Freelance Hourly Rate & 1099 Tax Calculator (2026)
Calculate your ideal freelance hourly and daily billing rate. Accounts for 15.3% self-employment taxes, health insurance, business overhead, and unpaid vacation.
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⚙️ Configuration & Inputs
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📊 Results & Analysis
Recommended Minimum Hourly Rate
$98.00 / hr
Daily Billing Rate: $784.00 (8 hrs)
| Gross Annual Revenue Needed | $117,591.00 |
| Self-Employment Tax (15.3% FICA) | $17,991.00 |
| Total Annual Billable Hours | 1,200 Hours |
| Suggested Monthly Retainer | $9,800.00 / mo |
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How to Price Freelance Services in the US
Employees only pay half of FICA taxes (7.65%), while employers cover the other half. Independent contractors (1099) must pay the entire 15.3% Self-Employment Tax plus state and federal taxes, health insurance, and administrative downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Full-time freelancers spend 10 to 15 hours weekly on unbillable activities: client pitches, invoicing, bookkeeping, marketing, and skill development.