Paver patio, walkway and driveway installer

Homeowners upgrading yards and driveways, plus landscapers, builders and small property owners who subcontract the paving.

Fixed quote per project, usually priced by square foot of finished surface plus materials. Most jobs take a few days, so steady quotes and referrals matter.

• Physical stamina and manual work
• Measuring, grading and drainage basics
• Estimating jobs and quoting clearly
• Managing a helper or small crew

• Contractor license rules vary by state and sometimes by project size, check your state licensing board and city or county
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire helpers
• Call 811 before you dig to locate underground utilities
• Poor base preparation causes sinking and callbacks, price enough time to do it right
• Heavy physical work and weather delays can affect income, plan cash flow around the season

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on equipment such as a plate compactor and saw, tools, a vehicle and insurance. Costs also depend on whether you work alone or start with a helper.

Contractor license rules vary by state and sometimes by project size, so check your state licensing board and your city or county. Also check general liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire helpers, and call 811 before you dig to locate underground utilities.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on job size, season and crew. Plan on at least about 20 hours a week. Heavy physical work and weather delays can affect income, so plan cash flow around the season.