Find your minimum viable rate — based on what self-employment actually costs
This is a floor, not a ceiling. This calculator shows the minimum rate needed to cover your costs and reach your income goal. Market rates and the value of your work may support charging more. See the FHR guide How to Set Your Freelance Rate for the full framework.
1 — What You Want to Take Home
What you want to actually have in your pocket after all taxes and costs.
$
Your SE tax + federal income tax rate combined. Not sure? A good starting range for most freelancers is 25–35%. Use the FHR SE Tax Calculator for a more accurate estimate.
%
2 — Your Annual Costs
Every dollar here must come from your gross revenue before you see a penny of take-home.
Monthly premium × 12
$
Annual target (SEP, Solo 401k, IRA)
$
Software, equipment, insurance, CPA, etc.
$
Annual reserve target (optional)
$
3 — Your Billable Hours
Not every hour you work is billable. Admin, marketing, proposals, and meetings don't get invoiced.
52 minus vacation, holidays, sick days
Total hours you plan to work
Percentage of your working time that is actually billable to clients. New freelancers often start around 50–60%. As your business matures this can reach 70–80%.