Smart calculators for independent professionals
Determine what to charge for freelance video production based on equipment costs, editing time, and income goals.
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Video production has some of the highest equipment and software costs in freelancing — plus editing often takes 5–10x the shoot time. This calculator helps videographers set rates that actually cover the full cost of doing business, not just the time on set.
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Freelance videographers typically charge $75–$250/hour or $500–$2,000+ per day. Corporate and commercial work commands higher rates ($150–$300/hr), while event videography runs $75–$150/hr. These rates should include post-production time.
Post-production typically takes 3–10x the shoot time depending on complexity. A 4-hour shoot might need 20–40 hours of editing. Factor this into your billable hours, or quote projects based on total time (shoot + edit + revisions).
Camera bodies, lenses, gimbals, audio recorders, lighting, editing software (Premiere, DaVinci Resolve), a powerful editing workstation, hard drives for storage, and equipment insurance. Annual costs can run $8,000–$20,000+ when amortizing gear purchases.
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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.