How Much Does a Crunch Fitness Franchise Owner Make?
Crunch Fitness franchise owners earn approximately $250,000–$400,000 annually per location based on a 2025 FDD average AUV of $2.506M and estimated operating margins of 10–16%. Crunch Fitness is the large-format value gym that competes directly with Planet Fitness — similar $10–$30/month pricing and high-volume membership model. With strong AUV of $2.506M, Crunch delivers the per-location income of a premium brand at value-gym pricing by maximizing member volume. The 3 format options (Crunch Signature, Crunch Franchise, and Crunch Express) allow operators to match investment to market size.
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Crunch Fitness Quick Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average AUV (FDD) | $2,506,000 |
| Item 19 Disclosure | Yes (FDD) |
| Estimated Owner Income | $250K–$400K per location |
| Initial Investment | $804K–$6.7M (varies by format) |
| Royalty Rate | ~5% |
| Ad Fund | ~2% |
| Total Fee Burden | ~7% |
| Formats | Crunch Signature, Crunch Franchise, Crunch Express |
| US Locations | ~400+ |
| Net Worth Required | $1M minimum |
| Liquid Capital Required | $300K–$400K |
| Avg Payback Period | 4–8 years |
How Much Does a Crunch Fitness Franchise Owner Make Per Year?
| AUV Tier | Est. Operating Margin (10–16%) | Est. Owner Income |
|---|---|---|
| $1.5M (smaller markets) | 10–12% | $150K–$180K |
| $2.0M (below avg) | 12–14% | $240K–$280K |
| $2.506M (FDD avg) | 12–16% | $301K–$401K |
| $3.5M+ (strong markets) | 14–17% | $490K–$595K |
Methodology: Crunch Fitness FDD average AUV $2.506M per SharpSheets FDD database. 12–16% operating margin applied after ~7% royalty+ad, ~20% occupancy (large-format gyms require 15,000–25,000 sq ft), ~25% labor, and minimal COGS. Crunch’s ~7% total fee burden is meaningfully below Planet Fitness’s fee structure, which partially offsets the higher build cost. $804K–$6.7M investment range reflects the format spectrum from Crunch Express (smaller) to Crunch Signature (full-service). Always consult the current FDD.
Crunch vs. Planet Fitness: Similar Category, Different Structure
| Metric | Crunch Fitness | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Average AUV | $2.506M | $1.87M (avg) |
| Total Fee Burden | ~7% | ~8%+ |
| Investment Range | $804K–$6.7M | $1.5M–$5.2M |
| Liquid Required | $300K–$400K | $3.0M |
| Est. Owner Income | $250K–$400K | $200K–$320K |
| US Locations | ~400+ | ~2,298 |
Crunch delivers higher AUV than Planet Fitness at lower fees and comparable investment. Planet Fitness has 5x the US location count (stronger brand recognition) and a much higher liquid capital requirement. For well-capitalized operators, Crunch’s higher AUV with lower fees is the stronger per-unit investment. For full FDD data, visit FranchisePayback.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crunch Fitness Franchise Owner Income
What is a Crunch Fitness franchise owner’s average income?
Based on FDD average AUV of $2.506M and estimated operating margins of 12–16%, a Crunch Fitness franchise owner earns approximately $250,000–$400,000 annually per location.
Is Crunch Fitness better than Planet Fitness?
Crunch delivers higher AUV ($2.506M vs. $1.87M avg) with lower fees (~7% vs. ~8%+), making per-unit economics favorable to Crunch. Planet Fitness has 5x the US locations, stronger national brand recognition, and a higher ($3M) liquid capital requirement. Crunch may be the better investment per unit; Planet Fitness may be easier to fill due to brand recognition in new markets.
What is the payback period for a Crunch Fitness franchise?
At $804K–$6.7M investment and $250K–$400K annual income, the payback period is approximately 4–8 years depending on format and market.
Where can I find Crunch Fitness FDD data?
Full FDD data are available at FranchisePayback.com.
Bottom Line
Crunch Fitness is the strongest value gym franchise on a pure unit-economics basis — $2.506M AUV at ~7% fees and $250K–$400K estimated owner income. The multiple format options (Express through Signature) make it accessible across different market sizes and capital levels. The $800K minimum investment and large-format real estate requirements are the primary barriers. For gym investors with $500K+ liquid who can secure appropriate real estate, Crunch delivers better per-unit returns than Planet Fitness at comparable investment levels.
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— SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: July 2026