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Time Value Calculator | Find Your Hourly Worth 2026

Calculate the true value of your time and find your optimal hourly rate

$

Your take-home pay (after taxes)

Include meetings, prep, and overtime

After vacation and holidays (typically 48-50)

Total round-trip time per week (0 for remote)

Stated Hourly Rate

Based on paid hours only

$0.00/hr

True Hourly Rate

Including commute and unpaid time

$0.00/hr

Annual Commute Cost

Time value lost to commuting

$0/year

How to Use This Time Value Calculator

This free time value calculator reveals your true hourly worth, including hidden costs like commute time. Understanding your time value helps you make better decisions about what to outsource, which opportunities to pursue, and whether remote work makes financial sense.

  1. Enter your income: Use take-home pay for accurate calculations.
  2. Add working hours: Include all job-related time (meetings, prep, overtime).
  3. Factor in commute: This is "invisible" work time that costs you money.
  4. Compare rates: See the difference between stated and true value.

Who Is This Time Value Calculator For?

  • Remote work decision makers: Calculate if working from home is worth a pay cut.
  • Freelancers: Set rates that reflect your true time investment.
  • Parents: Understand the economic value of your caregiving time.
  • Side hustlers: Ensure your side gig pays better than your "main" rate.
  • Anyone outsourcing: Decide if paying for help is worth your time savings.

Common Decisions to Evaluate by Time Value

DecisionTime CostAlternative CostWhen to Pay
House Cleaning3 hrs/week$100-150/cleaningIf hourly rate is $35+
Meal Prep Service5 hrs/week$75-150/weekIf hourly rate is $20+
Lawn Care2 hrs/week$50-100/weekIf hourly rate is $30+
Grocery Delivery1.5 hrs/trip$10-15/orderAlmost always worth it

Time Value Calculator FAQs

How do I calculate my hourly time value?

Divide your annual take-home income by your total working hours (including commute). For example, $60,000/year divided by 2,200 hours (45 hrs/week x 49 weeks) = $27.27/hr. This is your baseline time value for decision-making.

What is the true cost of my commute?

Multiply commute time by your hourly rate, add gas/transit costs. A 30-minute each-way commute at $30/hr = $30/day in time alone, plus $10-20 in car costs. That is $800-1,000/month. Remote work can reclaim this.

Should I pay for convenience or do it myself?

If a task takes you 2 hours and you can pay $30 to have it done, compare to your hourly rate. If you earn $40/hr, paying $30 saves you $50 of value. Only DIY if you enjoy it or if your time is not monetizable.

How do I calculate if a side hustle is worth my time?

Calculate your effective hourly rate for the side hustle. A $500 project that takes 25 hours = $20/hr. Compare to your regular rate. If lower, either raise prices, become more efficient, or find a higher-value hustle.

What about unpaid work like parenting?

Parenting, household management, and caregiving have enormous economic value (estimated at $30-50/hr if you hired help). Factor this into decisions about working vs. staying home. Your unpaid work has real worth.

How do I increase my time value?

Develop high-income skills (sales, marketing, coding). Specialize in a profitable niche. Increase efficiency through systems and tools. Outsource low-value tasks. Say no to commitments below your hourly rate.

What is the difference between time value and hourly wage?

Your wage is what you are paid. Your time value includes opportunity cost (what else you could earn), commute time, preparation time, and unpaid work hours. Time value is usually lower than your stated hourly rate.

How much is an extra hour of free time worth?

Studies show people value free time at 0.5-2x their hourly wage. If you earn $40/hr, an extra hour of leisure is worth $20-80 to you depending on circumstances. This explains why busy people pay premium for convenience.