Selling a Business in Seattle
Owners in the Seattle area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 110,685 employer businesses, and 86% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Seattle by the numbers
110,685
110,685
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
86%
86%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
322,387
322,387
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
1,884,361
1,884,361
EMPLOYMENT
$181.9 billion
$181.9 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
42,415
42,415
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 Seattle compares
The Seattle area ranks 1st of 11 Washington metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 13% of employer businesses in Seattle, compared with 12% in Washington.
42,415 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Seattle area ranks 1st of 11 Washington metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 13% of employer businesses in Seattle, compared with 12% in Washington.
42,415 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 14,812 employer businesses
Construction: 13,610 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 13,557 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 10,337 employer businesses
Retail: 10,161 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 14,812 employer businesses
Construction: 13,610 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 13,557 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 10,337 employer businesses
Retail: 10,161 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 Seattle
Professional and technical services, construction, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Seattle
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Seattle. 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
15,006 related employer businesses in Seattle.
General Contracting: 4,948 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 2,959 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,583 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,064 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,064 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 1,051 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 965 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 950 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 868 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 339 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
9,536 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Full-Service Restaurants: 3,876 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 2,939 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,608 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 833 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
8,242 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Real Estate Brokerages: 3,449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,900 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 1,360 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 1,022 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 410 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
7,201 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Dental Practices: 2,189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 1,630 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 1,097 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 769 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 475 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
4,012 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 828 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 690 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 496 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 316 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
3,015 related employer businesses in Seattle.
General Freight Trucking: 1,834 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 305 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 297 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
2,823 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Auto Repair: 1,066 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 454 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 444 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 379 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
2,763 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Hair Salons: 1,418 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 756 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
2,651 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Property Management: 1,321 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 1,165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 75 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.
Manufacturing
2,513 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 651 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 537 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 261 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 261 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Technology & Media
2,337 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Software Companies (SaaS): 645 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 617 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 485 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
2,261 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 809 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 650 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 392 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
1,619 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Daycare Centers: 1,434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
1,598 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Assisted Living Facilities: 1,095 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Non-Medical Home Care: 397 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,044 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Gas Stations: 723 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 321 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,000 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Bars & Pubs: 513 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 513 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 21 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.
Health & Fitness
888 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 614 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 614 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 614 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 614 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
831 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Compounding Pharmacies: 353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
755 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Hotels: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
587 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 391 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 391 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 196 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.
Energy & Utilities
421 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Waste Management & Recycling: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
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 Seattle. 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
15,006 related employer businesses in Seattle.
General Contracting: 4,948 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 2,959 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 1,583 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,064 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,064 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 1,051 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 965 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 950 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 868 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 339 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
9,536 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Full-Service Restaurants: 3,876 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 2,939 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,608 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 833 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
8,242 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Real Estate Brokerages: 3,449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,900 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 1,360 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 1,022 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 410 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
7,201 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Dental Practices: 2,189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 1,630 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 1,097 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 769 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 475 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
4,012 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,207 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 828 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 690 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 496 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 316 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
3,015 related employer businesses in Seattle.
General Freight Trucking: 1,834 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 305 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 297 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
2,823 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Auto Repair: 1,066 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 454 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 444 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 379 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 198 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
2,763 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Hair Salons: 1,418 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 756 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
2,651 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Property Management: 1,321 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 1,165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 75 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.
Manufacturing
2,513 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 651 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 537 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 261 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 261 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 245 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Technology & Media
2,337 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Software Companies (SaaS): 645 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 617 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 485 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
2,261 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 809 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 650 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 392 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 131 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Education & Childcare
1,619 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Daycare Centers: 1,434 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
1,598 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Assisted Living Facilities: 1,095 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Non-Medical Home Care: 397 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,044 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Gas Stations: 723 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 321 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,000 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Bars & Pubs: 513 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 513 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 21 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.
Health & Fitness
888 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 614 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 614 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 614 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 614 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 274 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
831 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Compounding Pharmacies: 353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 353 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
755 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Hotels: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
587 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 391 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 391 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 196 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.
Energy & Utilities
421 related employer businesses in Seattle.
Waste Management & Recycling: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
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 Seattle
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Seattle. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Seattle ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Seattle?
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 Seattle?
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 Seattle
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