Freelance Rate Calculator

How to Price Your Freelance Services

Most freelancers underprice because they compare their rate to what they'd earn as an employee. But as a freelancer, you pay for your own taxes, health insurance, equipment, software, and time off. Your rate needs to cover all of that.

The Billable Hours Problem

If you work 40 hours a week, you're NOT billing 40 hours. Between admin, marketing, invoicing, meetings, and finding new clients, most freelancers bill only 50-65% of their working hours. That's 20-26 billable hours per week, not 40.

The Tax Problem

As a freelancer, you pay both sides of FICA (Social Security + Medicare) — that's 15.3% before income tax even starts. Most freelancers end up paying 25-35% total in taxes. Use our tax calculator to estimate your specific rate.

General Rate Guidelines (2026)

• Writing/copywriting: $50-150/hr depending on niche and experience
• Web design/development: $75-200/hr depending on complexity
• Graphic design: $50-150/hr depending on deliverable type
• Marketing/SEO: $75-200/hr for strategy, less for execution
• Consulting: $100-300/hr depending on domain expertise

These are ranges. Your specific rate depends on your niche, experience, speed, and the value you deliver to clients.