Mobile computer repair and tune-ups

Fix slow, broken or infected computers at customers' homes and small offices in your area.

A technician opening a desktop computer to upgrade its components.

Startup cost$300 to $2k

Monthly revenue$800 to $4.5k

Time needed8+ h/week

First incomeWeeks

$300-2k
Side hustle
Out and about

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

4,531 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year

NAICS 811212 “Computer and office machine repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

You travel to homes and small offices to fix computers: removing malware, replacing drives, upgrading memory, setting up new machines and recovering files.

Your first three steps

Check what local computer repair shops and tech help services charge, then set your hourly and flat rates
Put together a toolkit: screwdriver set, bootable USB drives, a spare SSD and a portable diagnostic setup
Offer a first visit at a discount to neighbors and local community groups and ask for reviews

Who pays

Households, seniors, home-based workers and small offices without an IT department.

How it makes money

Hourly rate or flat price per job, plus markup on parts such as drives and memory. Repeat customers and referrals fill your calendar.

Skills that help

Hardware and software troubleshooting
Patience explaining things in plain language
Reliable and trustworthy with customers' data

Watch out for

General liability insurance, and ask about coverage for data loss or damage to customers' equipment
Check with your city or county about a local business license
Handling private data: get written permission before accessing files and keep a clear policy on privacy
Sales tax on parts and sometimes services varies by state, so check with your state's tax agency

🔒 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 soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile computer repair business?

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your tools, spare parts, software, insurance and how you advertise. These are estimates, and your own costs will vary.

How much can a mobile computer repair business earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,500, depending on how many jobs you take, your rates and how far you travel. These figures are estimates, not guarantees.

What rules should I check before starting computer repair?

Check general liability insurance and ask about cover for data loss or damage to customers' equipment. Check your city or county on a business license and your state on sales tax. Get written permission before accessing files.