Is a Food Truck Profitable? (2026 Calculator by City)
Food Truck profitability estimates for 11 major US cities — interactive calculator shows monthly profit, net margin, and break-even timeline adjusted for local cost of living.
The average food truck generates $18,000/month nationally, with a net margin of approximately 18% after cost of goods, labor, and overhead. Profitability varies significantly by city — select a market below for a city-adjusted estimate with an interactive calculator.
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Food Truck Profitability: Key Questions
How much does a food truck make per year?
The average food truck generates $50,000–$400,000 in annual revenue, with most operators in the $150,000–$250,000 range. After food costs (32%), labor (28%), and overhead (commissary, fuel, permits), net margins run 5–15%. Owner-operators who drive the truck and handle prep keep more of the margin.
Is a food truck profitable?
Yes, with the right location and concept. Food trucks with strong catering pipelines and high-traffic locations can net $20,000–$50,000 annually after costs. Street-only operators with no catering contracts face more variability. The break-even timeline is typically 12–36 months depending on startup debt.
What is the profit margin on a food truck?
Net profit margins for food trucks average 5–15%, compared to 3–9% for brick-and-mortar restaurants. Food cost (32% of revenue) and labor (28%) are the two largest expenses. Operators who own their truck outright and work the truck themselves can push margins above 20%.
How many customers does a food truck need per day to be profitable?
A food truck with a $12 average check needs roughly 60–100 customers/day to cover daily operating costs. At $12 average ticket and 80 customers, that's $960/day gross — about $18,000–$20,000/month. Fixed costs (commissary, insurance, permits) run $3,000–$5,000/month; variable food and labor costs are 60% of revenue.
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