Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator With Taxes
Calculate the gross hourly rate you must charge to hit your net income after self-employment tax.
US freelancers owe income tax plus 15.3% self-employment tax on net profit. Many salaried converts forget this and set rates as if they were W-2 employees — this page bakes tax into the formula upfront.
Market reference
| Metric | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SE tax (US) | 15.3% | on 92.35% of net |
| Total tax reserve | 25–35% | federal + state + SE |
| Quarterly estimates | 4× / year | if owe $1k+ tax |
| Safe harbor | 100–110% | of prior year tax |
Interactive example — freelance hourly rate with taxes
Defaults match this page's scenario. Adjust numbers to see your rate update instantly.
- Minimum hourly
- $104
- Day rate (8h)
- $833
- Typical project
- $5,000
- Monthly retainer
- $11,276
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Frequently asked questions
How much tax should freelancers set aside?
US freelancers often reserve 25–35% for federal, state, and self-employment tax combined.
Is self-employment tax included?
Yes — use the tax rate field to include SE tax plus income tax in your calculation.
Should I make quarterly estimated payments?
If you expect to owe $1,000+ in tax, quarterly payments help avoid penalties.