Work & Income

True Hourly Rate Calculator

Your stated rate isn't what you actually earn per hour. After unpaid overtime, commuting, taxes, and work expenses — the real number is almost always lower. Sometimes much lower.

Your true hourly rate
$0
per real hour
vs your stated rate of $0/hr — $0 difference

Your income

Your effective rate — not your marginal bracket. Include federal + state. Rough guide: $50k salary ≈ 18%, $100k ≈ 24%, $150k ≈ 28%.

Time actually spent on work

Include regular overtime, evening emails, thinking about work
Getting dressed for work, unwinding after — time you wouldn't spend if not working

Work-related expenses (annual)

Gas, transit pass, parking, car wear. $200/month is a common baseline.
What this doesn't model: stress, commute quality, job satisfaction, benefits like health insurance or 401k match — all of which affect the real value of a job. Use this as the financial picture, not the whole picture.
Freelancing and wondering what to charge?

If you're thinking of going independent, the freelance rate calculator builds a target hourly rate from your real costs.

Freelance Rate Calculator →