Start from what you need to live on, and calculate the exact hourly rate you need to charge — accounting for taxes, insurance, retirement, and time off.
The problem: Every freelancer asks "what should I charge?" and gets bad advice. Most rate calculators start from an hourly rate and show a take-home number. That's backwards. You don't start a business wondering what $50/hr feels like — you start knowing you need $5,000/month to live, and need to figure out the rate that produces it after self-employment tax, federal tax, state tax, health insurance, retirement, and unpaid time off.
This tool gives you: the exact hourly rate, working backwards from your lifestyle. Enter what you need to take home, and see every dollar of your rate broken down — what goes to taxes, insurance, retirement, expenses, and PTO. A freelancer wanting $5K/month in California discovers they need $78/hr, not $50/hr. That education moment changes how they price forever.
| Component | $/hr | % of rate |
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| If you want... | You need to charge... |
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Calculations use simplified models and iterative tax estimation — actual liability may differ due to AMT, NIIT, itemized deductions, tax credits, and other factors. State tax calculations use 2026 approximations and may not reflect all local taxes or surcharges. Health insurance costs vary widely by plan, age, and location. Always consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.