Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Work backward from your desired take-home income to find the hourly rate you actually need to charge as a freelancer or independent contractor.
About this calculator
Determine the hourly rate you need to charge as a freelancer to hit your income goal, accounting for taxes, business expenses, unbillable hours, and time off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is billable hours different from total working hours?
Freelancers spend time on admin, marketing, invoicing, and finding clients that isn't directly billable. This calculator uses only your billable hours to determine the rate needed to hit your income goal.
What tax rate should I use?
A common estimate combining self-employment tax and income tax is 25-35% depending on your income level and location. Check with a tax professional for a precise figure.
Should I round up my hourly rate?
Yes — most freelancers round up to a clean number and add a buffer for slow months, unpaid invoices, or scope creep.