Practical tools for measured work
Contractor Minimum Service-Call Calculator
Price a minimum service visit from travel, admin and onsite loaded labor, vehicle cost, consumables and target margin.
Your true hourly cost before profit, not the customer's bill rate.
Fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and insurance allowance.
Margin on the customer charge, not markup on cost.
Round the result to a clear published minimum that fits your market and tax rules. The calculated amount is the economic floor from the assumptions entered.
How it works
Why a one-hour repair costs more than one labor hour. A service call also occupies drive time, scheduling and closeout time, and a vehicle. This calculator prices that whole commitment so a short visit does not quietly lose money.
Calculation. Direct cost = loaded labor rate × (travel + on-site + admin time) + round-trip miles × vehicle cost per mile + consumables. Minimum charge = direct cost ÷ (1 − target profit margin).
Assumption. Travel and admin time consume the same paid capacity as field time. Enter a loaded labor cost that already includes payroll burden and overhead only if vehicle and admin overhead are not also counted separately here.
Current-input example
The result above uses these exact values. This snapshot is included when the page is printed so the output can be checked against the original measurements.
- Loaded labor cost
- 52 $/hr
- Round-trip travel time
- 0.75 hr
- Minimum on-site time
- 1 hr
- Scheduling and paperwork
- 0.25 hr
- Round-trip distance
- 24 mi
- Vehicle operating cost
- 0.7 $/mi
- Consumables allowance
- 15 $
- Target profit margin
- 20 %
Primary result: Minimum service-call charge: 169.75 $.
Before using the result
- Measure from the datum or reference edge described by this tool, and do not mix inside, outside and centerline dimensions.
- Keep inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final cutting or purchasing tolerance requires.
- When the result is close to a limit, verify it with a test piece, field measurement, manufacturer drawing or qualified project professional.
Limitations
This is a pricing floor, not a quote for additional repairs or materials. It excludes sales tax, permit fees, emergency premiums, parking, tolls, and multi-technician calls unless you include them in the inputs.
Frequently asked questions
Is a trip charge the same as a minimum charge?
No. A trip charge may cover only dispatch and travel, while a minimum service charge normally includes a stated amount of on-site labor. This tool prices the combined minimum visit.
Should diagnosis time count as on-site time?
Yes. Diagnosis uses billable capacity even when no repair follows. Set the on-site minimum to the diagnosis time included in your published charge.
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