Find out exactly what you should charge per hour to hit your income goals
Free tool by ThePocketBoss - enter your income goal and expenses, and we'll calculate the hourly rate you need to charge.
What you want to pay yourself after all expenses
Insurance, vehicle, tools, marketing, software, taxes
Hours actually spent on paying work (not admin, travel, quoting)
Subtract vacation, sick days, and seasonal slowdowns
Many contractors set their rate based on what competitors charge or what feels right. The problem is they forget to account for non-billable time, seasonal dips, and rising expenses. This calculator works backward from your income goal to find the rate you actually need.
If you work 40 hours a week, you probably only bill 25-30 of them. The rest goes to writing estimates, driving between jobs, answering calls, ordering materials, and bookkeeping. Being honest about billable hours is the key to setting a rate that actually works.
ThePocketBoss tracks your time on every job so you know exactly how many hours you're billing. Combined with expense tracking and invoicing, you get a clear picture of whether your rate is working - and when it's time to raise it.
It depends on your trade, location, and expenses. Most contractors charge between $50 and $150 per hour. Use this calculator to find your specific number based on your actual income goals and costs.
Your hourly rate is a starting point. Some jobs justify a higher rate due to complexity, urgency, or specialized skills. Use your calculated rate as a floor - never go below it.
For most solo contractors, 25-30 billable hours per week is realistic. The rest of your work week goes to non-billable tasks like estimates, travel, invoicing, and follow-ups.
Review your rate every quarter. Costs change - insurance renewals, fuel prices, new tool purchases. If your expenses go up and your rate stays the same, your take-home shrinks.
ThePocketBoss tracks your time, expenses, and invoices so you always know if your rate is working for you.
Only $19.99/month • 14-day free trial • Cancel anytime