Machine Repair Workshop
Rent a small shop where local businesses and farms bring machines and parts to be repaired.
- $15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
22,907 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.1% in a year
NAICS 811310 “Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small rented unit or shop with a bench, tools and lifting gear where you rebuild, repair and test machines and components that customers drop off or you collect.
Your first three steps
- Find a small light-industrial unit and check zoning and lease terms with your city or county
- Buy or lease core tools like a welder, drill press, bench grinder and hoist, and get quotes for insurance
- Introduce yourself to equipment dealers and local manufacturers and offer a fast-turnaround repair for their first job
Who pays
Local workshops, factories, farms, contractors and equipment dealers who need repairs without hiring a full-time mechanic.
How it makes money
Shop labor rate per hour plus parts markup, fixed prices for common repairs, and rush fees for urgent jobs.
Skills that help
- Machine repair and rebuilding
- Machining or welding
- Estimating jobs and ordering parts
- Running a shop safely
Watch out for
- General liability, property and garage-keepers style insurance for customers' machines in your care, ask your broker
- Check zoning, fire code and any environmental rules for oils, solvents and waste disposal
- Check whether you need a local business license and state sales tax registration
- Workers' compensation insurance once you hire help
- Big upfront costs for rent and tools before steady work arrives
🔒 Full research report for US
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a machine repair workshop?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on rent, tools, lifting gear and insurance. The idea notes big upfront costs for rent and tools before steady work arrives, so plan your cash accordingly.
How much can a machine repair workshop make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your location, equipment and how many customers you win. It is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and the idea assumes at least about 30 hours a week.
What do I need to check before opening a machine repair shop?
Check zoning, fire code and any environmental rules for oils, solvents and waste disposal. Also check for a local business license and state sales tax registration, insurance for customers' machines in your care, and workers' compensation once you hire help.
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