Freelancer Rate Calculator

Research industry standards by checking freelance platforms, networking with peers, and looking at salary surveys for your field. Consider your experience level, niche expertise, and geographic location when setting rates. Remember that rates can vary significantly between industries and specialties.

Hourly rates work well for projects with uncertain scope or ongoing work. Project-based pricing is better for well-defined deliverables where you can estimate the time required. Many freelancers use a hybrid approach - estimating projects based on their hourly rate but presenting clients with a fixed project price.

As a general rule, set aside 25-30% of your income for taxes (varies by location). For benefits like health insurance, retirement, and paid time off, add 15-20% to your desired salary. Our calculator helps account for these by including them in your "desired annual salary" input.

Most freelancers increase rates annually by 5-15%, depending on experience, demand, and inflation. Consider raising rates when you gain specialized skills, complete significant projects, or when your workload becomes consistently full. For new clients, you can implement rate increases immediately, while existing clients may appreciate gradual increases with advance notice.