Buying a franchise is one of the best ways to be a business owner without starting from scratch. With proven business models, established brand names, and ongoing support from franchisors, franchises – especially the most profitable franchises – offer a safe route to entrepreneurial success.
But not all franchise businesses are created equal. In this post we’ll cover:
- Do franchise owners get rich?
- Most profitable franchises to own this year.
By the end of this post, you’ll know what makes a franchise profitable and which ones to consider in 2025. Let’s get started!
Do Franchise Owners Get Rich?
Owning a franchise can be a great way to build wealth but success isn’t guaranteed. It depends on the industry you choose, business location and the effort you put into operations and marketing.
Take McDonald’s for example. Its global reputation, loyal customer base and robust franchisee support system makes it one of the most profitable franchise opportunities.
But expenses like administrative costs, royalties and rent can add up quickly and eat into your profits. Even successful franchises face financial challenges so it’s essential to measure profitability accurately.
Franchise profitability isn’t luck – it’s a few key factors:
Industry Selection: Certain industries like fast food, home services and fitness tend to have higher profit margins.
Location: A high traffic, easily accessible franchise location can make or break your business.
Brand Reputation: Well known franchises with loyal customers perform better.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined operations and smart management keeps costs under control.
Marketing Support: Franchisors who provide strong marketing resources can drive consistent customer traffic.
How to Measure Franchise Profitability
Profitability isn’t just about making more than you spend. To get a clear picture, you need to dig into the numbers. Here are the key financial indicators to track:
Return on Investment (ROI)
ROI tells you if your investment is paying off. The formula is simple:
ROI = (Net Profit ÷ Cost of Investment) x 100
Net profit is the revenue left after all expenses – the initial franchise fee, royalties and operational costs. The higher the ROI the better your investment is performing.
Break-Even Analysis
This tells you when your franchise starts covering its initial investment and making a profit. Tracking your sales against the break-even point ensures you’re on track.
Financial Statements
Review financial documents like income statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports usually found in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). These documents give you a snapshot of revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities.
Gross Profit Margin
This shows what percentage of your revenue is left after subtracting the cost of goods sold (COGS). A higher margin means better profitability and better financial health.
Operating Costs
Operating expenses like administrative costs, rent, royalties, wages, utilities, marketing and insurance contribute significantly to the overall cash requirement of running a business.
If not managed properly these costs can add up quickly and eat into your profits. Keep a close eye on your cash requirements and control these expenses to ensure profitability and long-term success.
Customer Base and Market Analysis
Understanding your customers and their buying habits is key. Analyze your customer base, and don’t rely too much on one segment or demographic. Local market research can also reveal growth opportunities.
Measuring these financial indicators will give you a clearer picture of your franchise’s health and long-term potential. With proper planning and consistent effort, franchising can be a rewarding venture.
Top 14 Most Profitable Franchises
Make sure you target the right opportunity this year, especially when it comes to finding the right franchise business to start. Evaluating profitable franchises requires a thorough analysis of franchise disclosure documents and direct interactions with franchise owners.
To help you check out the most profitable franchises in the US, here’s a list to consider.
1. Food Truck
The food industry is changing fast to meet the population’s demands and address current challenges. Investing in a food truck business is one of the attractive franchise opportunities in this sector that can give you lucrative returns.
In the USA, the average profit margin in this industry is approximately 6.2%, with the market revenue for food truck businesses reaching a massive 2.4 billion dollars in 2024. According to IBISWorld, the industry has grown 15.9% from the previous year, with 58,064 food truck businesses in the U.S. in 2024.
This is a growing market with plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs to get into the mobile food service industry.
The initial investment to start a truck franchise ranges from $50,000 to $200,000, and the initial franchise fees can add up to a significant amount.
With the rising demand for convenience and unique food options, a truck franchise offers a great entry point for those seeking to enter the mobile food service market in the U.S.
2. Fitness Franchise
A fitness franchise is a great investment, with average revenues of $650,000 and 15-25% profit margins. But success depends on location, size, and competition. Over time, revenue can grow as you build a loyal client base and add more services.
Key Revenue Streams:
Steady Membership Fees: Monthly or yearly memberships provide a steady income stream with pricing depending on amenities and services.
Personal Training & Nutrition Coaching: Many franchises have additional revenue streams like personal training or nutrition coaching to increase profitability.
With an investment of $245,000 to $400,000, fitness franchises are a hot opportunity in the growing health space, so they’re a great choice for entrepreneurs.
3. Cleaning Service
A cleaning business is one of the most profitable franchises with high success rates and an entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The global cleaning services market reached $415.93 billion in 2024 and will grow steadily with a projected annual growth rate of 6.9% from 2025 to 2030. This steady growth is driven by changing market trends and increased focus on cleanliness and hygiene.
Cleaning services fall into two main categories:
- Commercial Cleaning: These services handle high-traffic public spaces often requiring specialized equipment and expertise for more intense cleaning.
- Residential Cleaning: Geared towards homes, these services focus on smaller spaces, thorough cleaning and disinfection.
The profitability of a cleaning business depends on the services offered, efficiency, and scale, with larger operations—especially those requiring specialized skills—generating higher profits.
