Find Out What Hourly Rate You Need to Match Your Salary

Thinking of leaving your 9-to-5 for the freedom of freelancing? Before you quit, it’s critical to understand what hourly rate you’ll need to charge to match your current annual salary.

This Salary to Freelance Calculator does the math for you. Simply enter your yearly salary, how many hours you’d work per week, and how many weeks you plan to freelance per year — and instantly see the hourly rate required to maintain your income.

What Does This Calculator Do?

This salary to hourly freelance rate conversion tool bridges the gap between full-time employment and freelance income expectations.

It helps you calculate:

  • The freelance hourly rate you need to match your current salary
  • Your monthly freelance income goal
  • How changes in weekly hours or annual work weeks affect your income target

By adjusting your work hours and freelance weeks per year, you’ll see how your time investment translates into income.

How It Works

Input these 3 simple values:

  • Annual Salary (e.g. $40,000): Your current or desired yearly income
  • Weekly Hours (e.g. 40): How many hours you expect to work per week
  • Freelance Weeks per Year (e.g. 40): Estimate how many weeks you’ll actually take on client work

The salary vs freelance calculator then computes:

  • Hourly Rate Required – The rate you must charge per hour to match your annual salary
  • Monthly Income Goal – Your total monthly freelance income to reach your goal

For example: If you earn $40,000 per year, work 40 hours per week, and plan to freelance for 40 weeks a year, you’d need to charge $25/hour to stay on track.

Why Use a Salary to Freelance Rate Calculator?

Transitioning from a salaried job to freelancing isn’t as simple as dividing your salary by 52 weeks. Freelancers don’t work 52 weeks a year or bill every hour — so undercharging is a common mistake.

This freelance income calculator tool helps you:

  • Set realistic freelance rates based on real-world work hours
  • Avoid undervaluing your time and skills
  • Plan for vacation time, downtime, and business development
  • Create a sustainable freelance pricing strategy

Best Use Cases

If you want to convert salary to freelance rate, this calculator is perfect for:

  • Freelancers switching from full-time jobs
  • Side hustlers going full-time
  • Career changers entering the freelance market
  • Anyone wondering: “What should I charge as a freelancer to match my salary?”

Pro Tip: Account for Extra Costs

Freelancers cover their own taxes, tools, health insurance, and admin time — which full-time employers usually handle.

You may need to:

  • Add 20%–30% for self-employment taxes and expenses
  • Charge more for niche skills or high-demand industries
  • Consider tiered pricing or value-based pricing models

Use this calculator as a starting point, then adjust for your unique business expenses and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Why do freelancers need a higher hourly rate than salaried employees?

Because freelancers have to account for unpaid time (vacation, admin work), business expenses, and taxes that employers typically cover.

❓ How many weeks do freelancers usually work per year?

Many freelancers plan for 40–46 working weeks, leaving time for vacation, sick days, and slow periods.

❓ Can I use this calculator for international salaries?

Yes! Just enter your income in your local currency. However, make sure to also factor in local taxes and cost of living if pricing for clients abroad.

Ready to Freelance Smart?

Use the Salary to Freelance Calculator today and set your freelance rates with confidence. Whether you’re launching a solo career or adjusting your pricing, this tool will keep you on track — financially and professionally.

Bookmark this calculator and share it with other freelancers getting started on their journey!