Hourly Rate Calculator
Know exactly what to charge per hour by combining your desired salary, business expenses, and realistic billable hours. Perfect for freelancers, contractors, and consultants packaging their services.
Input your numbers
Your results
Recommended hourly rate
$0.00
Annual revenue target
$0
Total billable hours
0 hrs
How we calculate it
The calculator sums your desired income, business expenses, and optional profit margin to determine the revenue you must generate. It then divides that number by your available billable hours in a year to recommend an hourly rate.
Next steps
- Use the Billable Hours Planner to test different utilisation scenarios.
- Add the rate to your proposal template and send your scope.
- Invoice clients instantly with Zap Bill's free invoice generator.
Lock in contracts with our free templates
Download ready-to-edit proposal and contract documents to win clients and protect your scope.
Typical rates by profession
Use these as a sanity check after running your numbers
| Profession | Entry level | Mid-level | Senior / Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developer | $40–$65 | $75–$125 | $130–$200+ |
| Graphic Designer | $30–$50 | $60–$100 | $110–$175+ |
| Business Consultant | $50–$80 | $100–$175 | $200–$500+ |
| Copywriter / Content Writer | $25–$45 | $55–$90 | $100–$150+ |
| Photographer | $35–$65 | $75–$150 | $175–$300+ |
| Personal Trainer | $30–$50 | $60–$100 | $100–$200+ |
| Contractor / Tradesperson | $45–$70 | $75–$120 | $125–$200+ |
US market rates, 2024–2025. Rates vary by location, specialisation, and client type.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set my hourly rate as a freelancer?
Start by calculating your minimum viable rate: add your desired annual income to your business expenses, divide by the billable hours you can realistically sell per year. Then check market rates for your profession and adjust upward based on your experience and niche. Your rate should cover costs, reflect your value, and be competitive.
What is a good hourly rate for a beginner freelancer?
For most professions, $30–$60/hour is a reasonable starting point. However, "good" depends on your cost of living, the client's budget, and your goals. Avoid pricing so low that you attract bad clients or undermine your long-term earning potential — raising rates later is harder than starting appropriately.
Should I charge the same hourly rate for all clients?
Not necessarily. Many freelancers use tiered pricing — charging more for rush work, larger businesses, or specialised expertise. You might offer a lower rate to long-term retainer clients in exchange for guaranteed monthly income. The key is to know your baseline and adjust deliberately.
How often should I raise my rates?
Review your rates at least annually. Raise them when you're consistently turning down work (demand is high), when your skills have grown significantly, or when inflation erodes your real earnings. A 5–15% annual increase is common. Give existing clients 30–60 days notice.
Is it better to charge hourly or per project?
Project-based pricing generally works better for experienced freelancers — it rewards efficiency and removes ambiguity for the client. Hourly billing suits exploratory or ongoing work where scope is genuinely unclear. Many freelancers quote projects but track hours internally to verify their effective rate.