Selling a Business in Pennsylvania
Selling a business in Pennsylvania means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. Pennsylvania has 307,065 employer businesses and about 1,001,577 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Pennsylvania by the numbers
307,065
307,065
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
84%
84%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
1,001,577
1,001,577
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
5,713,846
5,713,846
EMPLOYMENT
$363.9 billion
$363.9 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
129,908
129,908
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 Pennsylvania compares
Pennsylvania ranks 6th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 4% of employer businesses in Pennsylvania, compared with 3% nationwide.
129,908 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Pennsylvania ranks 6th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 4% of employer businesses in Pennsylvania, compared with 3% nationwide.
129,908 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in Pennsylvania
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Pennsylvania
Notice when assets are sold
Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry says its unemployment compensation law requires a business selling 51 percent or more of its assets, such as stock, equipment or land and buildings, to give the Department a written ten-day notice of the sale. A seller may request a bulk sale clearance certificate on Form REV-181, sending the original to the Department of Revenue and a copy to Labor and Industry. Source: Department of Labor and Industry bulk sale clearance page
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Pennsylvania's Department of Revenue says its bulk sale law applies when a business transfers more than 51 percent of its assets, including land and buildings or machinery and equipment, and requires every buyer to secure a bulk sale clearance certificate from the seller. The Department describes the law as protecting a buyer from unknowingly becoming liable for all of the seller's Pennsylvania tax liabilities, which is called successor liability. Source: Department of Revenue Bulk Sales Notice
Permits and registrations
Pennsylvania's Department of Revenue says sales and use tax licenses are non-transferable, and that an ownership change requires a new registration. Source: Department of Revenue Form REV-1705R, registration change form
Unemployment insurance account
Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry says a buyer continuing essentially the same business activity as the seller may apply to take over the seller's unemployment compensation experience record and reserve account balance, in whole or in part. The application must be signed by both the seller and the buyer, and once the Department approves the transfer it is binding and irrevocable. The Department may make the transfer mandatory where the two businesses share common ownership, management or control. Source: Department of Labor and Industry Form UC-15 and instructions
These points come from official Pennsylvania agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Pennsylvania
Notice when assets are sold
Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry says its unemployment compensation law requires a business selling 51 percent or more of its assets, such as stock, equipment or land and buildings, to give the Department a written ten-day notice of the sale. A seller may request a bulk sale clearance certificate on Form REV-181, sending the original to the Department of Revenue and a copy to Labor and Industry. Source: Department of Labor and Industry bulk sale clearance page
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Pennsylvania's Department of Revenue says its bulk sale law applies when a business transfers more than 51 percent of its assets, including land and buildings or machinery and equipment, and requires every buyer to secure a bulk sale clearance certificate from the seller. The Department describes the law as protecting a buyer from unknowingly becoming liable for all of the seller's Pennsylvania tax liabilities, which is called successor liability. Source: Department of Revenue Bulk Sales Notice
Permits and registrations
Pennsylvania's Department of Revenue says sales and use tax licenses are non-transferable, and that an ownership change requires a new registration. Source: Department of Revenue Form REV-1705R, registration change form
Unemployment insurance account
Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry says a buyer continuing essentially the same business activity as the seller may apply to take over the seller's unemployment compensation experience record and reserve account balance, in whole or in part. The application must be signed by both the seller and the buyer, and once the Department approves the transfer it is binding and irrevocable. The Department may make the transfer mandatory where the two businesses share common ownership, management or control. Source: Department of Labor and Industry Form UC-15 and instructions
These points come from official Pennsylvania agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
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 Pennsylvania
Retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services, professional and technical services
Every kind of business we sell in Pennsylvania
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Pennsylvania. 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
32,788 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
General Contracting: 9,325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 5,179 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 4,154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 4,154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 3,804 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 2,750 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 2,523 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 2,243 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 1,181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 1,053 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 251 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
26,865 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 9,802 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 9,433 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 2,906 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 2,543 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 1,810 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 371 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
21,620 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Primary & Family Care: 7,854 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 4,649 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 2,111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 2,085 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 1,522 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 1,270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 812 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 662 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 403 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
15,284 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Insurance Agencies: 4,773 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 4,111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 3,092 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 2,393 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 667 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 248 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
15,174 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 4,098 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 3,685 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 3,036 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 1,700 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 976 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 896 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 783 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
11,894 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Auto Repair: 5,217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 2,077 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 1,947 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 1,532 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 628 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 382 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: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
10,520 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Metal Fabrication: 2,798 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 1,941 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 1,589 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 1,474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 932 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 712 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 711 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
9,046 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
General Freight Trucking: 6,299 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 908 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 563 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 558 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
8,088 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Hair Salons: 4,846 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 1,846 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 1,095 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 1,095 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 1,095 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
6,459 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 2,907 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 1,286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 1,086 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 428 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
5,158 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Gas Stations: 3,643 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 1,515 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.
