.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Freelance Rate Calculator
Are you new to freelancing or re-evaluating your current hourly rate for your freelance business? Use our free tool to quickly learn tips on how to establish your minimum hourly freelance rate.
CLTV Calculator
Looking to boost your CLTV ?
Browse and Buy Projects to help improve the CLTV for your marketing
Setting your freelance rate
Finding the right rate for your freelance work is essential to running a successful freelance business. Whether you’re new to freelancing or looking to adjust your current rates, our freelance rate calculator is a free tool designed to help you determine your ideal hourly rate based on your unique inputs.
From factoring in your annual income goals and expenses to adjusting for vacation time and sick days, this advanced freelance rate calculator is tailored to help you cover your costs while accounting for your skill set and experience level.
Note: This tool is intended to help you calculate a minimum freelance hourly rate based on the information you provide. The estimation is meant to be an initial step in your journey to determining your rate. Your personal information will not be stored.
%20(1).png)
Browse retention rate and other marketing service opportunities.
.svg)
Freelance rate factors
- Experience level. Advanced skills in fields like web development, graphic design, or programming often command higher rates.
- Business expenses. Don’t forget overhead expenses like software subscriptions and travel expenses.
- Work hours. Define your ideal workday, billable hours, and how much time you’ll reserve for vacation or sick days.
Our freelance hourly rate calculator simplifies budgeting by using your inputs to generate a minimum hourly rate that supports your business and lifestyle goals.
Why use a freelance rate calculator?
The freelance rate calculator helps independent professionals build a sustainable business. It’s especially valuable for those just starting their freelance careers or experienced freelancers reassessing their rates. Here’s what makes this free tool so useful:
- Accurate hourly rates. Factor in costs like health insurance, daily living expenses, and subscriptions to ensure you hit your income goals.
- Flexible adjustments. Plan for non-billable hours, vacation time, or sick days without sacrificing financial stability.
- Personalized inputs. Tailor the calculator to your unique circumstances, whether you work full-time in freelance or balance it with other pursuits.
By focusing on what you need to earn to cover costs and achieve your desired annual salary, you can confidently set a competitive freelance hourly rate.
Frequently asked questions
Your freelance hourly rate is the amount of money you charge a client per hour based upon the agreement you reach with them. Our freelance hourly rate calculator can help you determine the best rate for you.
Some independent professionals do project-based work and are paid a set amount to complete a project within a defined scope and deadline. In addition, some freelancers work on a monthly retainer. This is a fixed monthly fee a client pays based on an estimated amount of work for a project’s duration or a defined period of time.
Absolutely. Hourly rates do not have to be set in stone. Freelancers can adjust your hourly rate at any time. In fact, as you can gain more experience and expand your skills, it may make good sense for your rate to go up. And remember: Our freelance rate calculator is intended to assist you in determining your base-level rate.
That depends on the individual freelancer. But according to our Future Workforce Index, full-time freelancers out-earned their full-time employee (FTE) counterparts across functions and occupations like writing, creative design, and IT and development. In fact, 78% of skilled freelancers reported satisfaction with their pay versus just 64% of FTEs.
Generally speaking, freelancers with the most in-demand skills in the most in-demand specialties, such as programming and web development, can command the highest hourly rates. (Check out average hourly rates for a broad collection of jobs in a range of industries now!)
Very bright. Companies of all sizes in all industries across the globe are increasingly engaging independent talent for an ever-expanding array of needs. Skilled knowledge freelance work generated over $1.5 trillion in earnings in 2024, earned by the roughly 20 million workers who performed this kind of work in the United States. More and more workers are pursuing freelancing, whether as a full-time business or side hustle, in search of greater flexibility, increased earning potential and the ability to work remotely.
Yes! It’s free to complete your profile and search for freelance opportunities on Upwork. Independent talent who join Upwork benefit from being on a well-known global marketplace for freelancers, which reduces the time, stress and hassle of sourcing clients, sending query letters, or pitching prospects cold.
Our service fee is based on a percentage of freelancer earnings. Freelancers pay a variable freelancer service fee ranging from 0-15% on all earnings, including bonuses. This fee is charged on all contracts with a client—whether hourly or fixed-price. (There are a few exceptions; see here).
That depends on the arrangement and schedule you work out with your individual clients. Some freelancers do fixed-price projects, while others work on an hourly contract basis. Upwork offers a simple and streamlined process for invoicing clients and tracking earnings, and offers many options for how you get paid, including direct deposit, PayPal, wire transfer and more.
The Freelance Rate Calculator is provided for informational purposes only. Freelance hourly rate estimations are intended to be an aid in determining your rate, but each individual should take the time necessary to consider all factors that influence their unique needs and situation. For additional information on getting started as a freelancer on Upwork, creating a profile and portfolio, and securing clients, check out our comprehensive guide.