PiggyFreelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Work backwards from the life you want: target income, real billable hours, expenses and taxes — out comes the rate you should charge.
Your targets
Charge at least
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Gross revenue needed
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Billable hours / year
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Day rate (8h)
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Monthly revenue target
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Ad space — 336×280 rectangle
Why your rate must be higher than a salary ÷ 2080
Employees get paid for 2,080 hours a year; freelancers don't. Real billable time is eaten by marketing, admin, proposals and gaps between clients — most full-time freelancers bill 20–30 hours in a 40-hour week. Add self-employment tax, health insurance, software and unpaid vacation, and a rate that "matches" your old salary quietly pays you 30–40% less. This calculator makes those hidden costs explicit.
Frequently asked questions
What tax percentage should I set aside?
A common rule of thumb for U.S. freelancers is 25–30% of profit for federal SE and income tax, plus your state rate. Run your numbers in our Quarterly Tax Calculator for a personalized figure.
Should I charge hourly or per project?
Use your hourly rate as an internal floor, then quote fixed project prices where you can — experienced freelancers usually earn more per hour on well-scoped project pricing.
How do I raise rates with existing clients?
Give 30–60 days notice, anchor the increase to added value or market rates, and raise in meaningful steps (10–20%). Losing your cheapest client at a higher rate is often a net win.