Contractor markup calculator
Enter your job cost and desired markup or margin. The calculator shows your selling price, profit, and the difference between markup and margin so a contractor can quote jobs without quietly giving away owner pay.
Use this with ProTradeHQ's job pricing, break-even, and cash-flow resources when you need the full pricing system, not just one number.
Enter your numbers
Choose whether you want to calculate from a markup percentage or a target selling price.
Labor + materials + overhead
Percentage added on top of cost
What you plan to charge the customer
Your breakdown
Selling price
$0
Profit amount
$0
Markup %
0%
Profit margin %
0%
Markup vs margin explained
Typical contractor markups by trade
These ranges come from industry surveys and contractor benchmarking data. Your actual markup depends on your overhead, local market, and whether the job is residential or commercial.
| Trade | Typical markup | Effective margin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC | 40% to 60% | 29% to 38% | Higher on service calls and repairs. Equipment installs sit at the lower end due to material cost. |
| Electrical | 30% to 50% | 23% to 33% | Panel upgrades and rewires command higher markups. New construction bids run thinner. |
| Plumbing | 35% to 55% | 26% to 35% | Service and repair work sits at the higher end. Water heater and fixture installs run middle of the range. |
| General contracting | 15% to 30% | 13% to 23% | Lower percentage but higher total dollar amounts. Subcontractor costs make up a large portion of the budget. |
| Landscaping | 40% to 65% | 29% to 39% | Recurring maintenance contracts can run higher markup. Hardscaping and installs are lower. |
| Painting | 35% to 50% | 26% to 33% | Labor-heavy jobs support higher markup. Material costs are a smaller share than other trades. |
Want to understand how markup connects to your pricing formula? Read the full guide on contractor job pricing.
Set the pricing formula
Connect markup to labor, materials, overhead, and job risk before quotes go out.
Protect owner pay
Translate selling price into monthly revenue targets, breakeven jobs, and profit floor checks.
Control cash before work starts
Pair markup with deposits so materials and payroll do not become the owner's emergency loan.
Product-fit decision
Do not force a Webzaz or LocalKit pitch here. This calculator has pricing and margin intent. The right next step is the pricing spreadsheet, job-pricing guide, owner-pay break-even target, or deposit calculator unless the user later shows a website, lead-response, or review automation problem.
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