Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Freelancing & Remote WorkCalculate the hourly rate you need to charge to hit your income goal, accounting for unbillable time and business expenses.
Required Hourly Rate
The hourly rate needed to hit your income goal at this billable hour and time-off level.
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Odeh Ahwal0people find this calculator helpful
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Freelancing & Remote Work calculators
Calculator Stats
Creators
Odeh Ahwal0people find this calculator helpful
Views
Helpful
Saved
Embeds
Freelancing & Remote Work calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is freelance hourly rate higher than an equivalent salaried wage?
Freelancers must cover their own health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and self-employment tax (the employer's half of Social Security/Medicare) — all costs a traditional employer absorbs — plus business expenses, all from the same hourly rate.
Why does billable hours per week matter so much?
Most freelancers can't bill 40 hours a week — time goes to admin, marketing, proposals, and client communication. Realistic billable hours often fall between 20-30 hours weekly, which significantly raises the rate needed to hit an income goal.
Should I round my rate up?
Many freelancers round their calculated rate up to a clean number and add a buffer for unbilled time, scope creep, or slow periods rather than pricing at the exact theoretical minimum.
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