Freelancer Hourly Rate Calculator
Calculate the perfect freelance hourly rate based on your income goals, expenses, and taxes. Free tool for freelancers and consultants.
Income Goals
Your target net income after all taxes
Software, equipment, marketing, etc.
Buffer for savings, growth, and unexpected costs
Work Schedule
Hours you can actually bill (not admin time)
Account for vacation, sick days, holidays
Tax Rates
US default is 15.3%
Your overall income tax bracket
Your Rates
Hourly Rate
$116
Minimum to charge
Daily Rate
$921
8-hour day
Monthly Revenue
$13,812
Gross income
Annual Breakdown
Effective Hourly (After Tax)
$56
What you actually keep per hour
Total Taxes
$47,592
SE Tax + Income Tax
Embed This Calculator
Copy the code below to embed this calculator on your website.
<iframe
src="https://calcverse.example.com/embed/freelance/hourly-rate-calculator"
width="100%"
height="500"
frameborder="0"
title="Freelancer Hourly Rate Calculator"
></iframe>Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my freelance hourly rate?
Start with your desired annual take-home income, add taxes (self-employment + income tax), business expenses, and a profit margin. Divide by your annual billable hours (weekly billable hours × weeks worked) to get your minimum hourly rate.
What expenses should I factor into my freelance rate?
Include software subscriptions, equipment, insurance, marketing costs, professional development, home office expenses, and any other costs of running your business. A common mistake is forgetting to account for health insurance if you're self-employed.
How many billable hours should I expect per week?
Most freelancers can realistically bill 25-35 hours per week. The rest goes to admin tasks, marketing, invoicing, client communication, and professional development. New freelancers often overestimate billable time.
Should I charge different rates for different clients?
Yes, many successful freelancers use value-based pricing. You might charge more for rush jobs, complex projects, or clients where your work generates significant ROI. Some freelancers also offer retainer discounts for long-term clients.