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Freelance Hourly Rate & Pricing Calculator

Calculate your ideal billable rate based on target net income, overhead, taxes, and vacation time.

Financial Targets

Recommended Minimum Rate$76 / hrDay Rate: $608 (8h day)
Gross Invoicing Target:$93,067 / yr
Annual Billable Hours:1225 Hours

About Freelance Hourly Rate & Project Pricing Calculator

Never undercharge for your client work again with our Freelance Hourly Rate & Project Pricing Calculator. Accurately factors in desired take-home salary, income taxes, software/overhead expenses, paid time off, and realistic non-billable administrative hours.

Freelance Calculator Features

  • 💼 Realistic Billable Hours: Accounts for the fact that only ~50-60% of freelancer working hours are billable.
  • 🏦 Tax & Health Overhead: Factors in self-employment taxes, insurance, and retirement savings.
  • 🏖️ Paid Time Off Buffer: Includes vacation days and sick leave in your hourly rate calculation.
  • 📊 Project Fee Estimator: Converts your calculated hourly rate into daily and weekly milestone quotes.

How to Calculate Your Hourly Rate

  1. Enter your desired annual take-home income.
  2. Input monthly business expenses (software, equipment, internet).
  3. Set your estimated tax rate (e.g. 20-30%) and desired vacation weeks.
  4. Review your minimum and recommended hourly and daily rates!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why can't freelancers bill 40 hours every week?

Freelancers spend 15-20 hours weekly on unbilled work: client outreach, proposals, invoicing, email communications, and skill development.

How much should I add for self-employment taxes and overhead?

A common rule of thumb is adding 25-35% on top of desired net earnings to cover taxes and business overhead.

Is this freelance rate calculator free?

Yes, it is 100% free with customizable financial parameters.

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