Freelancer Hourly Rate Calculator
Find your minimum viable rate — and what you should actually charge. Factors in self-employment tax, health insurance, retirement contributions, and business expenses.
What Goes Into Your Rate?
Freelancers pay 15.3% SE tax — both the employer and employee FICA portions. This alone adds $15,300 to the cost of a $100K income goal.
Without an employer plan, you pay full premiums. Typical individual coverage costs $3,600–$9,600/year and must be factored into your rate.
No 401(k) match means funding retirement yourself. Contributing 10% of income to a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k) is a key rate input.
Software, equipment, home office, professional development, and accounting fees. These reduce your taxable income but must be covered by your rate.
Full-time freelancers rarely bill 2,080 hours. After admin, marketing, and PTO, expect 1,000–1,500 billable hours per year.
Your recommended rate adds a cushion above your break-even. A 20% margin protects you from slow months and scope creep.