Billable Rate Calculator
Your true minimum hourly rate as a freelancer — accounting for taxes, benefits, overhead, and vacation
Income Goal
= $84,000.00 per year after taxes
Taxes
Self-Employment Tax (15.3%)
Social Security + Medicare — freelancers pay both sides
Benefits & Overhead
Software, equipment, home office, professional development, etc.
Work Schedule
4 weeks off
of ~40 total working hrs
Most freelancers bill 20–30 hrs/week — the rest goes to admin, sales, and non-billable work.
Recommended Billable Rate
Break-even minimum: $137/hr
Includes 25% buffer for revisions, non-billable time, and dry spells
Annual Revenue Breakdown
Billable Hrs / Year
1,200 hrs
Break-Even Rate
$137/hr
Weekly Revenue Target
$3,423.28
Daily Revenue Target
$684.66
Estimates are based on simplified tax math. Actual taxes vary by deductions, filing status, and location. Consult a CPA for tax planning.