Work & Income

Freelance Rate Calculator

Most freelancers undercharge because they forget taxes, unpaid admin time, and benefits they used to get for free. Build your rate from the real numbers.

Income target

As a freelancer you pay both FICA halves (15.3%) + income tax. 35% is a safe estimate for most US freelancers earning $80-150k.

Your actual working time

52 minus vacation (2 weeks) minus sick/holidays (2 weeks) = 48
The rest: admin, sales, invoicing, learning. 60-70% is realistic. New freelancers use 50%.
10-20% is typical when starting out

Business expenses (annual)

Biggest surprise for new freelancers — $400-800/month typical in the US
The most common mistake: dividing income target by hours without accounting for tax, unbillable time, or benefits. A $150k salaried employee costs an employer $170-190k+. As a freelancer, you price all of that in yourself.
Already freelancing? See what you actually earn per hour.

The True Hourly Rate Calculator accounts for commute, unpaid time, and expenses from your current situation.

True Hourly Rate Calculator →