Calculate Your Rate
Enter your numbers below. Results update instantly.
What do you want to take home per year?
Software, insurance, equipment, marketing — typically 10-20% of income.
Self-employment + income tax. Most freelancers pay 25-35%.
Realistic range: 20-30 hrs.
Vacation, sick days, holidays.
Your Recommended Rates
Minimum Hourly Rate
$95
Your floor — don't go below this
Suggested Day Rate
$760
8 hours × hourly rate
Monthly Revenue Target
$9,524
To hit your annual goal
How we calculated this
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Freelance Rate Benchmarks by Industry
How does your calculated rate compare? These ranges reflect typical U.S. freelance rates.
| Field | Beginner | Mid-Level | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Development | $50–75 | $100–150 | $150–250+ |
| Graphic Design | $35–50 | $75–120 | $120–200+ |
| Copywriting | $40–60 | $80–125 | $125–200+ |
| Marketing / Strategy | $50–80 | $100–175 | $175–300+ |
| Video / Photography | $40–65 | $85–150 | $150–250+ |
| Consulting | $75–125 | $150–275 | $275–500+ |
Trusted by freelancers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my freelance hourly rate?
Start with your target annual income, add business expenses and taxes, then divide by your realistic billable hours per year. Most freelancers can bill 1,000-1,400 hours per year (not 2,080 like a full-time job).
What's a good hourly rate for a freelancer?
It depends on your field, experience, and location. Web developers typically charge $75-250/hr, designers $50-200/hr, writers $50-150/hr, and consultants $100-400/hr. Use the calculator above with your specific numbers.
How many hours can I realistically bill per week?
Most freelancers bill 25-30 hours per week. The rest goes to admin, marketing, invoicing, and business development. Planning for 25 billable hours/week is a safe estimate.
Should I charge hourly or per project?
Project-based pricing is usually more profitable because you're paid for value, not time. But hourly rates work well for ongoing retainers, consulting, and tasks with uncertain scope.
How often should I raise my rates?
At least once per year. Your skills improve, costs increase, and inflation erodes your purchasing power. A 10-15% annual increase is reasonable for most freelancers.
What expenses should I factor into my rate?
Include: self-employment tax (~15.3%), health insurance, software subscriptions, equipment, marketing, professional development, and a buffer for slow months. Most freelancers add 25-35% on top of their desired income.
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