Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Calculate the hourly rate you need to charge to achieve your desired take-home income after taxes, expenses, and non-billable time.
Track your weekly billable bandwidth with HoursCalc, plan focus blocks in GoalFlow, and cement healthier work routines with HabitForge so the rate you set here actually sticks in practice.
Your Goals & Details
What you want to take home after all taxes and expenses
Realistically: 20-30 hours/week (not 40!)
Account for vacation, holidays, sick time (typical: 48 weeks)
Software, equipment, insurance, home office, etc.
For retirement, emergency fund, business growth (typical: 10-20%)
Your Required Hourly Rate
Income Breakdown
Reality Check
At 30 hours/week:
• Monthly billable hours: 120
• Monthly gross revenue: $11,332
• Monthly take-home: $6,242
Remember: Non-billable time (marketing, admin, invoicing) means you'll work more hours than you bill!
Convert to Project-Based Rate
How long will this project take?
Pro Tip: For project-based pricing, consider adding a 10-20% buffer for scope creep and revisions. Your rate would be $4,370 with a 15% buffer.
What If I Charge Different Rates?
Factors That Increase Your Rate
- +Specialized skills or niche expertise
- +Years of experience and proven track record
- +Working with enterprise clients vs. small businesses
- +High-value outcomes (revenue generation, cost savings)
- +Tight deadlines or rush work
Common Pricing Mistakes
- ✗Forgetting to account for non-billable time
- ✗Not including taxes in your rate calculation
- ✗Underestimating business expenses
- ✗Not leaving room for savings and profit
- ✗Comparing your rate to W-2 hourly equivalent
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Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Your actual required rate may vary based on state taxes, additional deductions, client payment terms, and other factors. Consider this a starting point for setting your rates, not financial advice.