Freelance Rate Calculator — What Should You Charge?
Enter your financial goals to find your ideal hourly rate as a freelancer.
Your Goals & Costs
10% of take-home goal
30% effective tax rate
20% above minimum rate
Tax Information Notice
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent for your specific situation.
How to Set Your Freelance Rate
Most freelancers undercharge — not because they lack confidence, but because they forget to account for taxes, benefits, and unpaid time. Unlike W-2 employees, freelancers pay the full self-employment tax (15.3%), provide their own health insurance, and don't get paid for vacations, sick days, or time spent on business development.
The calculator above accounts for all of these factors. Enter your income goal, billable hours, and expenses to find your minimum viable rate — the rate below which you'll actually lose money compared to a salaried position.
Use the profit buffer field to add headroom above your minimum. A 15–20% buffer protects you against slow periods, scope creep, and unexpected expenses — and it's where your real profit comes from.
2026 Freelance Rate Benchmarks by Field
Typical US hourly rates based on experience. Your minimum rate from the calculator above should always be your floor — market rates above show what the market supports.
| Field | Entry Level | Mid-Level | Senior / Specialized |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Development | $60–$85/hr | $100–$150/hr | $150–$250/hr |
| Web Design / UI-UX | $40–$65/hr | $75–$120/hr | $120–$200/hr |
| Copywriting / Content | $30–$50/hr | $60–$100/hr | $100–$200/hr |
| Graphic Design | $35–$55/hr | $65–$110/hr | $110–$175/hr |
| Video Production | $40–$70/hr | $80–$130/hr | $130–$250/hr |
| Marketing / SEO | $35–$60/hr | $70–$120/hr | $120–$200/hr |
| Business Consulting | $75–$100/hr | $125–$200/hr | $200–$400/hr |
| Finance / Accounting | $50–$80/hr | $90–$150/hr | $150–$300/hr |
Source: FreelancePick analysis of US market data 2025–2026. Rates vary by location, niche specialization, and client type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my freelance hourly rate?
Start with your desired annual take-home income. Add your estimated taxes (25–30% of gross), business expenses, health insurance, and retirement contributions. Divide the total by your billable hours per year (weeks worked × hours per week). That's your minimum rate. Add a 15–20% profit buffer on top.
What is a good hourly rate for a freelancer?
It depends entirely on your field and experience. Entry-level freelance writers might charge $25–$50/hour; experienced developers often charge $100–$200/hour; specialized consultants can charge $300+/hour. The most important number is your personal minimum rate — the rate below which you're not actually covering your costs and taxes.
How much should freelancers charge to make $100,000/year?
To net $100,000 take-home, a freelancer needs to bill roughly $150,000–$175,000 gross to cover self-employment tax (15.3%), income taxes, health insurance, business expenses, and retirement. At 30 billable hours/week for 48 weeks (1,440 hours), that works out to approximately $105–$120/hour.
Should I charge more than my W-2 equivalent hourly rate?
Yes. As a freelancer, you pay your own benefits, taxes, equipment, and have no paid vacation. A common rule is to charge 2–3× your equivalent W-2 hourly rate. If you earned $50/hour as an employee, your freelance rate should start at $100–$150/hour to match your net take-home.
How do I account for taxes in my freelance rate?
Freelancers pay self-employment tax (15.3%) plus federal and state income tax. Combined, most freelancers owe 30–40% of net income in taxes. The calculator above builds in the correct tax estimates so your rate covers all obligations. You can also use our Quarterly Tax Calculator to plan your payments.