Freelance Rate Calculator
Find the hourly rate that hits your income goal after overhead and taxes.
Charge at least
$106/hr
Billable hours/year
1,150
Gross revenue needed
$122,286
Day rate (6 billable hrs)
$638
Why freelance rates look high
An employee's salary hides employer-paid taxes, benefits, equipment, and idle time. A freelancer's rate must carry all of it across only billable hours — typically half of hours worked, after admin, sales, and gaps. $80k take-home at 25 billable hours a week honestly prices near $100/hr.
Self-employment taxes
U.S. freelancers pay both halves of FICA (15.3% self-employment tax) plus income tax — an effective 25–35% for most. Quarterly estimated payments are mandatory; a solo 401(k) or SEP-IRA shelters far more than employee limits allow.
Frequently asked questions
- How does the Freelance Rate Calculator work?
- Find the hourly rate that hits your income goal after overhead and taxes.
- Is the Freelance Rate Calculator free to use?
- Yes. The Freelance Rate Calculator is completely free, runs entirely in your browser, and requires no account or sign-up. Your inputs never leave your device.
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