You’ve likely spotted them parked along busy roads, at fairs and festivals, and outside office buildings, the colourful food trucks serving delicious meals and attracting masses of customers. With so many people in line, they must be making a lot of money, right?
But what are the numbers behind the scenes? How much do food trucks make? Let’s take a close look at it.
What is the current situation of the Food Truck Market?
The global food truck market had a value of USD 5.42 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at 6.3% annually between 2025 and 2030. Part of this growth stems from more people wanting to try new foods from food trucks. They are especially popular with younger consumers, ages 16-34, who want to have unique meal experiences instead of going to a restaurant. Other drivers of growth include the available access to food trucks, more choices of food, convenient servings, and lower costs to start a food truck operation versus a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
How Much Do Food Trucks Make?
How much do food trucks make? The new entrepreneurs who want to be in the Food Truck Industry are curious to know. On average, a successful food truck earns between $250,000 and $500,000 each year. However, this amount can vary greatly based on factors like location, menu choices, and the type of customers they attract. A well-planned food truck generates around $104,000 to $180,000 of revenue per year.
How much money does the average food truck make in a month or year?
The average food truck in the U.S. makes about $25,000 to $50,000 per month in revenue, and $300,000 to $600,000 per year in total gross income. However, after operating expenses, which can include food supplies, staff wages, permits, gas, maintenance, and marketing, the net profit usually falls between $5,000 to $15,000 per month, or $60,000 to $180,000 per year.
What’s a monthly profit margin for food trucks?
The monthly profit margin for most How Much Do Food Trucks Make ranges from 6% to 9%, depending on how efficiently the business is managed. If you want to calculate your profit margin, here is the formula to calculate:
[ Sales Revenue – Cost of doing Business* ] ÷ Sales Revenue x 100 = Net Profit Margin
*Cost of doing business = Cost of Good Sold (COGS) + Operating Expenses + Interest + Taxes
Which hidden factors are silently eating into your food truck profits?
Multiple factors could be affecting your food truck business.
- Location: If the Location is not suitable for the location you want to start your food truck business, then it can directly impact your sales.
- Type of Food Sold: Grilled cheese, tacos, and hot dogs are among the most affordable foods that street vendors can offer. Vendors selling these items shouldn’t expect to earn as much as those who sell premium foods like Wagyu beef burgers, lobster rolls, and sushi rolls.
- Number of Employees: The profits of a street food vendor can significantly decrease if they need to pay for employees.
- Cost: Food truck operating costs have a high impact on profitability.
- Seasonality: Food trucks don’t provide the advantage of shelter, which means the chances of customers going out of their way to buy food in bad weather are slimmer than they would be with restaurants.
- Advertising: Customers are less likely to go out of their way to buy food from a food truck than from a restaurant. Good advertising can help you bring more customers.
What does it cost to launch a food truck business from scratch?
Starting a food truck business from scratch in the U.S. typically costs between $50,000 and $250,000, depending on several key factors such as the truck size, kitchen equipment, location, and licensing requirements.
- Buying a food truck – $15,000 – $100,000
- Business License – $50 – $400
- Health Department Permit – $100 – $500
- State Sales Tax Permit – $10 – $100 Annually
- Parking Permits – Up to $50
- Fire & Safety Permits – Up to $500 per year
Are you aware of the day-to-day costs that can make or break your food truck?
Running a food truck involves ongoing monthly expenses that can vary based on the city, truck size, and menu.
- Food Costs – $1000 to vendor’s location
- Fuel – $500 – $1000 Monthly
- Cleaning Supplies – $100 Monthly
- Paper Products – $100 – $300 Monthly
What strategies will work to boost your food truck’s profits?
To grow your food truck business and increase profits, it’s not just about selling more food — it’s about working smarter. Here are proven strategies that can help:
1. Calculate food costs carefully:
Track ingredient costs and portion sizes to keep profit margins healthy.
2. Train the hired employees well:
Well-trained staff ensure faster service, better food quality, and happy customers.
3. Design your menu to highlight items for guests:
Feature high-margin and popular dishes prominently on your menu.
4. Get a Permit to park:
Secure the necessary local permits to avoid fines and ensure smooth operations.
5. Market your food truck on website & Social Media:
Use online platforms to attract new customers and share your location.
6. Conduct Market Research:
Understand your target audience and local trends to serve what people want.
7. Work for Event:
Book catering gigs and events to earn a steady income and gain more exposure.
Conclusion
How much do food trucks make? The numbers can vary widely, but with great planning, tight cost control, and marketing, food trucks can make good money, in some cases, more than a restaurant with significantly lower costs.
