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Freelance Rate Calculator

Find the hourly rate your business may need after accounting for taxes, benefits, expenses, time off and the hours you can actually bill.

Billable hours should exclude proposals, marketing, bookkeeping, training and other time that clients do not directly pay for.

A salary is not a freelance rate

An employee’s compensation may include employer-paid payroll taxes, health coverage, retirement contributions, equipment and paid leave. Freelancers also spend time winning and managing work. A sustainable rate needs to cover those differences.

Before sending a proposal

  • Define the scope and number of revisions.
  • Estimate project hours using past work when available.
  • Add a contingency for uncertainty.
  • Clarify payment timing, deposits and late-payment terms.
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Educational estimate only. This is not tax, legal, employment or pricing advice.