Salary to Freelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Convert your old W-2 salary into an equivalent freelance hourly rate that covers taxes and benefits.
Leaving a $100k job does not mean you can charge $48/hr ($100k ÷ 2080). Freelancers need 1.4–1.8× the naive conversion to match take-home after SE tax, health insurance, and non-billable hours.
Market reference
| Metric | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| $80k W-2 equivalent | ~$95–$120/hr | freelance floor |
| $100k W-2 equivalent | ~$115–$145/hr | freelance floor |
| Benefits value (employer) | 20–30% | on top of salary |
| Naive ÷ 2080 mistake | underpriced | common error |
Interactive example — salary to freelance hourly rate
Defaults match this page's scenario. Adjust numbers to see your rate update instantly.
- Minimum hourly
- $114
- Day rate (8h)
- $913
- Typical project
- $5,476
- Monthly retainer
- $11,856
Recommended next step
Turn your rate into paid invoices
Once you know your rate, invoice clients and track payments in one place.
We may earn a commission if you sign up through these links — at no extra cost to you.
Use our free freelance rate calculator for unlimited scenarios. All calculations run in your browser — no signup, no data upload.
Try free freelance rate calculator →
Frequently asked questions
Can I just divide my old salary by 2,080?
No — that ignores tax, benefits, and that you cannot bill 40 hours every week.
What salary should I target as a freelancer?
Match desired take-home, not gross W-2 — use this tool backward from lifestyle needs.
Should I charge more than my W-2 equivalent rate?
Often yes — clients do not pay for vacation, training, or slow weeks.