Calculator Inputs
$
25
48
$
30
Results
$131.55
Minimum Hourly Rate
$157,857.14
Annual Revenue Target
$13,154.76
Monthly Revenue Target
$142,857.14
Pre-Tax Income Needed
1,200
Annual Billable Hours
About This Calculator
Why Most Freelancers Undercharge
The biggest mistake freelancers make is comparing their rate to a salary. A $100K salary costs an employer ~$130K+ (with benefits, payroll taxes, office space). Plus you have unpaid time for admin, marketing, and between projects.
What Your Rate Should Cover
- Your take-home income + self-employment tax
- Health insurance, retirement savings
- Software, equipment, office costs
- Non-billable time (20-40% of your week)
- Vacation, sick days, holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
How many billable hours can I realistically work?
Most freelancers average 20-30 billable hours/week. The rest goes to marketing, admin, proposals, learning, and client communication. Aiming for 40 billable hours is rarely sustainable.
Should I charge hourly or per project?
Hourly works for ongoing work and scope changes. Per-project (fixed price) is better when the scope is clear and you can estimate accurately. Many experienced freelancers prefer value-based pricing — charging based on the value delivered, not time spent.