House-cleaning business owners earn over $127,000 annually, with opportunities to increase earnings by expanding services or growing their team. This makes it a strong industry to enter.
Franchising simplifies the process, offering brand recognition, a built-in customer base, and expert training. With franchise units already operating in many locations, you gain instant market presence. Many cleaning franchises also provide multiple revenue streams and ongoing support to ensure franchisee satisfaction and long-term growth.
4. Real Estate
Real estate franchises in the USA go beyond buying, selling, and renting—they open doors to a thriving industry. From property management and home inspections to mortgage financing, these franchises provide essential services for both residential and commercial clients.
The booming U.S. residential real estate market, projected to reach $2.80 trillion by 2028, makes this opportunity even more appealing. Factor in the growth of commercial real estate, and you have a business with built-in demand, long-term stability, and strong investment potential.
If you’re considering getting into this profitable franchise sector, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Services Offered: Does the franchise provide everything you need to succeed, like property management or mortgage services?
Marketing Strategies: Look for franchises with solid, proven plans to help you attract clients.
Sales Training and Support: A good franchise will guide you every step of the way with robust training and ongoing support.
Instant Brand Recognition: Starting with an established name gives you a head start in building trust.
Loyal Customer Base: Many franchises come with a ready-made audience making it easier to hit the ground running.
5. Travel Agency
Investing in a travel agency opportunity is an exciting and rewarding way to get into franchise ownership, with 10% to 15% profit margins.
The market size dipped to $42.7 billion in 2023, but the travel agency sector has shown its resilience. With 43,315 travel agency businesses in the U.S. and 3.9% growth from 2024, the industry is bouncing back.
For entrepreneurs, the initial investment to get started is approximately $50,000. Partnering with a franchise that has established brand recognition not only provides immediate credibility but also access to loyal customers and ongoing support—key factors that can significantly boost your chances of success.
What makes this even more attractive is the flexibility of a home-based business, which keeps the cash requirement relatively low.
Running your travel agency from home allows you to focus on what matters—building strong client relationships, delivering exceptional service, and growing your business.
6. Laundromat
Laundromats are a smart investment for entrepreneurs seeking a profitable, recession-resistant business. With 35,000 laundromats across the U.S., the industry generates $6 billion in annual revenue, boasting an average profit margin of 20-35%. Coin laundries provide strong cash flow, ranging from $15,000 to $300,000 per year.
This steady profitability is fueled by the growing demand for convenient, cost-effective laundry solutions, ensuring laundromats remain a stable and lucrative investment opportunity.
This industry has evolved to modern lifestyles with:
- eco-friendly washing,
- quick-service models,
- and even laundry subscriptions.
Laundromats have also moved beyond traditional coin payments and now have card systems, digital payments and app-based models, embracing technology.
Investing in laundromats provides financial stability and growth due to a consistent customer base and recurring need for laundry services.
Plus, entrepreneurs are attracted to the recession-proof nature of the industry, with 20-30% profit margins and passive income opportunities.
- passive income opportunities,
- minimal supervision requirements,
- and respectable earnings.
Overall, investing in laundromats offers financial stability and growth potential in an industry that has adapted well to modern lifestyles and embraces technological advancements.
7. Digital Marketing
Marketing has always been a challenge, but today’s digital world has transformed the way businesses connect with customers. The shift from traditional ads to online platforms has created massive opportunities—and a booming industry.
In the U.S. alone, digital marketing is a $460 billion industry, making it an ideal space for entrepreneurs ready to capitalize on this growth.
Why Invest in a Digital Marketing Franchise?
- Surging Demand: Businesses of all sizes need digital marketing to stay competitive. From local startups to major brands, everyone is looking for online visibility.
- Low Startup Costs: Unlike brick-and-mortar businesses, digital marketing franchises have lower entry costs, making them accessible to aspiring business owners.
- Work from Anywhere: Whether from home, a café, or while traveling, digital marketing franchises offer flexibility and work-life balance.
- Built-In Support: Franchise owners get proven tools, strategies, and industry expertise, allowing them to scale faster than going solo.
- Diverse Services, Real Impact: It’s more than social media. SEO, content marketing, email campaigns, and paid ads help businesses thrive—and you’ll be part of that success.
With demand soaring and barriers to entry lowered, now is the perfect time to invest in a digital marketing franchise.
8. Senior Care
It’s one of the most profitable franchises that has seen significant growth in recent years making it one of the fastest growing industries in the US.
In fact it outperformed other industries such as real estate, health and personal services and business services in terms of growth.
With PRB projecting that the number of Americans 65 and older will grow from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050—a 47% increase—the demand for senior-focused industries is expected to skyrocket.
Investing in this franchise is a smart move for several reasons.
- You don’t need a background in health care to succeed.
- It’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on your local community.
- It’s a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your values.
- A recession proof industry making it a stable and secure investment.
- Investing in senior care franchises offers a more flexible lifestyle.
9. Car Wash
Car wash ownership is a lucrative investment due to its steady demand. For example, in 2023, the global car wash services market was valued at USD 32.47 billion, with a CAGR of 6.1% between 2024 and 2030.
