Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator

Determine the minimum rate you need to charge

What is this? This calculator reveals the true hourly rate you need to charge as a freelancer or consultant — accounting for business expenses, health insurance, retirement savings, taxes, and the fact that only a fraction of your hours are billable. It shows your true hourly value vs the headline rate you might quote.

Who it's for: Freelancers, consultants, contractors, and self-employed professionals who need to set rates that actually cover their costs and hit their income targets.
Income Target
Business Costs
Your Required Hourly Rate
Base Rate (before tax)
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Recommended Rate
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with 20% buffer
Min Per Project (8hr)
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Monthly Revenue Target
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Total Overhead/Year
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Total Needed/Year
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Estimates only. Adjust based on market rates and your experience level.

Freelance Tools to Grow Your Rate

Charge what you're worth. These tools help you find better clients and get paid faster.

Upwork →
70% of first contract (up to $150) — find high-paying freelance clients
FreshBooks →
$55/sale + $5/trial through Awin — invoicing, expense tracking for freelancers
Gusto →
$300 per paid new customer through PartnerStack — payroll, benefits

We may earn a commission if you click above. Calculator is free to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate hourly rate from salary?

Hourly rate = Annual salary ÷ (52 weeks × hours per week). A $60,000 salary at 40 hrs/week = $60,000 ÷ 2,080 = $28.85/hr. Don't forget to add benefits value.

What hourly rate do freelancers charge?

Freelancers typically charge 2-3x their employed equivalent. If your employed rate would be $30/hr, freelance rate should be $60-90/hr to cover benefits, taxes, and downtime.

Should I charge by hour or project?

Project pricing is usually better — it rewards efficiency and prevents scope creep. Use hourly as a fallback for open-ended work or when scope is unclear.

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