How It Works
Three simple steps to get accurate calculations
1
Enter Your Pricing Strategy
Input your planned hourly rate, target number of jobs per week, and average time per job to establish your revenue foundation.
2
Factor in Travel Costs
Account for travel time, mileage, fuel costs, and vehicle maintenance - often overlooked but critical for mobile businesses.
3
Calculate Equipment Investment
Include welding equipment, tools, truck setup, and safety gear to determine depreciation and ROI on your investment.
4
Add Business Expenses
Factor in insurance, licensing, marketing, and overhead costs to get a complete picture of your business finances.
5
Analyze Your Results
See your net profit, effective hourly rate, break-even analysis, and equipment payback period to make informed decisions.
Mobile Welding Business Calculator
Calculate profitability, costs, and key metrics for your mobile welding business.
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Mobile Welding Business Results
Financial Summary
Weekly Net Profit$1,570.85
Monthly Net Profit$6,801.76
Annual Net Profit$81,684.00
Effective Hourly Rate$34.91
Profit Margin58.2%
Revenue Analysis
Weekly Revenue$2,700.00
Monthly Revenue$11,691.00
Annual Revenue$140,400.00
Time Breakdown (Weekly)
Billable Hours36.0 hrs
Travel Hours9.0 hrs
Total Hours45.0 hrs
Weekly Cost Breakdown
Travel Costs$69.00
Consumables$300.00
Equipment Depreciation$30.77
Business Overhead$205.77
Total Weekly Costs$605.54
Equipment Investment
Payback Period1.2 months
Annual Equipment ROI921.1%
Business Health
Break-even Jobs/Week1.1 jobs
Travel Time Percentage20%
Excellent Profitability
Weekly profit of $1,570.85 shows a very strong business model. Consider expanding your services or coverage area.
Fast Equipment Recovery
Equipment investment will pay for itself in 1.2 months - excellent for mobile welding.
Business Optimization Tips
• Charge for travel time at 50-75% of your hourly rate • Focus on emergency repairs for premium pricing opportunities • Build relationships with contractors for steady work • Consider offering 24/7 emergency services • Invest in certifications for specialty welding (aluminum, stainless) • Optimize your service radius to balance travel costs with market reach
Frequently Asked Questions
What hourly rate should I charge for mobile welding?
Mobile welding rates typically range from $50-$200+ per hour depending on your location, skill level, and type of work. Consider that mobile welders often charge 20-50% more than shop rates due to travel costs and convenience. Factor in your costs, desired profit margin, and local market rates.
How much does it cost to start a mobile welding business?
Initial investment typically ranges from $5,000-$25,000 including welding equipment, truck setup, tools, insurance, and licensing. A basic setup might include a welder ($2,000-$8,000), truck bed setup ($1,000-$3,000), tools ($1,000-$2,000), and initial business expenses ($1,000-$2,000).
What are the main expenses in mobile welding?
Major expenses include fuel and vehicle maintenance (15-30% of revenue), consumables like welding rods and gas (10-20%), insurance ($200-$500/month), equipment depreciation, licensing fees, and marketing. Travel costs are often the largest variable expense.
How many jobs can I realistically do per week?
Most mobile welders handle 8-20 jobs per week depending on job complexity and travel time. Emergency repair work may be shorter (1-2 hours) while custom fabrication can take 4-8 hours. Factor in travel time, which can be 30-60 minutes per job.
What types of welding work are most profitable?
Emergency repairs, custom fabrication, and specialty welding (stainless steel, aluminum) typically command higher rates. Agricultural repairs, trailer work, and routine maintenance are common but may have lower margins. Establishing relationships with contractors and businesses provides steady work.
How do I price travel time and mileage?
Many mobile welders charge for travel time at 50-75% of their hourly rate or include it in a trip charge. Calculate your true vehicle costs (fuel, maintenance, depreciation) - typically $0.20-$0.40 per mile. Some charge a flat trip fee plus mileage over a certain distance.
What insurance do I need for mobile welding?
Essential coverage includes general liability ($1-2M), commercial auto, professional liability, and equipment coverage. Workers compensation may be required if you have employees. Costs typically range from $2,000-$6,000 annually depending on coverage limits and location.
How do I find customers for mobile welding?
Build relationships with contractors, farmers, manufacturers, and repair shops. Online presence (website, Google Business), social media, and word-of-mouth referrals are crucial. Consider partnerships with equipment dealers and offering 24/7 emergency services for premium rates.
What welding certifications increase earnings?
AWS D1.1 structural certification, pipe welding certifications, and aluminum/stainless steel qualifications command higher rates. Underwater welding, industrial maintenance, and specialized process certifications (TIG, MIG) expand your market and pricing power.
How do I handle slow periods or seasonal fluctuations?
Diversify your services (fabrication, repair, maintenance contracts), build cash reserves during busy periods, consider complementary services (cutting, grinding, equipment rental), and develop relationships in multiple industries to balance seasonal variations.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Consult professionals for important decisions.