Car wash franchises offer full-service wash, self-wash, express wash, quick lube, or a combination of these. The choice of car wash franchise will depend on the owner’s ability to manage the business and its location.
So, how much do car wash franchise owners make?
The annual income from a car wash depends on the type of car wash the franchise owner runs, the cost per vehicle, and the recurring expenses. As a baseline, an in-bay automatic car wash is estimated to generate $86,531 per year.
However, this is just one type of car wash and doesn’t reflect the actual income of other car wash professionals. But the car wash services industry is growing.
10. Auto Repair
With over 284 million vehicles on the road in the U.S., the demand for auto repair services continues to grow. The pandemic further fueled this shift, as more people opted for private vehicles over public transportation, increasing wear and tear on cars.
As a result, auto repair is now a $383 billion industry with an annual growth rate of 5.7%, projected to reach $617.3 billion by 2027. From routine maintenance to major repairs, auto service businesses keep vehicles running safely and efficiently.
Some of the essential services offered include:
- Brake fluid exchange.
- Spark plug replacement.
- Transmission fluid inspection (if applicable)
If you’re considering owning an auto repair shop, franchising can provide a proven model with brand recognition and support. However, understanding the investment, operational requirements, and capital needed is key before taking the leap.
11. Accounting and Bookkeeping
For those with a knack for numbers, accounting and bookkeeping offer a highly profitable and essential business opportunity. While bookkeeping focuses on recording financial transactions, accounting involves classification, analysis, and reporting—all of which are crucial for businesses of all sizes.
The industry is thriving, with projected revenues of $203,8 billion in 2024. Additionally, 56% of firms have increased their earnings by expanding their service offerings, proving that flexibility and diversification lead to growth.
Common services in this field include:
- Accounts Consolidation
- Payroll processing
- Financial Statements
- Bank Transactions
- Tax Accounting
If you’re serious about starting an accounting or bookkeeping franchise, be sure to understand the franchise fees, royalties, and startup costs before making a commitment.
12. Business Consulting
Business consulting is a profitable business where you will harness your existing business knowledge to help other brands succeed. Instead of investing money, you will sell your expertise and offer valuable insights and advice based on your experience.
Currently, businesses are looking for outside perspectives to improve their performance, which is why the consulting industry is in high demand. The consulting service market is around $494.36 billion, with a 4.20% growth by 2033. So, this opportunity is not slowing down anytime soon.
So what are the steps to opening a consulting franchise?
- Choose your area of expertise
- Determine your consulting services
- Identify your target market
- Craft a business plan
- Set your consulting fees
- Refine your elevator pitch
- Prepare a boilerplate consulting proposal
- Network with potential consulting clients
- Protect your business with consultant insurance
13. Home Repair
If you’re looking for a franchise with an edge, then home-repair services franchises could be a great option. Homeowners in America spent a whopping $827 billion on home improvement projects in 2023, and the home services market is expected to reach $621 billion by 2025.
Whether due to natural disasters or general wear and tear, homeowners need reliable home renovation companies to help maintain and improve their properties.
While owning a home-repair franchise can be a profitable business venture, it requires a significant upfront investment, which depends on various factors such as franchise fee structure, marketing costs, and business size.
Home-repair franchisees’ earnings can vary depending on:
Level of Expertise and Experience
Franchise owners with extensive work experience and specialized skills in specific areas can charge higher rates and thus earn more.
Reputation
Having a good reputation can also command premium rates, resulting in higher franchise revenue.
Market Demand and Competition
The level of market demand and competition in the area can affect the income of the franchise owner. In areas with high demand and low competition, business owners can charge higher prices, resulting in higher earnings.
14. IT Support
Today, businesses rely heavily on computers and technology to function. This is where IT support franchises come in to help companies keep their systems running smoothly.
According to Grand View Research, the global IT Professional Services market is worth $1.9 trillion by 2025.
With many products in the IT market, there is an increasing demand for IT services, which has led to multiple companies and franchises offering specialized services such as:
- computer repair and troubleshooting,
- computer products,
- digital security,
- digital media services,
- and technology consulting.
One of the main advantages of starting an IT franchise is that it requires low startup costs since it doesn’t require a storefront or much equipment. Many of these franchises take their services directly to the businesses they help, doing the job on-site.
IT support franchises are perfect for franchisees with a background in computer and technology, allowing tech-savvy entrepreneurs to leverage their knowledge of computers, the internet, and advancing technologies to help businesses grow and succeed.
Get the Most Profitable Franchise Businesses Today!
Exploring the most profitable franchises is a smart step toward financial stability and business ownership. Brands like The UPS Store and 7-Eleven thrive because of their strong market presence and proven success.
When considering a franchise, focus on profit margins, investment costs, ongoing expenses, location, and growth potential. These factors ensure you’re choosing a business that aligns with your goals and has real earning potential.
Finding the right fit can feel overwhelming, but a franchise consultant can simplify the process. From exploring opportunities to understanding franchise fees and finalizing agreements, they’ll guide you every step of the way.
With the right support and planning, you could own a profitable and fulfilling franchise sooner than you think.