Home Services
5,026 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Residential Cleaning: 2,456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 2,456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 1,896 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 251 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
4,293 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Compounding Pharmacies: 1,972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 1,972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 1,522 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 380 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
4,064 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Daycare Centers: 3,823 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
3,842 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Bars & Pubs: 2,148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 2,148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 945 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 471 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
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.
Technology & Media
3,757 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 1,271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 978 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 566 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
3,365 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Non-Medical Home Care: 2,455 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 584 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 326 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
3,142 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Hotels: 1,490 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 1,490 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 1,062 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 261 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
2,778 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 1,637 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 1,637 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 1,637 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 1,637 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 1,141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
2,454 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Waste Management & Recycling: 842 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 765 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 485 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 334 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
1,371 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 986 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 986 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 385 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.
Land & Agriculture
12 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
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.
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.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Pennsylvania. 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
32,788 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
General Contracting: 9,325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 5,179 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 4,154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 4,154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 3,804 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 2,750 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 2,523 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 2,243 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 1,181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 1,053 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 325 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 251 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
26,865 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 9,802 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 9,433 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 2,906 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 2,543 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 1,810 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 371 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
21,620 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Primary & Family Care: 7,854 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 4,649 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 2,111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 2,085 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 1,522 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 1,270 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 812 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 662 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 403 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
15,284 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Insurance Agencies: 4,773 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 4,111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 3,092 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 2,393 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 667 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 248 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
15,174 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 4,098 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 3,685 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 3,036 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 1,700 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 976 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 896 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 783 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
11,894 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Auto Repair: 5,217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 2,077 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 1,947 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 1,532 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 628 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 382 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: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
10,520 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Metal Fabrication: 2,798 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 1,941 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 1,589 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 1,474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 932 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 712 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 711 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
9,046 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
General Freight Trucking: 6,299 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 908 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 563 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 558 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
8,088 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Hair Salons: 4,846 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 1,846 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 1,095 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 1,095 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 1,095 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
6,459 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 2,907 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 1,286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 1,086 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 428 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 263 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
5,158 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Gas Stations: 3,643 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 1,515 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.
Home Services
5,026 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Residential Cleaning: 2,456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 2,456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 1,896 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 251 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
4,293 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Compounding Pharmacies: 1,972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 1,972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 1,522 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 380 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
4,064 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Daycare Centers: 3,823 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
3,842 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Bars & Pubs: 2,148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 2,148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 945 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 471 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Bowling Alleys: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
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.
Technology & Media
3,757 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 1,271 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 978 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 566 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 474 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
3,365 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Non-Medical Home Care: 2,455 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 584 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 326 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
3,142 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Hotels: 1,490 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 1,490 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 1,062 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 261 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 210 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
2,778 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 1,637 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 1,637 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 1,637 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 1,637 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 1,141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
2,454 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Waste Management & Recycling: 842 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 765 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 485 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 334 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
1,371 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 986 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 986 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 385 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.
Land & Agriculture
12 related employer businesses in Pennsylvania.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
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.
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.
Working with owners in Pennsylvania
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Pennsylvania. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Pennsylvania ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
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.
What should I prepare before listing?
Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements, a current balance sheet, the lease, a list of equipment and a summary of key contracts.
What is the difference between SDE and EBITDA?
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, and it is used for larger businesses that run without the owner.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Pennsylvania
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