How Much Does a Maaco Franchise Owner Make?
Maaco franchise owners earn approximately $130,000–$160,000 annually per location based on a disclosed AUV of $1.281M (SharpSheets FDD) and estimated net margins of approximately 11–13% after Maaco’s 13% combined royalty and marketing fee. FranchiseInvestorData rates Maaco CAUTION (FutureScore 54/100), citing a 4.8% SBA default rate (moderate-high), a 42/100 franchisee satisfaction score, and stagnant 0.5% unit growth. Maaco is owned by Driven Brands (NASDAQ: DRVN) alongside Meineke, Take 5, and CARSTAR.
Key Takeaways
- Maaco franchise owners earn approximately $130,000–$160,000 annually based on FDD income data
- AUV of $1.281M
- 8% royalty plus advertising fund fees
- Always validate income estimates with current FDD Item 19 data and franchisee contacts
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Maaco Quick Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| AUV (FDD Item 19) | $1,281,000 (SharpSheets) / $650K (FranchiseInvestorData est.) |
| Item 19 Disclosure | Yes |
| Estimated Owner Income | $130K–$160K (high AUV) / $104K (FranchiseInvestorData) |
| Royalty Rate | 8% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Total Fee Burden | 13% |
| Initial Investment | $276K–$1.016M |
| SBA Default Rate | 4.8% (elevated) |
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 42/100 (low) |
| US Locations | ~500 |
| Parent Company | Driven Brands (DRVN) |
| Independent Rating | CAUTION — FutureScore 54/100 |
How Much Does a Maaco Franchise Owner Make Per Year?
There is a significant discrepancy between sources on Maaco AUV. SharpSheets’ FDD database shows $1,281,000 average AUV; FranchiseInvestorData estimates $650K with 16% margins generating ~$104K owner income. The disparity likely reflects that Maaco FDD Item 19 uses “gross sales” which includes both labor and parts, while some estimates reflect net revenue after material costs. The 13% total fee burden is one of the highest in auto service franchising:
| AUV/Revenue Tier | Est. Net Margin (11–13%) | Est. Owner Income |
|---|---|---|
| $650K (FID estimate) | 16% | $104K |
| $900K (mid range) | 11–13% | $99K–$117K |
| $1.281M (FDD avg) | 10–12% | $128K–$154K |
| $1.6M+ (strong shops) | 11–13% | $176K–$208K |
Methodology: Maaco FDD AUV discrepancy between SharpSheets ($1.281M) and FranchiseInvestorData ($650K) reflects different revenue definitions (gross sales including parts vs. net service revenue). The 13% total fee burden on $1.281M = $166,530/year to Driven Brands. 4.8% SBA default rate is elevated vs. Midas (~2%) and indicates unit-level cash flow stress in some markets. Always consult the current FDD and validate with franchisee contacts.
Maaco Warning Signs Worth Noting
- 13% combined fee burden: Highest in automotive franchising — absorbs margin more aggressively than Midas (10%) or Jiffy Lube (12%)
- 42/100 franchisee satisfaction: FranchiseInvestorData reports this as “concerning — typically indicates poor franchisor support or conflicts over fees”
- 4.8% SBA default rate: Moderate-high compared to sector peers — reflects unit-level financial stress
- 0.5% unit growth: Stagnant at ~500 US locations; system not growing
| Brand | AUV | Total Fees | Investment | Est. Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maaco | $1.281M gross | 13% | $276K–$1.016M | $130K–$160K |
| Midas | ~$1.3M | ~10% | $264K–$583K | $130K–$195K |
| CARSTAR | ~$1.5M | ~7% | $150K–$500K | $195K–$270K |
For full FDD data, visit FranchisePayback.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maaco Franchise Owner Income
What is a Maaco franchise owner’s average income?
Based on FDD average gross sales of $1.281M and net margins of 10–12% after 13% fees, a Maaco franchise owner earns approximately $130,000–$160,000 annually. FranchiseInvestorData’s lower estimate ($104K) reflects a more conservative AUV interpretation.
Is Maaco a good franchise investment?
With caution. The 13% fee burden, 4.8% SBA default rate, and 42/100 franchisee satisfaction create real concerns. For auto paint investors, CARSTAR (~7% fees) may offer better unit economics. Maaco’s brand recognition in the collision repair segment is genuine, but franchisee satisfaction signals warrant careful due diligence.
What is the payback period for a Maaco franchise?
At $276K–$1.016M investment and $130K–$160K annual income, the payback period is approximately 4–8 years. FranchiseInvestorData estimates a 7.7-year payback at median AUV.
Where can I find Maaco FDD data?
Full FDD data are available at FranchisePayback.com.
Bottom Line
Maaco has strong brand recognition in automotive paint — but the 13% fee burden, 42/100 franchisee satisfaction, and 4.8% SBA default rate are meaningful red flags. For collision/paint investors who can get to the right markets and manage the high fee load, Maaco can work. For most buyers, CARSTAR offers lower fees with strong collision shop unit economics in the same Driven Brands portfolio.
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— SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: July 2026