in San Jose.
General Contracting: 1,570 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 728 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 712 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 547 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 547 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 530 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 504 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
4,779 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Full-Service Restaurants: 1,743 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 1,647 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 785 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 348 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
3,974 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Dental Practices: 1,566 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 1,164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 282 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 250 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
3,239 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 982 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 579 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 356 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Mortgage Brokerages: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Retail Stores
2,030 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 775 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 397 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Manufacturing
1,786 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 573 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Metal Fabrication: 543 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 94 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
1,252 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Auto Repair: 619 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 150 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
1,224 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Hair Salons: 636 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 338 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 215 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
1,198 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Property Management: 677 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 427 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 427 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
1,191 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Software Companies (SaaS): 685 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 226 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
1,028 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Daycare Centers: 821 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
965 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 296 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 187 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
746 related employer businesses in San Jose.
General Freight Trucking: 473 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
467 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Gas Stations: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Hospitality & Travel
447 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Hotels: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
430 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Home Infusion: 162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
398 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
366 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Non-Medical Home Care: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 173 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
300 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Bars & Pubs: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
142 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Waste Management & Recycling: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
141 related employer businesses in San Jose.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Land & Agriculture
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
Counties in this metro area
Working with owners in San Jose
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in San Jose. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in San Jose ask
How long does it take to sell a business in San Jose?
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 San Jose?
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 San Jose
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