How much can you make with a photo booth business? If you've been asking yourself that question, you're not alone. Whether you’re a wedding photographer, a DJ, an event planner, or simply someone looking for a flexible, high-income side hustle, this guide breaks down the real numbers, potential earnings, and hidden costs of starting a photo booth business.
We’ll show you:
How much people typically charge for events
The typical monthly and yearly profits you can expect
Startup costs, recurring expenses, and where to invest wisely
How PBSCO photo booth owners are generating $1,000+ per weekend
Disclaimer: All earnings mentioned in this article are estimates based on public data and anecdotal examples from PBSCO booth owners. Your actual results will vary depending on your location, marketing strategy, competition, experience level, and event demand.
According to research across platforms like Thumbtack, GigSalad, and The Knot, as well as real pricing shared by PBSCO booth owners:
| Event Type | Average Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Birthday Party | $500 – $800 |
| Wedding | $800 – $1,200 |
| Corporate Event | $900 – $1,500+ |
| Quinceañera/Baby Shower | $600 – $950 |
| Holiday Party | $750 – $1,300 |
Disclaimer: These are national averages. Your pricing may vary based on local market saturation, your booth type, and whether or not you offer premium add-ons.
Using a booth like the Guac & Chips photo booth can justify premium pricing thanks to its studio-quality lighting and modern design.
Let’s do some simple math using average rates from above:
| Events per Month | Avg. Charge | Monthly Revenue | Yearly Revenue |
| 2 events | $750 | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| 4 events | $850 | $3,400 | $40,800 |
| 8 events | $1,000 | $8,000 | $96,000 |
Source: Estimates based on PBSCO owner data, pricing trends on The Knot, and event pricing from Thumbtack and GigSalad.
Disclaimer: These are rough projections assuming consistent monthly bookings. Your actual income will depend on seasonality, event type, upsells, and marketing effectiveness.
Here's a typical timeline based on PBSCO customer journeys:
| Month | Milestone |
| Month 1 | Purchase booth, build brand, create website |
| Month 2 | Run test events, launch social media profiles |
| Month 3-6 | Begin booking 1-3 events/month |
| Month 7+ | Scale to 4-6 events/month |
Using this pace, a realistic first-year income might range from $18,000 to $40,000. Some owners, like Palm Booth, exceeded this by targeting high-end weddings and activations.
Disclaimer: Many variables affect your ramp-up, including availability, effort, and business experience.
Startup investment varies widely. Here's a typical breakdown:
| Item | Cost Estimate |
| Booth Hardware | $3,499 – $7,000 |
| Software (Fiesta) | $49 – $99/month |
| Backdrop & Props | $150 – $500 |
| Printer (optional) | $500 – $1,200 |
| Website & Branding | $500 – $1800 |
Estimated Total Startup Costs: $4,000 – $11,000
Disclaimer: Costs will vary depending on your booth model, optional equipment, and branding choices.
| Expense | Typical Range |
| Software Subscription | $49 – $99/month |
| Gas/Travel | $50 – $200/month |
| Marketing Tools/Web Host | $10 – $100/month |
| Insurance (recommended) | ~$25/month |
| Misc. Supplies | $25 – $75/month |
Disclaimer: These estimates reflect common operating costs for lean solo businesses. Actual costs will vary depending on region and business scale.
Several key factors influence how much income you generate:
Your Pricing Strategy – Tiered packages and upsells can dramatically increase revenue.
Target Market – Serving corporate or luxury events pays more than casual parties.
Add-ons – Offering printers, guestbooks, or custom props increases event value.
Booth Type – A premium product like the Tortilla 360 justifies higher fees.
Location – Urban areas with large populations often yield higher event demand.
Marketing and Branding – Strong social media and a professional website lead to more bookings.
Let’s say you book a wedding for $1,000:
| Expense | Cost |
| Travel | $75 |
| Software | $79 |
| Props/Printing | $50 |
| Miscellaneous | $20 |
| Profit | $776 |
Estimated Margin: 75%+
Disclaimer: Actual margins will vary per event based on pricing, travel distance, and optional services.
A PBSCO owner might book a Friday wedding and Sunday corporate activation:
Friday Wedding: $1,200
Sunday Corporate: $1,000
Total Revenue: $2,200
Estimated Expenses: ~$300
Weekend Profit: ~$1,900
So, how much can you make with a photo booth business? While many owners earn $1,000 per event and some exceed six figures annually, your success depends on a mix of strategy, effort, and market conditions.
Want help getting started? Download your free starter guide or explore PBSCO's full lineup of photo booth options.
Final Disclaimer: All earnings and figures in this post are estimates, not guarantees. Your actual results will depend on your unique approach, niche, location, and operating strategy.