Side hustle hourly profit
See what a side hustle or gig really pays per hour. Counts self-employment tax, income tax, car miles, fees, and unpaid hours.
Effective hourly wage
$13.24/hr
+$278 cash profit across 21 total hours (12h prep + 9h event)Example calculationCash-positive, below target hourly wage
Selling 32 items clears $278 in cash above your $240 booth and travel costs (cash break-even is 15 items). However, spread across 12 prep hours and 9 event hours (21 hrs total), your effective pay is $13.24/hr, which is $142 short of your $20/hr target (41 items needed).
Net event cash profit
+$278
$800 gross sales - $522 cash costsEffective hourly pay
$13.24/hr
-$142 vs $20/hr target (21 hrs)Cash break-even sales
15 items
$375 gross to cover cash costsTarget-wage break-even
41 items
$1,025 gross to earn $20/hrEvent profit and loss breakdown
| Line item | Event total | Per item / per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Gross event sales (32 items @ $25.00) | $800.00 | $25.00 |
| Direct materials & packaging (COGS) | -$256.00 | -$8.00 |
| Card reader processing fees (2.6% + 15c) | -$25.60 | -$0.80 |
| Contribution margin before fixed booth costs | $518.40 | $16.20 |
| Booth fee, permit & display amortization | -$195.00 | Fixed |
| Round-trip mileage (40 mi) & lodging/meals | -$30.40 | Fixed |
| Unsold perishable spoilage / free samples | -$15.00 | Fixed |
| Net event cash profit | $278.00 | $13.24/hr |
| Target labor value (21 hrs @ $20/hr) | -$420.00 | -$20.00/hr |
| Net economic profit after your time | -$142.00 | Below target |
How sales volume changes your profit
See how many sales you need to cover booth costs first, and your production + booth hours second:
| Items sold | Gross sales | Net cash profit | Effective wage | Net after $20/hr labor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 items | $0 | -$240 | -$11.45/hr | -$660 |
| 10 items | $250 | -$78 | -$3.73/hr | -$498 |
| 20 items | $500 | +$84 | $3.98/hr | -$336 |
| 30 items | $750 | +$246 | $11.70/hr | -$174 |
| 40 items | $1,000 | +$408 | $19.41/hr | -$12 |
| 50 items | $1,250 | +$570 | $27.12/hr | +$150 |
How this calculator works
Many makers and market vendors judge a show by a simple rule of thumb like making three to five times the booth fee in gross sales. That shortcut misses two big costs: direct materials and the hours spent making inventory before the show even opens.
Two break-even lines: cash vs. your time
Every item you sell brings in its sale price minus materials, packaging, and card reader fees. That leftover amount is your unit contribution margin. Your first milestone is selling enough items to pay back fixed event costs (booth fee, permit, canopy wear, mileage, and samples). Your second milestone is selling enough items to also pay yourself a fair hourly wage for both production hours at home and booth hours at the venue.
Frequently asked questions
Should I count unsold inventory as a loss on one craft fair?
Only count perishable items or free samples that cannot be sold later. Non-perishable crafts, art prints, jewelry, and apparel stay in your inventory for future shows or online orders, so only the cost of items actually sold is deducted from this event.
How much should I budget for canopy, tables, and display gear?
A sturdy 10x10 pop-up canopy, leg weights, folding tables, tablecloths, and signage typically cost $300 to $500 upfront. Spreading that gear across 15 to 25 market days comes out to about $15 to $25 per event.
What if a show brings custom orders or repeat online buyers?
High-end juried shows and bridal or home expos often generate wholesale inquiries or repeat online orders after the weekend ends. If a show reliably brings follow-up sales, add their expected net profit or lower your required day-of sales target.
Benchmark sources and dates
Starting assumptions are example benchmarks, not binding quotes. Change any input to match your own bills or offers.
| Assumption / Input | Starting value | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend craft fair or farmers market booth and permit fees | $150 booth fee, $25 event permit/insurance | USDA Agricultural Marketing Service National Farmers Market Survey | 2026-04-01 |
| In-person tap and chip card reader fee | 2.6% + $0.15 per transaction | Square Published In-Person Card Processing Rates | 2026-04-01 |
| Business driving mileage rate | $0.76/mile | IRS Standard Mileage Rates | 2026-04-01 |
| Target hourly pay for craft and culinary production | $20/hour | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics | 2026-04-01 |