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Freelance Rate Calculator | Set Your Hourly Rate 2026

Calculate your ideal freelance rate based on expenses and goals

$

Software, insurance, taxes, equipment, home office costs

$

What you want to earn after all expenses

Realistically 50-65% of your working hours (20-26 of 40)

After vacation, sick days, holidays (typically 46-48)

Minimum Hourly Rate

Your floor rate to meet income goals

$0/hr

Day Rate

For full-day workshops or consulting (8 hours)

$0/day

Week Project Rate

Base for scoping project-based pricing

$0/week

Monthly Revenue Needed

Average monthly billing to hit annual goals

$0/mo

How to Use This Freelance Rate Calculator

This free freelance rate calculator helps you set rates that actually cover your costs and pay you what you deserve. Most freelancers underprice because they compare to employee salaries, forgetting that freelancers pay their own taxes, insurance, and overhead.

  1. Enter your annual expenses: Include software, taxes, insurance, equipment, and overhead.
  2. Set your desired profit: This is your take-home pay goal after all expenses.
  3. Estimate billable hours: Be realistic. Most freelancers bill 20-26 hours per week.
  4. Account for time off: Plan for vacation, sick days, and slow periods.

Who Is This Freelance Rate Calculator For?

  • New freelancers: Stop guessing and set rates based on real math.
  • Experienced freelancers: Validate your current rates or plan for a raise.
  • Consultants: Calculate day rates and retainer pricing.
  • Side hustlers: Know your minimum rate before taking on gig work.
  • Agency owners: Set rates that cover employee costs and profit margins.

Freelance Rate Benchmarks by Profession

ProfessionEntry RateMid CareerExpert
Freelance Writer$25-50/hr$50-100/hr$100-250/hr
Graphic Designer$35-60/hr$60-100/hr$100-200/hr
Web Developer$50-80/hr$80-150/hr$150-300/hr
Virtual Assistant$18-30/hr$30-50/hr$50-75/hr
Marketing Consultant$75-125/hr$125-200/hr$200-400/hr
Video Editor$30-55/hr$55-100/hr$100-200/hr

Freelance Rate Calculator FAQs

How do I calculate my freelance hourly rate?

Add your annual expenses (rent, software, taxes, insurance) plus your desired profit (take-home pay). Divide by your billable hours per year (typically 1,000-1,200 hours). This gives you the minimum hourly rate to meet your goals.

What expenses should I factor into my freelance rate?

Include: software subscriptions ($1,000-3,000/year), health insurance ($3,000-12,000/year), self-employment taxes (15.3% in the US), retirement contributions, home office costs, equipment, professional development, and an emergency fund (3 months of expenses).

What percentage of my time is actually billable?

Most freelancers can only bill 50-65% of their working hours. The rest goes to admin, marketing, sales calls, invoicing, and professional development. If you work 40 hours/week, expect 20-26 billable hours realistically.

Should I charge hourly or project rates?

Project rates are generally better for experienced freelancers. They reward efficiency, provide predictable income, and clients prefer knowing the total cost upfront. Use hourly for consulting, ongoing retainers, or when scope is unclear.

How do I raise my freelance rates?

Announce rate increases to existing clients with 60 days notice. Apply new rates to all new clients immediately. Specialize in a niche to command premium rates. Show ROI and results, not just hours. Add value with faster turnaround or strategic advice.

What are typical freelance rates by profession?

Ranges vary widely: Writers $25-150/hr, Graphic Designers $35-150/hr, Web Developers $50-200/hr, Marketing Consultants $75-300/hr, Executive Coaches $150-500/hr. Your rate depends on experience, niche, and client type.

How many weeks per year should I plan to work?

Plan for 46-48 working weeks. Account for vacation (2-4 weeks), sick days (1 week), holidays (1-2 weeks), and slow periods for client acquisition (2-4 weeks). Overestimating available time is the #1 mistake new freelancers make.

Why am I not earning enough as a freelancer?

Common reasons: underpricing (comparing to employee salaries instead of contractor rates), underestimating expenses, overestimating billable hours, scope creep without additional billing, and spending too much time on low-value tasks like admin.