Smart calculators for independent professionals
Figure out what to charge when you're just starting your freelance career.
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Setting your first freelance rate is intimidating — charge too much and you might not land clients, charge too little and you'll burn out. This calculator helps new freelancers find a realistic starting point based on actual numbers, not guesswork. It's prefilled conservatively, because starting rates should be a floor you raise quickly, not a ceiling.
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Get immediate results with prefilled settings for this scenario. Adjust any value to match your exact situation.
Your starting rate should come from your cost structure, not your insecurity. If the math says you need $55 per hour to cover taxes, tools, and reasonable non-billable time, quoting $25 just to feel safer usually creates a bad business and attracts the most price-sensitive clients. A beginner rate can be modest, but it still has to function as a business number.
The first year is when rate increases should happen fastest. Once you have 2-3 good case studies, clearer process, and proof that clients get value, moving rates up by 10-20% for new work is normal and often overdue. Many new freelancers stay cheap for too long because they treat the first quote like a permanent identity instead of a temporary starting point.
Keep the offer narrow while you build momentum. It is easier to sell one clear service at $750 or $1,500 than a vague promise to do anything for anyone, and specialized offers make it obvious when a lead is a fit. Avoid relying on low-end marketplaces as your only channel because they train you to compete on price before you have any leverage.
There's no universal answer, but this calculator gives you a personalized number. As a rough benchmark, most new freelancers in skilled fields (design, development, writing) start at $40–$75/hour. Avoid going below the rate that covers your costs — even as a beginner, unprofitable work isn't good experience.
Review rates every 3–6 months during your first two years. Raise them for new clients first (existing clients can be phased in). A 10–20% increase every 6 months is aggressive but achievable if you're building a portfolio and getting referrals.
Very sparingly, if at all. Offer discounted rates (not free) for 1–2 portfolio-building projects, then move to full pricing. Better alternatives: personal projects, redesigns of existing sites/brands (spec work), or contributing to open source projects to showcase your skills.
Key signals: you're fully booked and turning down work, clients say yes immediately without negotiating, you're working long hours but not hitting income goals, or you feel resentful about the work. Any of these means it's time to raise your rate.
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Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Your actual tax obligations and expenses depend on your jurisdiction, deductions, and individual circumstances. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.