Consulting rate calculator.

Calculate the right consulting rate based on your target income, business expenses, utilisation, and profit margin. Includes project-based pricing for small, medium, and large engagements.

What a sustainable consulting rate looks like.

The rate you can write on an invoice without panic. Covers costs, builds margin, and matches market benchmarks for your experience.

  1. 01
    Account for unpaid time: proposals, admin, marketing, professional development.
  2. 02
    Build in profit margin so the business can grow, not just survive.
  3. 03
    Calibrate to market benchmarks for your experience level.
  4. 04
    Use project-based pricing for larger scopes — protects margin when scope expands.

Calculate your rate.

How much you want to take home.

Software, equipment, insurance, marketing, etc.

What to include?
  • Software subscriptions & tools
  • Professional insurance
  • Self-employment taxes (FICA)
  • Health insurance
  • Office/coworking space
  • Professional development
  • Accounting & legal fees
  • Marketing & advertising

Recommended 20–30% for growth and reserves.

Realistic for consultants: 25–30 hours. Account for sales, admin, prep.

52 weeks minus vacation, holidays, and slow periods.

Common pricing mistakes.

  1. 01
    Not accounting for non-billable time (admin, sales, marketing)
  2. 02
    Forgetting to include self-employment taxes (~15.3% in the US)
  3. 03
    Setting rates based on what you think clients will pay, not your costs
  4. 04
    Not building in profit margin for business growth and reinvestment
  5. 05
    Underestimating business expenses (insurance, software, etc.)
  6. 06
    Not adjusting rates as you gain experience and expertise

Negotiation tips.

  1. 01
    Always anchor high - it’s easier to come down than go up
  2. 02
    Frame rates as investment in results, not cost per hour
  3. 03
    Offer project-based pricing for larger engagements
  4. 04
    Use value-based pricing for high-impact projects
  5. 05
    Don’t be afraid to walk away from low-paying clients
  6. 06
    Build case studies to justify premium rates
  7. 07
    Consider retainer arrangements for steady income

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